Listening Part A: Listening Skills

Listening Part A or short dialogue has 6 skills and the skills will help you to implement these strategies in Part A of the Listening Comprehension section of the TOEFL test.

1. Skill 1 : Restatement
2. Skill 2 : Negative
3. Skill 3 : Suggestions
4. Skill 4 : Passives
5. Skill 5 : Who and Where
6. Skill 6 : Agreement

Each skill includes:

• Explanation
• Example
• Exercise
• TOEFL Exercise, and
• TOEFL Review Exercise

TOEFL LISTENING PART A

• SKILL 1: RESTATEMENT 
• SKILL 2: NEGATIVE 
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-2
• SKILL 3: SUGGESTIONS 
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-3
• SKILL 4: PASSIVES
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-4
• SKILL 5: WHO AND WHERE
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-5
• SKILL 6: AGREEMENT
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-6

SKILL 1: Subjects and Verbs

Previous Article: Skills of Structure Questions

You know that a sentence in English should have a subject and a verb. The most common types of problems that you will encounter in the Structure section of the TOEFL test are related to subjects and verbs; perhaps the sentence is missing either the subject, or the verb, or both; perhaps the sentence has an extra subject or verb.

Example I

______was ringing continuously for hours.

(A) Loudly
(B) In the morning
(C) The phone
(D) The bells

Analysis:

In this example, you should notice immediately that there is a verb, was ringing, but there is no subject. Answer (C) is the best answer because it is a singular subject that agrees with the singular verb was ringing. Answer (A), loudly, and answer (B), in the morning, are not subjects, so they are not correct. Although answer (D), bells, could be a subject, it is not correct because bells is plural and it does not agree with the singular verb was ringing.

Example II

Newspapers _______ every morning and every evening.

(A) delivery
(B) are delivered
(C) on time
(D) regularly


Analysis:

In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has a subject, newspapers, but that there is no verb. Because answer (B), are delivered, is a verb, it is the best answer. Answers (A), (C), and (D) are not verbs, so they are not correct.

Example III

The plane __________ landing at the airport in five minutes.

(A) it is
(B) it really is
(C) is descending
(D) will be

Analysis:

This sentence has a subject, plane, and has part of a verb, landing; to be correct, some form of the verb be is needed to make the verb complete. Answers (A) and (B) are incorrect because the sentence already has a subject, plane, and does not need the extra subject it. Answer (C) is incorrect because descending is an extra part of a verb that is unnecessary because of landing. Answer (D) is the best answer; will be together with landing is a complete verb.

SUBJECTS AND VERBS

A sentence in English must have at least one subject and one verb. The first thing you should do as you read a sentence in the Structure section of the TOEFL test is to find the subject and the verb.

EXERCISE 1

Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the following sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect ( I ).

1. My best friend always helpful with problems. ( I )

    Analysis:
 
    The subject of the sentence above is My best friend, but there is no Verb. So, incorrect.
    The correct sentence should be My best friend is always helpful and with problems. 

2. The bus schedule has changed since last week. (C)

    Analysis:

    The subject is The bus and verb is has changed, so the sentence is Correct.

3. Accidentally dropped the glass on the floor. ( I )

    Analysis:

   The sentence doesn't have a Subject. The verb is dropped, so it is incorrect.
   The correct sentence should be Accidentally she or he dropped the glass on the floor.

4. The customer paying the clerk for the clothes. (I)

    Analysis:

    The sentence doesn't have to be, is. So incorrect
    It should be The customer is paying the clerk for the clothes.

5. The professor handed the syllabus to the students. (C)

    Analysis:

    The sentence has subject, the professor and verb, handed. So it is correct

6. Each day practiced the piano for hours. (I)

    Analysis:

     The sentence doesn't have subject. The verb is practiced. So incorrect.
     It should be Each day they practiced the piano for hours.

7. The basketball player tossed the ball into the hoop. (C)

    Analysis:

    The sentence has subject, The basket ball player and verb, tossed. So it is correct

8. The new student in the class very talkative and friendly. (I)

    Analysis:

    The sentence has subject, The new student, but no verb. So incorrect.
    The correct sentence can be The new student in the class is very talkative and friendly.

9. Walking with the children to school.(I)

    Analysis:

    The sentence doesn't have a Subject. It has main verb, walking but without tobe. So incorrect.
    The correct sentence could be She/he is walking with the children to school


10. The whales headed south for the winter. (C)

      Analysis:

     The sentence has a subject, the whales and verb, headed. So, it correct


Next ---> Skill 2: Objects of Preposition

 To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

SKILL 2: Objects of Preposition

Previous skill <---- Skill 1: Subjects and Verbs

An object of a preposition is a noun or a pronoun that comes after a preposition such as in, at, of to, by, behind, and on to form a prepositional phrase.
(Indonesian Version)

The trip (to the island) (on Saturday) will last (for three hours)

This sentence contains three objects of prepositions. Island is the object of the preposition to; Saturday is the object of the preposition on; hours is the object of the preposition for.

An object of a preposition can cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because it can be mistaken for the subject of a sentence.

Example

To Mike ____ was a big surprise.

