Logic-based sentence completions - TOEIC
Card 1 of 140
Choose the word that best completes this sentence.
Although Mary was sociable and talkative, her daughter was rather .
Choose the word that best completes this sentence.
Although Mary was sociable and talkative, her daughter was rather .
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The correct answer is "shy." We know that the blank space should be a word with the opposite meaning as "sociable and talkative" because of the word "although," which suggests a contrast, or opposite. The words "fun-loving," "disobedient," and "unhappy" do not have the opposite meaning of "sociable and talkative," so they are incorrect choices.
The correct answer is "shy." We know that the blank space should be a word with the opposite meaning as "sociable and talkative" because of the word "although," which suggests a contrast, or opposite. The words "fun-loving," "disobedient," and "unhappy" do not have the opposite meaning of "sociable and talkative," so they are incorrect choices.
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Choose the word that correctly completes this sentence.
The was situated on a large plot of land in a rural county. From it, the sound of roosters crowing could be heard.
Choose the word that correctly completes this sentence.
The was situated on a large plot of land in a rural county. From it, the sound of roosters crowing could be heard.
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The best choice is the word "farm." The context clues that help us with this question include the words "rural", "roosters", and "large plot of land". These clues, when placed together, lend themselves most closely to a farm--not a factory, school, or shop.
The best choice is the word "farm." The context clues that help us with this question include the words "rural", "roosters", and "large plot of land". These clues, when placed together, lend themselves most closely to a farm--not a factory, school, or shop.
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We regret to inform you that, after only a single day of employment, Paul Williamsonbergfriend has been his position with the company.
We regret to inform you that, after only a single day of employment, Paul Williamsonbergfriend has been his position with the company.
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The best answer here both correctly uses the idiomatic construction "terminated from" (not "to" or "for"), while aligning with the tone of the sentence. Since the speaker "regrets to inform" about the news, we know that the news is bad.
The best answer here both correctly uses the idiomatic construction "terminated from" (not "to" or "for"), while aligning with the tone of the sentence. Since the speaker "regrets to inform" about the news, we know that the news is bad.
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All of the packages shipped out successfully, so our clients will receive them tomorrow.
All of the packages shipped out successfully, so our clients will receive them tomorrow.
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"Have been" is correct because the fact that the clients will receive the packages tomorrow implies that the packages were shipped successfully. Furthermore, "have been" is grammatically correct with the subject (the packages).
"Have been" is correct because the fact that the clients will receive the packages tomorrow implies that the packages were shipped successfully. Furthermore, "have been" is grammatically correct with the subject (the packages).
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Fortunately, over the past 12 months, the popularity of our product has steadily.
Fortunately, over the past 12 months, the popularity of our product has steadily.
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"Risen" is the correct choice, because the sentence says that the events are fortunate, which means that they are good. In this case, the only good outcome is for the popularity of the product to rise.
"Risen" is the correct choice, because the sentence says that the events are fortunate, which means that they are good. In this case, the only good outcome is for the popularity of the product to rise.
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Our goal is to come up with a new advertising campaign that will help some of the damage done by the lawsuit. Hopefully it will help our product to regain popularity.
Our goal is to come up with a new advertising campaign that will help some of the damage done by the lawsuit. Hopefully it will help our product to regain popularity.
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If the lawsuit did damage to the product's popularity, and the goal of the new advertising campaign is to increase the product's popularity again, the lawsuit aims to "counteract" the damage done by the lawsuit.
If the lawsuit did damage to the product's popularity, and the goal of the new advertising campaign is to increase the product's popularity again, the lawsuit aims to "counteract" the damage done by the lawsuit.
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The seminars that our employees are required to attend present the newest advances in our field. We require attendance because we like our employees to stay the latest ideas.
The seminars that our employees are required to attend present the newest advances in our field. We require attendance because we like our employees to stay the latest ideas.
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Employees are required to attend these seminars because the company wants them to know about the latest ideas. In other words, the company wants them to stay "up to date on" the latest ideas.
"On top to" is almost correct. The phrase "on top of" would be correct in this sentence, but because "on top to" is not the proper phrase, the only correct answer is "up to date on."
Employees are required to attend these seminars because the company wants them to know about the latest ideas. In other words, the company wants them to stay "up to date on" the latest ideas.
"On top to" is almost correct. The phrase "on top of" would be correct in this sentence, but because "on top to" is not the proper phrase, the only correct answer is "up to date on."
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Many companies discourage working from home; , we encourage it if you feel it will make you more productive.
