Incomplete sentences is the first part of the TOEIC reading section. You must complete a sentence with a missing word or phrase. This lesson shows you how to succeed on the incomplete sentences task of the reading section. The best strategy is to follow this process:
- Read a sentence with a missing word or phrase.
- Choose the missing word/phrase from the options.
The incomplete sentences section tests you on grammar and vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Here is an example of a question that tests your vocabulary skills:
The updated ____________ was released in November.
a) budget
b) responsibility
c) target market
d) human resources
This is a vocabulary question because the words are different from one another. You must choose the best option for the sentence. In this example, the answer would be “budget”.
Grammar
Grammar questions have options that are from the same word family. Here is an example:
The ___________________ budget was released in November.
a) update
b) updated
c) updating
d) updates
This is a grammar example because all the words are from the same word family. The question is testing your ability to choose the correct form of the word.
As a strategy, look at the words around the blank to know what type of word you need. (Noun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb)
Incomplete Sentences Strategies
Use these strategies to increase your score in this reading section task.
Know what they are testing you on.
Recognize if the questions is about grammar or vocabulary. Use the examples above to help you decide.
Look directly before and after the blank.
Use the words before and after the blank to help you. These are the most important, and they have the largest impact on the choices.
Don’t worry about extra info.
Determine what words in the sentence help you choose the best option. Don’t worry too much about the other words. Some of the sentence won’t apply.
Common Language
This incomplete sentences task on the reading section of the TOEIC checks your understanding of a large number of grammar and vocabulary topics. Here is a list of the most common. Click on the links to see the lessons at learnEnglish-online.
- Word Form
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Prepositions
- Parallel Structure
- Conjunctions and Transitions
- Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
- Articles
- Gerunds and Infinitives
- Phrasal Verbs
- Verb Tenses
- Vocabulary
- Collocations
- Prepositional Phrases
- Passive Voice