(A) really
(B) the party
(C) funny
(D) when

In this example, you should look first for the subject and the verb. You should notice the verb was and should also notice that there is no subject. Do not think that Mike is the subject; Mike is the object of the preposition to, and one noun cannot be both a subject and an object at the same time. Because a subject is needed in this sentence, answer (B), the party, is the best answer. Answers (A), (C), and (D) are not correct because they cannot be subjects.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about objects of prepositions.

Now, Let's do and analyze the exercise below:

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains one or more prepositional phrases. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the prepositional phrases that come before the verb. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The name of the baby in the crib is Jack. (C)

     Analysis:

    Subject is The name of baby and Verb is IS. So, it is correct
    The Crib is only object of preposition

2. By the next meeting of the class need to turn in the papers.( I)

    Analysis:

   Verb is need but there is no Subject. So, it is Incorrect
   The next meeting of the class is NOT subject, it is object of preposition

3. The directions to the exercise on page 20 unclear.

    Analysis:

    Subject is The directions but there is no Verb. So, it is incorrect.
    The exercise is not subject, it is object of preposition.

4. Because of the heavy rain throughout the night, the walkways are muddy.

   Analysis:

   Subject is the walkways and Verb is Are. So, it is correct.
   The heavy rain throughout the night is only object of preposition.

5. During the week eat lunch in the school cafeteria.

   Analysis:

   Verb is eat but there is no Subject. So, it is incorrect
   The week is not Subject, it is object of preposition

6. In the morning after the concert was tired.

    Analysis:

   Verb is was but there is no Subject. So, it is incorrect.
   The concert is not Subject, it is object of preposition.

7. In the summer the trip to the mountains is our favorite trip.

    Analysis:

    Subject is the trip and verb is Is. So, it is correct
   
8. In a box on the top shelf of the cabinet in the hallway of the house.

    Analysis:

    No Subject and No verbs.
  
9. With her purse in her hand ran through the door.

    Analysis:

    Verb is ran but there is no Subject. So, it is incorrect.
    Her purse and her hand are only object of preposition

10. At 1:00 in the morning the alarm clock on the table beside the bed rang.

      Analysis:

      Subject is the alarm clock and Verb is rang. So, it is correct

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• Please continue with TOEFL Exercise 1 (Skill1 -2)  and TOEFL Review Exercise (Skill 1-2). Download the material here.
• Download skill 1 and 2 

Next Skill ---> Skill 3: Present Participles  

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

SKILL 3: Present Participles

Previous Skill <---- Skill 2: Objects of Prepostion

Present participles can-cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because a present participle can be either an adjective or a part of the verb. A present participle is the - ing form of the verb. It is part of the verb when it is preceded by some form of the verb be.
(Indonesian Version)

The train is arriving at the station now. (Arriving is VERB)

                                                           

In this sentence, arriving is part of the verb because it is accompanied by is.

A present participle is an adjective when it is not accompanied by some form of the verb be.

The train arriving at the station now is an hour late. (Arriving is ADJECTIVE)

                                                        
In this sentence, arriving is an adjective and not part of the verb because it is not accompanied by some form of be. The verb in this sentence is is.

The following example shows how a present participle can be confused with the verb in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The film ____ appearing at the local theater is my favorite.

(A) now
(B) is
(C) it
(D) was

In this example, if you look at only the first words of the sentence, it appears that film is the subject and appearing is part of the verb. If you think that appearing is part of the verb, you might choose answer (B), is, or answer (D), was, to complete the verb. However, these two answers are incorrect because appearing is not part of the verb. You should recognize that appearing is a participial adjective rather than a verb because there is another verb in the sentence, is. In this sentence, there is a complete subject, film, and a complete verb, is, so this sentence does not need another subject or verb. The best answer to this question is answer (A).

EXERCISE 3: Each of the following sentences contains one or more present participles. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the present participles, and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

 1. The crying baby needs to be picked up. (C)
             ADJ.

2. The clothes are lying the floor should go into the washing machine. (I)
                          VERB

3. The waitress bringing the steaming soup to the waiting diners.

4. Most of the striking workers are walking the picket line.

5. For her birthday, the child is getting a talking doll.

6. The setting sun creating a rainbow of colors in the sky.

7. The ship is sailing to Mexico is leaving tonight.

8. The letters needing immediate answers are on the desk.

9. The boring class just ending a few minutes ago.

10. The fast-moving clouds are bringing freezing rain to the area.


Next Skill: ---> Skill 4: past Prticiples

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Listening Part A : Skill 4 - Passives

Previous Skill <--- Skill 3: Suggestions

It is sometimes difficult to understand who or what is doing the action in a passive sentence. This problem is often tested in Listening Part A.

(Indonesian version)

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man)       :  Is that a new chair?
(woman)  :  Yes, we just bought it last week.
(narrator) :  What does the woman mean?

In your test book, you read:

(A) She brought the chair with her.
(B) The chair was lost for a week.
(C) The chair was purchased recently.
(D) She bought the last chair from the store.

In this conversation, the woman uses an active idea, we. . . bought it [ the chair]. The correct answer uses the passive idea the chair was purchased. Therefore, the best answer to the question above is answer (C).

You should note the following about passive sentences in Listening Part A.

PASSIVE STATEMENTS

1. If the conversation contains a passive statement, the answer to the question is often an active statement.
2. If the conversation contains an active statement, the answer to the question is often a passive statement.

