Grammar-based sentence completions

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TOEIC › Grammar-based sentence completions

Questions 1 - 10
1

When he finally did arrive, over seven hours late, Paul's _________________ appearance was extremely disturbing to all of us. He was wearing tattered sheets for pants.

disheveled

neat

clean

roiling

Explanation

In this sentence, we're looking for an adjective to describe "Paul's appearance." Since we are specifically told that "he was wearing tattered sheets for pants," it is only reasonable to describe his appearance as "disheveled," which means messy or not in proper order.

2

When he finally did arrive, over seven hours late, Paul's _________________ appearance was extremely disturbing to all of us. He was wearing tattered sheets for pants.

disheveled

neat

clean

roiling

Explanation

In this sentence, we're looking for an adjective to describe "Paul's appearance." Since we are specifically told that "he was wearing tattered sheets for pants," it is only reasonable to describe his appearance as "disheveled," which means messy or not in proper order.

3

The mystery of Paul Williamsonbergfriend's disappearance remains a hotly ____________ topic in the industry; there remain strongly held beliefs on both sides of the question.

debated

agreed upon

oven

burning

Explanation

While "debated" can also be used as a verb, in this case it is the correct adjective to describe the "topic" of Paul Williamsonbergfriend's disappearance. It is important to recognize the way in which a word with more than one possible application is being used in a given sentence.

4

The mystery of Paul Williamsonbergfriend's disappearance remains a hotly ____________ topic in the industry; there remain strongly held beliefs on both sides of the question.

debated

agreed upon

oven

burning

Explanation

While "debated" can also be used as a verb, in this case it is the correct adjective to describe the "topic" of Paul Williamsonbergfriend's disappearance. It is important to recognize the way in which a word with more than one possible application is being used in a given sentence.

5

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

I am either going to yoga ___________ kickboxing class tonight, both of which take place at 7:00pm.

or

and

but

so

Explanation

The correct answer is "or." We know that the speaker is making a choice between two things, and cannot do both activities since they both take place at 7:00pm, which is why the answer is not "and." The conjunctions "but" and "so" do not make sense in this sentence. The best choice is "or."

6

Stock positions will not be refunded, ______________ the board understands shareholder's concerns, and will meet personally with any concerned parties.

but

and

for

therefore

Explanation

Here, two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, it is up to you to choose the one that most accurately reflects the shift in the sentence. The first clause makes the blunt statement that "stock positions will not be refunded," not exactly reassuring for concerned stockholders. The second clause then changes the tone by offering reassurance. Therefore, "but" is the correct coordinating conjunction.

7

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

I will either buy a computer _____________ a television; I cannot afford both.

or

nor

for

and

Explanation

The correct answer is "or." This sentence presents a choice between two things--a computer or a television. The biggest clue that "or" is the correct conjunction is the word "either." The other conjunctions are not appropriate in this sentence.

8

Stock positions will not be refunded, ______________ the board understands shareholder's concerns, and will meet personally with any concerned parties.

but

and

for

therefore

Explanation

Here, two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, it is up to you to choose the one that most accurately reflects the shift in the sentence. The first clause makes the blunt statement that "stock positions will not be refunded," not exactly reassuring for concerned stockholders. The second clause then changes the tone by offering reassurance. Therefore, "but" is the correct coordinating conjunction.

9

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

I am either going to yoga ___________ kickboxing class tonight, both of which take place at 7:00pm.

or

and

but

so

Explanation

The correct answer is "or." We know that the speaker is making a choice between two things, and cannot do both activities since they both take place at 7:00pm, which is why the answer is not "and." The conjunctions "but" and "so" do not make sense in this sentence. The best choice is "or."

10

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

I will either buy a computer _____________ a television; I cannot afford both.

or

nor

for

and

Explanation

The correct answer is "or." This sentence presents a choice between two things--a computer or a television. The biggest clue that "or" is the correct conjunction is the word "either." The other conjunctions are not appropriate in this sentence.

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