Many companies discourage working from home; , we encourage it if you feel it will make you more productive.
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"However" is the missing word that links the two parts of the sentence. It is correct because the idea of the first clause (most companies discourage working from home) is the opposite of the idea of the second clause (we encourage it if you feel it will make you more productive). In other words, "however" implies that even though most companies discourage working from home, this company still encourages it.
"However" is the missing word that links the two parts of the sentence. It is correct because the idea of the first clause (most companies discourage working from home) is the opposite of the idea of the second clause (we encourage it if you feel it will make you more productive). In other words, "however" implies that even though most companies discourage working from home, this company still encourages it.
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Choose the word that best completes this sentence
Despite his stylish clothing and car, in reality, Stephen was actually struggling to pay his bills and was deeply in debt.
Choose the word that best completes this sentence
Despite his stylish clothing and car, in reality, Stephen was actually struggling to pay his bills and was deeply in debt.
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The correct answer is "luxury." This question presents a contrast, as we can tell from the words "despite" and "actually," and so we need to find a word that suggests an opposite. Stephen's clothes and car are at odds with his lack of finances, and so the best choice is "luxury" because having a luxurious car means that it is expensive. Practical, and dilapidated would all mean that his car was either a responsible choice or very cheap, whereas casual is not a good descriptive word for a car.
The correct answer is "luxury." This question presents a contrast, as we can tell from the words "despite" and "actually," and so we need to find a word that suggests an opposite. Stephen's clothes and car are at odds with his lack of finances, and so the best choice is "luxury" because having a luxurious car means that it is expensive. Practical, and dilapidated would all mean that his car was either a responsible choice or very cheap, whereas casual is not a good descriptive word for a car.
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Choose the word that best completes this sentence
Puppies are very needy when they are first born; similarly, kittens are quite as well.
Choose the word that best completes this sentence
Puppies are very needy when they are first born; similarly, kittens are quite as well.
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The correct answer is "dependent." We know we are looking for a word similar in meaning to "quite needy" because the sentence has signaled that we are reading a comparison with the word, "similarly." "Dependent" means requiring the help of something or someone else, which makes sense in this context. "Independent" has the opposite meaning of "quite needy", and "fierce" or "clever" would imply that the kittens are more independent as well, while also not being good synonyms with the phrase "quite needy."
The correct answer is "dependent." We know we are looking for a word similar in meaning to "quite needy" because the sentence has signaled that we are reading a comparison with the word, "similarly." "Dependent" means requiring the help of something or someone else, which makes sense in this context. "Independent" has the opposite meaning of "quite needy", and "fierce" or "clever" would imply that the kittens are more independent as well, while also not being good synonyms with the phrase "quite needy."
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
He was failing his math class because he studied.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
He was failing his math class because he studied.
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The correct answer is "never;" meaning at no time. This sentence presents a cause and effect, as we know from the word "because." If someone "usually," "sometimes," or "always" studied, the effect would probably be passing a class. If someone never studied, on the other hand, it is likely that he or she would could fail. For that reason, "never" is the best choice.
The correct answer is "never;" meaning at no time. This sentence presents a cause and effect, as we know from the word "because." If someone "usually," "sometimes," or "always" studied, the effect would probably be passing a class. If someone never studied, on the other hand, it is likely that he or she would could fail. For that reason, "never" is the best choice.
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The author was as shown by her many best-sellers and crowded book tours.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The author was as shown by her many best-sellers and crowded book tours.
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The correct answer is "popular." We can tell that this is the correct answer because of the clues that say the author has "best-sellers" and "crowded book tours," phrases that show that the author is liked by many. "Inventive" is not the best choice because it means creative, which does not necessarily create fans. "Traditional" and "intelligent" likewise are not qualities that describe someone who is liked and admired by many. For that reason, the best choice is "popular."
The correct answer is "popular." We can tell that this is the correct answer because of the clues that say the author has "best-sellers" and "crowded book tours," phrases that show that the author is liked by many. "Inventive" is not the best choice because it means creative, which does not necessarily create fans. "Traditional" and "intelligent" likewise are not qualities that describe someone who is liked and admired by many. For that reason, the best choice is "popular."
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, it holds a very place in the history of the nation.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, it holds a very place in the history of the nation.
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The best choice is "notable" We know that we are looking for a contrast word because of the word "although" that begins the sentence. "Although Rhode Island is small, it is notable, or important," is a contrast that makes sense. "Minor" and "meaningless" both mean that it is unimportant--the opposite of the meaning we are searching for. "Historical" is not the best choice because it would be repetitive in this sentence ("historical place in the history"). That is why the best choice is "notable."