EXERCISE 4: In this exercise, each of the correct answers is either a passive restatement of an active sentence or an active restatement of a passive sentence. Read the short conversation, and underline the key active or passive statement. Then read the question, and choose the best answer to the question. Make sure you understand who or what is doing the action in these passive sentences.

1. (man)       : What happened to your notebook?
    (woman)  :  I left it in the cafeteria.
    (narrator) :  What does the woman imply?

    (A) The cafeteria is to the left.
    (B) She left a note on the cafeteria door.
    (C) She took some notes in the cafeteria.
    (D) The notebook was left in the cafeteria.


2. (man)       : When are we going to talk about the problem with the copy machine?
    (woman)  : It will be discussed at the meeting tomorrow.
    (narrator) : What does the woman mean?

    (A) She needs to make copies before the meeting.
    (B) They will talk about the problem tomorrow.
    (C) It is a problem to have a meeting.
    (D) They must discuss whether or not to have a meeting.

3. (woman)   :  Did you correct the paper?
    (man)        :  I checked every single line again and again.
    (narrator)  :  What does the man mean?

   (A) The paper has been thoroughly corrected.
   (B) He wrote many of the lines over and over.
   (C) The checkmarks were on every line of the paper.
   (D) He wrote a check for the paper.


Continue with:

• TOEFL Exercise 4 and TOEFL Review Exercise (Skill 1-4)

Next Skill ---> Skill 5: Who and Where

SKILL 4: past participle

Previous skill <---- Skill 3: Present Participles

Past participles can cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because a past participle can be either an adjective or a part of the verb. The past participle is the form of the verb that appears with have or be. It often ends in -ed, but there are also many irregular past participles in English.
(Indonesian Version)

The mailman has left a letter in the mailbox. (Left is VERB)

                                          

The classes were taught by Professor Smith. (Taught is VERB)

In the first sentence, the past participle left is part of the verb because it is accompanied by has. In the second sentence, the past participle taught is part of the verb because it is accompanied by were.

A past participle is an adjective when it is not accompanied by some form of be or have.

The letter left in the mailbox was for me. (Left is ADJECTIVE)

The classes taught by Professor Smith were very interesting. (Taught is ADJECTIVE)

In the first sentence, left is an adjective rather than a verb because it is not accompanied by a form of be or have (and there is a verb, was, later in the sentence). In the second sentence, taught is an adjective rather than a verb because it is not accompanied by a form of be or have (and there is a verb, were, later in the sentence).

The following example shows how a past participle can be confused with the verb in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The bread _____ baked this morning smelled delicious.

(A) has
(B) was
(C) it
(D) just

In this example, if you look only at the first few words of the sentence, it appears that bread is the subject and baked is either a complete verb or a past participle that needs a helping verb. But if you look further in the sentence, you will see the verb smelled. You will then recognize that baked is a participial adjective and is therefore not part of the verb. Answers (A) and (B) are incorrect because baked is an adjective and does not need a helping verb such as has or was. Answer (C) is incorrect because there is no need for the subject it. Answer (D) is the best answer to this question.

EXERCISE 4: Each of the following sentences contains one or more past participles. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the past participles, and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The food is served in this restaurant is delicious. (Incorrect)

    Analysis:

    The sentence should be "The food served in this restaurant is delicious".
    is served is incorrect, it should be served (past participle as an Adjective).
    Subject is The food and Verb is IS

2. The plane landed on the deserted runway. (Correct)

   Analysis:

   Subject is The place and Verb is landed
   Deserted is past participle as an adjective
  
3. The unexpected guests arrived just at dinnertime. (Correct)

    Analysis:

    Subject is unexpected guests and Verb is arrived
    Unexpected is past participle as an adjective

4. The courses are listed in the catalogue are required courses. (Incorrect)

    Analysis:

    The sentence should be The course listed in the dialogue are required courses.
     Subject is The course and Verb is are required.
     are listed is inccorect, but it should be listed (be past participle as an adjective)

5. The teacher found the lost exam. (Correct)

     Analysis:

     Subject is The teacher and Verb is found
     Lost is past participle as an adjective

6. The small apartment very crowded and disorganized. (Incorrect)

     Analysis

     Subject is the small apartment but there is no Verb
     The sentence should be The small apartment is very crowded and disorganized.
     Crowded and disorganized are past participle as adjectives.

7. The photographs developed yesterday showed Sam and his friends. (Correct)

    Analysis:

    Subject is The photograph and Verb is showed

    Developed is past participle as adjective

8. The locked drawer contained the unworn jewels. (Correct)

    Analysis:

    Subject is the locked drawer and Verb is contained
    Locked and unworn are past participle as adjectives

9. The tree was blown over in the storm was cut into logs. (Incorrect)

    Analysis;

    The sentence should be The tree blown over in the storm was cut into logs
    was blown should be blown (past participle as adjective)
    Subject is The tree and verb is was cut

10. The students registered in this course are listed on that sheet of paper. (Correct)

     Analysis:

      Subject is The students and Verb is are listed
      Registered is past participle as adjective
      listed is past participle as verb

You can continue with:

•  Exercise (Skill2 3-4) and TOEFL Review Exercise (Skill 1-4) (Download)

Next skill ---> Skill 5: Coordinate Connectors

 To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Listening Part A : Skill 5 - Who and Where

Previous Skill <--- Skill 4: Passives

It is common in Listening Part A to ask you to draw some kind of conclusion. In this type of question the answer is not clearly stated; instead you must draw a conclusion based on clues given in the conversation. 

