TOEFL Preparation

Saturday, March 23, 2019

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:

EXERCISE (Skill 5-6)
TOEFL Exercise (Skill 5-6)
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:

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

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

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:

2. Written Expression

Written Expression info

Strategy For Written Expression

Written Expression:

Structure and Written Expression POST TEST

READING COMPREHENSION

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

Skills

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.