The best choice is "notable" We know that we are looking for a contrast word because of the word "although" that begins the sentence. "Although Rhode Island is small, it is notable, or important," is a contrast that makes sense. "Minor" and "meaningless" both mean that it is unimportant--the opposite of the meaning we are searching for. "Historical" is not the best choice because it would be repetitive in this sentence ("historical place in the history"). That is why the best choice is "notable."
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Yesterday, Paul Williamsonbergfriend was hired as the financial officer of the company.
Yesterday, Paul Williamsonbergfriend was hired as the financial officer of the company.
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This question asks you to select the best answer based on context clues, and a knowledge of the most appropriate idiomatic expression in this case. While "solo" and "primary" could both be considered grammatically correct options, neither of these is a common business expression, whereas "chief financial officer" is a very common job title at companies of a certain size. While "boss" has a vaguely similar meaning to chief, it is to informal to be appropriate for use in this setting.
This question asks you to select the best answer based on context clues, and a knowledge of the most appropriate idiomatic expression in this case. While "solo" and "primary" could both be considered grammatically correct options, neither of these is a common business expression, whereas "chief financial officer" is a very common job title at companies of a certain size. While "boss" has a vaguely similar meaning to chief, it is to informal to be appropriate for use in this setting.
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The disorder and bad publicity brought on by the Williamsonbergfriend scandal really the company's standing in the industry.
The disorder and bad publicity brought on by the Williamsonbergfriend scandal really the company's standing in the industry.
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"Disorder and bad publicity" clearly would "hurt" or "damage" a company's standing. "Ameliorated" is a verb meaning to improve, and is thus an antonym of the correct answer. A company's standing is unlikely to be completely "removed" unless that company ceases to exist. "Opened" does not make sense in this context.
"Disorder and bad publicity" clearly would "hurt" or "damage" a company's standing. "Ameliorated" is a verb meaning to improve, and is thus an antonym of the correct answer. A company's standing is unlikely to be completely "removed" unless that company ceases to exist. "Opened" does not make sense in this context.
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Even a cursory glance at the results of the would let any reasonable observer know that the company's books were not in order.
Even a cursory glance at the results of the would let any reasonable observer know that the company's books were not in order.
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Here, we're looking for a noun that would refer to a detailed accounting of the company's financial "books" or records. The only word that makes sense in this context is "audit."
Here, we're looking for a noun that would refer to a detailed accounting of the company's financial "books" or records. The only word that makes sense in this context is "audit."
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After deciding the time, date, and location of the meeting, I was tired of all the decisions.
After deciding the time, date, and location of the meeting, I was tired of all the decisions.
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The verb "make" is used when speaking about decisions. "Take" means to accept or receive. "Do" is used with non-specific activities. "Writing" means to put something on paper. Since this question talks about the decisions made, "make" is the only correct answer.
The verb "make" is used when speaking about decisions. "Take" means to accept or receive. "Do" is used with non-specific activities. "Writing" means to put something on paper. Since this question talks about the decisions made, "make" is the only correct answer.
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I had a long weekend. I don't plan to anything this weekend.
I had a long weekend. I don't plan to anything this weekend.
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Since the sentence speaks of any activity and is not specific, the only correct answer is "do." "Do" is used when speaking about non-specific activities.
Since the sentence speaks of any activity and is not specific, the only correct answer is "do." "Do" is used when speaking about non-specific activities.
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I stayed away from all my sick friends, because I didn't want to .
I stayed away from all my sick friends, because I didn't want to .
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The sentence states that the subject did not want to become sick like his friends. "To catch the flu" means to become sick with the flu. "To catch sight of something" means to have your attention drawn to it; "make a mess" means to cause disorder and "have a rest" means to relax.
The sentence states that the subject did not want to become sick like his friends. "To catch the flu" means to become sick with the flu. "To catch sight of something" means to have your attention drawn to it; "make a mess" means to cause disorder and "have a rest" means to relax.
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It is a possibility that a thunder storm cause the city to flood.
It is a possibility that a thunder storm cause the city to flood.
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This sentence is talking about the possibility of flooding so could is the best answer. "Could" is used to express possibility. "Should" is used when giving advice. "Is" is a being verb.
This sentence is talking about the possibility of flooding so could is the best answer. "Could" is used to express possibility. "Should" is used when giving advice. "Is" is a being verb.
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