WHO 

One kind of conclusion that is common in this part of the test is to ask you to determine who the speaker is, based on clues given in the conversation.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man)       : What do you do during your performances?
(woman)  : I play the piano and sing.
(narrator) :  Who is the woman most likely to be?

In your test book, you read:

(A) An athlete.
(B) A member of the audience.
(C) A clerk in a music store.
(D) A musician

The clues performances, piano, and sing in the conversation tell you that the woman is probably a musician. Answer (D) is therefore the correct answer.

WHERE

Another type of conclusion that is common in Listening Part A is to determine where the conversation probably takes place, based on clues given in the conversation.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man)       :  I’d like to open an account, please.
(woman)  :  What type of account would you like, a checking or savings account.
(narrator) :  Where does this conversation probably take place?

In your test book, you read:

(A) In an accounting class.
(B) In a bank.
(C) At a service station.
(D) In a market.

The clue checking or savings account in the conversation tells you that this conversation probably takes place in a bank. Answer (B) is therefore the correct answer.

The following outlines the key point that you should remember about this type of question.

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WHO AND WHERE

It is common for you to be asked to draw the following conclusions in Listening Part A:

1. Who is probably talking?

2. Where does the conversation probably take place?

EXERCISE 5

In this exercise, read the short conversation and question, underline the clues that help you answer the question, and then choose the best answer. You will have to draw conclusions about who and where.

1. (man)       :  I’d like to mail this package, please.
    (woman)  :  First or second class?
    (narrator) : Who is the woman most likely to be?

    (A) A school administrator.
    (B) A postal worker.
    (C) A banker.
    (D) A teacher.

2. (woman)  :  How much are the flowers?
    (man)       : Ten dollars a bouquet.
    (narrator) : Where does this conversation probably take place?

    (A) In a bakery
    (B) In a grocery store.
   (C) In a florist shop.
   (D) In a garden.

3. (man)      :  I need to get this prescription filled.
    (woman) : If you’ll take a seat, I’ll have your medicine ready for you in a moment.
    (narrator): Who is the woman most likely to be?

    (A) A pharmacist.
    (B) A baby-sitter.
    (C) A flight attendant.
    (D) A doctor

Continue with:

1. TOEFL Exercise 5 and TOEFL Review Exercise (Skill 1-5)

Next Skill --> Skill 6: Agreement

SKILL 5: Coordinate Connector

Previous Skill <---- skill 4 : Past Participle

Many sentences in English have more than one clause. (A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.) When you have two clauses in an English sentence, you must connect the two clauses correctly. One way to connect two clauses is to use and, but, or, or so between the clauses.
(Indonesian Version)

The sun was shining and the sky was blue.

The sky was blue, but it was very cold.

It may rain tonight, or it may be clear.

It was raining outside, so I took my umbrella.

In each of these examples, there are two clauses that are correctly joined with a coordinate connector—and, but, or, or so—and a comma (,).

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

I forgot my coat, ____ I got very cold.

(A) then
(B) so
(C) later
(D) as a result

In this example, you should notice quickly that there are two clauses, I forgot my coat and I got very cold. This sentence needs a connector to join the two clauses. Then, later, and as a result are not connectors, so answers (A), (C), and (D) are not correct. The best answer is answer (B) because so can connect two clauses in this manner.

The following chart lists the coordinate connectors and the sentence pattern used with them.

EXERCISE 5: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct ‘(C) or incorrect (I).

1. The lawn needs water every day, or it will turn brown. (C)

Analysis:

• Both clauses are correct and coordinate connector is correct.

2. The book was not long, it difficult to read. (I)

Analysis:

• Second clause should be it is difficult to read. There is not coordinate connector.

3. It was raining, so decided not to go camping. (I)

Analysis:

• Second clause has no Subject.

4. The material has been cut, and the pieces have been sewn together. (C)

Analysis:

• Both clauses are correct and coordinate connector is correct too.

5. The patient took all the medicine, he did not feel much better. (I)

Analysis:

• Both clauses are correct but there is no coordinate connector

6. The bill must be paid immediately, or the electricity will be turned off. (C)

Analysis:

• Both clauses are correct and coordinate connector is correct, too

7. The furnace broke so the house got quite cold. (I)


Analysis:

• Both clauses are correct, but there is no comma.
• It should be The furnace broke, so the house got quite cold.

8. The dress did not cost too much, but the quality it seemed excellent. (I)

Analysis:

• Second clause has two subject; the quality and it. It should be the quality seemed excellent.
• Coordinate connector is correct.

9. The leaves kept falling off the trees, and the boys kept raking them up, but the yard was still covered. (C)

Analysis:

• All clauses and coordinate are connectors correct, too.

10. The mail carrier has already delivered the mail, so the letter is not going to arrive today, it probably will arrive tomorrow. (I)

Analysis:

• All clauses are correct, but coordinate connector So is wrong. So should be changed with but.

Next Skill ---> Skill 6 : Adverb Clause Connectors

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

SKILL 6: Adverb Clause Connectors

Previous Skill <---- Skill 5: Coordinate Connector

Sentences with adverb clauses have two basic patterns in English. Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences:

(Indonesian Version)

He is tired because he has been working so hard.

Because he has been working so hard, he is tired.

In each of these examples, there are two clauses: he is tired and he has been working so hard. The clause he has been working so hard is an adverb clause that is introduced with the connector because. In the first example, the connector because comes in the middle of the sentence, and no comma (,) is used. In the second example, the connector because comes at the beginning of the sentence. In this pattern, when the connector comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma (,) is required in the middle of the sentence.

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

_____ arrived at the library, he started to work immediately.

(A) The student
(B) When
(C) He
(D) After the student

In this example, you should recognize easily that the verb arrived needs a subject. There is also another clause, he started to work immediately. If you choose answer (A) or answer (C), you will have a subject for the verb arrived, but you will not have a connector to join the two clauses. Because you need a connector to join two clauses, answers (A) and (C) are incorrect. Answer (B) is incorrect because there is no subject for the verb arrived. Answer (D) is the best answer because there is a subject, student, for the verb, arrived, and there is a connector, after, to join the two clauses.

The following chart lists common adverb connectors and the sentence patterns used with them.

EXERCISE 6: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. After the plane circled the airport, it landed on the main runway. (C)

Analysis:
Both clauses have subject and verb.
The connector "when" is correct, too.

2. The registration process took many hours since the lines so long. (I)

Analysis:
The second clause has no verb. It should be the lines were so long.
The connector "since" is correct.

3. This type of medicine can be helpful, it can also have some bad side effects. (I)

Analysis:
Both clauses are correct but there is no connector.

4. The waves were amazingly high when the storm hit the coastal town. (C)

Analysis:
Both clauses and connector are correct.

5. We need to get a new car whether is on sale or not. (I)

Analysis:
Second clause has no subject. It should be it is on sale or not
Connector "whether" is correct

6. Just as the bread came out of the oven, while a wonderful aroma filled the kitchen. (I)


Analysis:
There are two connectors; Just and While.
"While" should be erased, so the sentence becomes a wonderful aroma filled the kitchen.

7. Everyone has spent time unpacking boxes since the family moved into the new house. (C)

Analysis:
Both clauses and connector are corretc.

8. Although the area is a desert many plants bloom there in the springtime. (I)

Analysis:
There is no comma after the first clause. It should be the area is a desser,

9. The drivers on the freeway drove slowly and carefully while the rain was falling heavily because they did not want to have an accident. (C)

Analysis:
All three clauses are correct and the connectors are correct, too.

10. If you plan carefully before you take a trip, will have a much better time because the small details will not cause problems. (I)

Analysis:
Second clause " will have a much better time" has no subject. It should be you will have a much better time.

Continue with:

1.  EXERCISE (Skill 5-6)
2. TOEFL Exercise (Skill 5-6)
3. TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skill 1-6) (Download All)

Next skill --> Skill 7: Noun Clause Connectors  

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Listening Part A : Skill 6 - Agreement

Previous Skill <---- Skill 5: Who and Where

Expressions of agreement are common in Listening Part A, so you should become familiar with them. The following example shows agreement with a positive statement.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man)       : I thought that the meal was overpriced.
(woman)  :  Me, too
(narrator) : What does the woman mean?

In your test book, you read:

(A) There were too many spices in the meat.
(B) She has the same opinion of the meal as the man.
(C) She wants to share the man’s meal.
(D) The price of the meal was great.

The expression me, too shows agreement with a positive statement, so the woman means that she has the same opinion as the man. The best answer is therefore answer (B).

The following chart lists common expressions that show agreement. 

You should become familiar with these expressions.

EXERCISE 6: In this exercise, underline the expression of agreement in each short conversation. Then read the question, and choose the best answer to that question. Remember that the best answer is one that shows agreement.

1. (woman)   :  This homework is going to take forever.
    (man)        :  I’ll say!
    (narrator)   :  What does the man mean?

     (A) It’s going to take forever to get home.
     (B) It takes a long time to get from home to work.
     (C) He and the woman have the same opinion about the homework.
     (D) He needs to take the homework to class.

2. (woman)  :  A trip to the park might be nice,
    (man)       :  You can say that again!
    (narrator) :  What does the man mean?

    (A) The woman should repeat what she said.
    (B)  It’s nice in the park at night.
    (C) The woman should tell him about part of the trip.
    (D) He agrees about the trip to the park

3. (man)        :  I think it’s time to go home.
    (woman)   :  So do I.
    (narrator)  :  What does the woman mean?

    (A) They don’t have time to do it.
    (B) She also thinks it’s a good idea to leave.
    (C) She thinks they are at home.
    (D) They are unsure about the time.

Continue with:

• TOEFL Exercise 6 
• TOEFL Review Exercise (1-6)

Next Article: Listening Part B or Longer Conversation

TOEFL Structure Skill 7: Noun Clause Connectors

Previous skills <----- Skill 6: Adverb Clause Connector

A noun clause is a clause that functions as a noun; because the noun clause functions as a noun, it can be used in a sentence as an object of a verb (if it follows a verb) or an object of a preposition (if it follows a preposition). Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences.

A. I don't Know
B. Why did she like facebook

If we combine them:

I don't Know why she like faccebook

In the first example, there are two clauses, I don’t know and she liked facebook . These two clauses are joined with the connector why. Why changes the clause he said such things into a noun clause which functions as the object of the verb don’t know.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test

Example

The citizens worry about ____ is doing.

(A) what the government
(B) the government
(C) what
(D) what the government it

In this example, the sentence contains the main subject and verb, the citizens worry, and it also contains an additional verb, is doing. The sentence needs a subject for the verb is doing and a connector to join the two clauses. The best answer is answer (A) because it has the connector what and the subject government. Answer (B) is incorrect because it does not have a connector. Answer (C) is incorrect because it does not have a subject for is doing. Answer (D) is incorrect because it has two subjects for is doing.

EXERCISE 7:

Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. It is unfortunate that the meal is not ready yet. (C)

    Analysis:
    Both clauses are correct because they have subject and verb

2. She told me when should pick up the children. (I)

    Analyisis:
     should pick up the children is incorrect. It should be  I should pick up the children.

3. The instructor explained where was the computer lab located. (I)

    Analysis:
    Where was the computer lab located is incorrect. It should be where the computer lab was located.

4. We could not believe what he did to us. (C)

    Analysis:
    Both clauses are correct.

5. Do you want to know if it going to rain tomorrow? (I)

   Analysis:
   If it going to rain tomorrow is incorrect. It should be If it is going to rain tomorrow.

6. We never know whether we will get paid or not. (C)

    Analysis:
    Both clauses are correct

7. This evening you can decide what do you want to do. (I)

    Analysis:
     Second clause: what do you want to do is incorrect. It should be what you want to do.

8. The manager explained how wanted the work done. (C)

    Analysis:
    Second clause: how wanted the work done is incorrect. It should be how he wanted work done.

9. The map showed where the party would be held. (C)

     Analysis:
     Both clauses are correct

10. Can you tell me why was the mail not delivered today? (I)

      Analysis:

      Second clause: why was the mail not delivered today is incorrect. It should be why the mail was not

      delivered today.


Next Skill <----- Skill 8 : Noun Clause Connector/ Subject

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

TOEFL Structure Skill 8: Noun Clause Connectors/ Subjects

Previous skill <----- Skill 7:  Noun clause connector

In Skill 7 we saw that noun clause connectors can be used to introduce noun clauses. In Skill 8 we will see that in some cases a noun clause connector is not just a connector; a noun clause connector can also be the subject of the clause at the same time. Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences.

I know what happened yesterday

            NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF VERB

We are thinking about what happened yesterday.

                                  NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF PREPOSITION

In the first example, there are two clauses: I know and what happened yesterday. These two clauses are joined by the connector what. It is important to understand that in this sentence the word what serves two functions. It is both the subject of the verb happened and the connector that joins the two clauses.

 

In the second example, there are two clauses. In the first clause we is the subject of are thinking. In the second clause what is the subject of happened. What also serves as the connector that joins the two clauses. The noun clause what happened yesterday functions as the object of the preposition about.

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The company was prepared for ________ happened with the economy.

(A) it
(B) the problem
(C) what
(D) when

EXERCISE 8: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The teacher heard who answered the question. (C)

    Analysis:

    Who answered the question is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.

2. I do not understand it went wrong. (I)

    Analysis:

    it went wrong is a noun clause connector/subject. But, the sentence is incorrect.
    It should be what went wrong

3. Of the three movies, I can’t decide which is the best. (C)

   Analysis:

   Which is the best is a noun clause connector/subject. The sentence is correct.
   
4. She did not remember who in her class. (I)

   Analysis:

   Who in her class is a noun clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
   It should be Who is in her class.

5. No one is sure what did it happen in front of the building. (I)

   Analysis:

   What did it happen in front of the building is a nouc clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
   It should be what happened in front of the building.

6. We found out which was her favorite type of candy. (C)

    Analysis:

   Which was her favorite type of candy is a noun clause connector/subject, and the sentence is correct.
  
7. Do you know what caused the plants to die? (C)

   Analysis:

   What caused the plants to die is a noun clause connector/subject and the sentence is correct.

8. I am not sure which it is the most important course in the program. (I)

   Analysis:

   which it is the most important course in the program is a nou clause connector/subject, but it is
   incorrect.
   It should be which is the most important course in the program.

9. We thought about who would be the best vice president.(C)

    Analysis:

   Who would be the best vice president is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.

10. She saw what in the box in the closet. (I)

   Analysis:

   What in the box in the closet is a noun clause connector, but it is incorrect.
   It should be what is in the box in the closet.

Continue with:

• Exercise 7 - 8, TOEFL Exercise (7-8) and TOEFL Review Exercise (1-8). Click here to read them
• Or download all material here

 Next skill ------> Skill 9: Adjective clause connector

 To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

Adjective clause connector : TOEFL Skill 9

Previous Skill <---- Skill 8 : Noun Clause Connector

An adjective clause describes a noun. Because the clause is an adjective, it is positioned directly after the noun that it describes.

A, This is the house
B, I want to buy it

If we combine them:

This is the house that/which I want to buy

In the first example, there are two clauses: this is the subject of the verb is, and I is the subject of the verb want. That/which is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective clause that I want to buy describes the noun house.

A, The house is big
B. I want to buy it

If we combine:

The house that/which I want to buy is big


In the second example, there are also two clauses: house is the subject of the verb is, and I is the subject of the verb want. In this sentence also, that is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective clause that I want to buy describes the noun house.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The job _____ started yesterday was rather difficult.
(A) when
(B) was
(C) after
(D) that he

In this example, you should notice quickly that there are two clauses: job is the subject of the verb was, and the verb started needs a subject. Because there are two clauses, a connector is also needed. Answers (A) and (C) have connectors, but there are no subjects, so these answers are not correct. Answer (B) changes started into a passive verb; in this case the sentence would have one subject and two verbs, so answer (B) is not correct. The best answer to this question is answer (D). The correct sentence should say: The job that he started yesterday was rather difficult. In this sentence job is the subject of the verb was, he is the subject of the verb started, and the connector that joins these two clauses.

EXERCISE 9: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. I did not believe the story that he told me. (C)

   Analysis:

   First Clause                            : I did not believe the story
   Second Clause                       : He told me
   Adjective clause connector     : that

2. Ms. Brown, whom did you recommend for the job, will start work tomorrow.(I)

    Analysis:

    First clause                         : Ms. Brown will start work tomorrow
    Second clause                    : Did you recommend for the job (incorrect)
                                                It should be you recommended for the job
    Adjective clause connector : whom

    The correct sentence is Ms. Brown, who you recommended for the job, will start work tomorrow.

3. The lecture notes which lent me were not clearly written.(I)

     Analysis:

     First clause                       : The lecture notes were not clearly written
     Second clause                  :  lent me (incorrect)
                                               It should be I lent
     Adjective clause connector : which

     The correct sentence is the lecture notes which I lent were not clearly written

4. Sally has an appointment with the hairdresser whom you recommended. (C)

    Analysis:

     First clause                         : Sally has an appointment with the hairdresser
     Second clause                    : you recommended
     Adjective clause connector : whom

5. The phone number that you gave me.

    Analysis:

     First clause                        : The phone number (incorrect: no verb)
     Second clause                   : you gave me
     Adjective clause connector : that
     The correct sentence is The phone number that you gave me IS wrong

6. She is able to solve all the problems which did she cause.(I)

     Analysis:

      First clause                       : She is able to solve the problems
      Second clause                  : did she cause (incorrect)
                                                It should be she caused
      Adjective clause connector: She is able to solve all the problems which she caused
       
7. The day that she spent on the beach left her sunburned. (C)

      Analysis:

      First clause                         : The day left her sunburned
      Second clause                     :  she spend on the beach
      Adjective clause connector :  that

8. Next week I am going to visit my cousins, whom have not seen in several years.(I)

    Analysis:

    First clause                           : Next week I am going to visit my cousins
    Second clause                      :  have not seen in several years (incorrect)
                                                   It should be I have not seen in several years
    Adjective clause connector   : whom
    The correct sentence is Next week I am going to visit my cousins, whom i have not seen in several years

9. Did you forget the promise whom you made? (C)

    Analysis:

    First clause                            : Did you forget the promise
    second clause                        : you made?
    Adjective clause connector    : whom

10. The teacher whom the students like the most is their history teacher.

   Analysis:

   First clause                             : The teacher is their history teacher
   Second clause                        :  the students like the most
   Adjective clause connector     :  whom


Next skill <------ skill 10 : Adjective clause connector/Subject

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

How To Study TOEFL Preparation Through This Blog

TOEFL SKILLS blog gives you free TOEFL Preparation Course for PAPER BASED TEST. All the materials are taken from LONGMAN INTRODUCTORY FOR THE TOEFL TEST.

By studying TOEFL Preparation Course here, It is hoped that  you will be able to do TOEFL Test more easily and increase TOEFL Score, too.

To help you Study TOEFL Preparation Course Blog here, read the guide below:

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

•  Do  Pre - Listening Test First.  Listening Pre Test is aimed at knowing your early TOEFL Score of Listening and   finding  out your weakness in Listening section of TOEFL Test.

• Read Listening Comprehension Section Info

• Read General Strategy For Listening Comprehension

• Study Listening Skills  that are usually tested  in Listening TOEFL Test. There are three Parts (Listening Part A/B/C):

   1. Listening Part A (Short Dialogue)

       Listening Part A consists of six skills. You must study it one by one.

• Listening Part A (short dialogue info)

• Strategy for listening Part A (short dialogue)

      Skills of Listening Part A:

• Skill/Problem 1

• Skill/Problem 2

• Skill/Problem 3

• Skill/Problem 4

• Skill/Problem 5
   
• Skill/Problem 6 

  2.  Listening Part B (Longer Conversation)

• Listening part B info

• Strategy for listening Part B

•  Skill 7: Questions

•  Skill 8 : The Topics  

•  Skill 9 : Order of Answer

  3. Listening Part C

• Listening Part C Info
• Strategy for listening part C
• Skill 10 : The questions
• Skill 11 : The Topics
• Skill  12: Orders of Answer
• Listening POST Test

 STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

• Do Structure Pre - Test first. Structure Pre-Test is aimed at knowing your early score of structure as well as finding our your weakness in English Grammar.

• Structure and Written Expression info

• General Strategy for Structure and Written Expression

•  Study the skills that are usually tested in TOEFL Test. There are two types: Structure Questions and Written Expression.

  1. Structure Questions

• Structure Questions info

• Strategy For Structure Questions

      Structure Questions:

• Skill 1
• Skill 2
• Skill 3
• Skill 4
• Skill 5
• Skill 6
• Skill 7
• Skill 8
• Skill 9
• Skill 10

  2. Written Expression

• Written Expression info

• Strategy For Written Expression

        Written Expression:

• Skill 11
• Skill 12
• Skill 13
• Skill 14
• Skill 15
• Skill 16
• Skill 17
• Skill 18
• Skill 19
• Skill 20
• Skill 21
• Skill 22
• Skill 23
• Skill 24
• Skill 25

• Structure and Written Expression POST TEST

READING COMPREHENSION

1. Do the Reading Pre - Test first to find our your early score of reading comprehension.
2. Read Reading Comprehension Section
3. Read Strategy for Reading Comprehension Question
4. Study the skills usually tested in reading Comprehension

      Skills

• Skill 1
• Skill 2
• Skill 3
• Skill 4
• Skill 5 
• Skill 6 

     5. Do the Reading Post - Test.

         (Reading Post - Test is done after doing all skills and complete all exercise).

TOEFL POST TEST 

• After completing all skills, it's time do do THE POST TEST. Click HERE.

Adjective clause connector/Subject : exercise 10

Read Skill 10 before doing exercise 10 below:

EXERCISE 10: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The children that were vaccinated did not get sick. (C)

    Analysis:

    First Clause      : The children did not get sick (correct)
    Second Clause : that were vaccinated (correct)
                              THAT functions as CONNECTOR  and SUBJECT, too. Verb is WERE.

2. I did not vote for the politician who he just won the election. (I)

    Analysis:


    First Clause      :  I did not vote the politician. (Correct)
    Second Clause :  Who he just won the election (Incorrect)
                               It should be "Who just won the election". There are double subject: WHO and HE.
                               WHO  functions as CONNECTOR and SUBJECT. WON is Verb. So, remove HE.
                              
3. The dog that barking belongs to my neighbor. (I)

    Analysis:

    First Clause      : The dog belongs to my neighbor (correct)
    Second Clause :  that barking (incorrect).
                              THAT functions as CONNECTOR and SUBJECT. But IS is missing
                              The second sentence should be "that is barking".

4. I took two of the blue pills, which were very effective. (C)

    Analysis :


    First Clause      : I took two of the blue pills. (correct)
    Second Clause :  which were very effective (correct)
                              Which fucntions as CONNECTOR ans SUBJECT, too.

5. We rented an apartment from the landlord who does he own the buildings on Maple Street. (I)

    Analysis  :

    First Clause      :  We rented an apartment from the Landlord. (correct)
    Second Clause :  Who does he own the building on Maple Street. (incorrect)
                               Who functions as Connector and Subject.
                               Own is VERB.
                               Does and HE should be removed.
                               The correct sentence is Who owns the building on Maple Street.



6. She forgot to attend the meeting which it began at 11:00. (I)

    Analysis  :

    First Clause     : She forgot to attend the meeting. (correct)
    Second clause : which it began at 11:00. (incorrect)
                             WHICH fucntions as Connector and Subject, too. began is Verb.
                             it should be removed. So, the correct sentence is which began at 11:00.

7. Any student who does not turn in the paper by Friday will fail the class. (C)

    Analysis   :

    First clause      : Any student will fail the class. (correct).
    Second clause : who does not turn in the paper by Friday. (correct).
                            Who functions as connector and Subject, too. Verb is does not turn in.

8. The people which came in late had to sit at the back. (C)

    Analysis  :

    First clause      : The people has to sit back. (correct)
    Second clause :  which came in late. (correct).
                             which functions as connector and subject. Verb is came.

9. The courses that satisfy the graduation requirements they are difficult. (I)

   Analysis     :

   First clause      : The course they are difficult. (incorrect)
                            There are double subjects: the course and they. So, they should be removed.
                            The  correct clause should be the course are difficult.
   Second clause :  that satisfy the graduation requirements. (correct)

10. After dinner she went to visit her parents, who were living down the street. (C).

  Analysis    :
 
  First clause      : After dinner she went to visit her parents. (correct).
  Scond clause   : who were living in the street. (correct).
                           Who functions as connector and subject. Verb is are living.

Next, You can practice:

•  EXERCISE (skill 9 - 10)
• TOEFL EXERCISE (skill 9 - 10)
• TOEFL REVIEW Exercise (skill 1-10). Download all material here.

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE

TOEFL Exercise (Skill 9 10)

Before reading and doing the exercise below, you should read the explanation of skill 9 (Adjective Clause Connector) and skill 10 (Adjective Clause Connector/Subject).

EXERCISE (Skills 9—10): Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. My sisters prefer to eat food that have cooked themselves.

2. The boat that hit the underwater rock sank.

3. The car which he was driving could not possibly be his.

4. The children built a house in the tree that in the backyard.

5. The cost of the trip which we wanted to take.

6. The children are playing with the toys which their mother told them to put away.

7. The guests who were seated around the dinner table.

8. The students have to read all the chapters which are on the test.

9. I really do not like the artists which you like.

10. The stones that they were set in the ring were quite valuable.

For more exercise of TOEFL EXERCISE (Skill 9-10) and TOEFL REVIEW Exercise (Skill 1-10), please Download here.

To Get Answer Keys, CLICK HERE