TOEIC Reading Questions

Reading:

Incomplete Sentences

1) Despite having four years of experience in software programming, Mr. Jones hadn't used a word processing program __________.

A) prior
B) advanced
C) previous
D) before

2) The person who is taking the minutes will be seated __________ the chairman.

A) from
B) to
C) next
D) by

3) The employees __________ about the closure before the announcement was made public.

A) know
B) known
C) knew
D) have known

4) __________ it was a holiday, the doctor performed the emergency surgery on the heart patient.

A) During
B) Even
C) Although
D) So

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Text Completion

Exercise 1:

Sid's Stationery
2 Smythe St, Toronto, Canada M1B 5T6
Tel: (416) 295-1725

December 1st, 20--

Kerry Michaels
1 Stevens Rd.
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada M1E 4H7

Dear Ms. Michaels:

Holiday Sale

Seasons Greetings. As a _______ customer, we wanted you to be among the first to know about our upcoming holiday sale. All craft paper, specialty printer paper, and decorative envelopes will be reduced by 50% for the month of December.

1.
(A) value
(B) valued
(C) valid
(D) validate

As per tradition at Sid's Stationery, we will be having a Christmas raffle. This year the grand prize is a 2-night stay for two at the Meridian Inn _______ Toronto Island. The winner will receive a free double occupancy stay in the penthouse suite as well as a free dinner on the moonlit patio.

2.
(A) through
(B) on
(C) over
(D) at

Money from ticket sales will be _______ to The Family Foundation, a local organization that provides food and clothing to those who need it most this Christmas.

3.
(A) purchased
(B) donated
(C) funded
(D) collected

We look forward to seeing you this Christmas season.

Yours truly,

Sid and Sandy Chester

(Explanation)

Exercise 2

DISCOUNT SHOE EMPORIUM

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sales Staff
FROM: Management B.K.
DATE: OCTOBER 9th, 20--
SUBJECT: FLYER MISPRINT

Please be aware that there was a misprint in an advertisement for our store in this week's local free press. The ad states that on Saturday all men's formal footwear is on for 55% percent off rather _______ 15% off.

4.
(A) that
(B) than
(C) then
(D) they're

If customers come in and ask about this sale, please _______ and explain the printing error. Offer them an additional 5% off coupon to thank them for coming into our store. The coupon can be given out even if the customer decides not to purchase any shoes.

5.
(A) apologize
(B) compromise
(C) categorize
(D) analyze

Please call a manager to the sales floor _______ you encounter any customers who have the ad with them and demand to receive the 55% discount. These cases will be handled on an individual basis.

6.
(A) because
(B) whether
(C) if
(D) before

Thank you.

B.K.

(Explanation)

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Example 1: Memo

Memorandum To: Supervisors From: Judy Linquiest, Human Resource Manager Sub: Probation periods As of January 1st all new employees will be subject to a 3 month probationary period. Medical, holiday, and flextime benefits will not apply to new staff members until the full 3 months have expired. After the three months have been completed, please contact your employees and inform them that their probationary period has ended. The HR department will contact you by email 2 days in advance to remind you of the date. Thank you for your cooperation.

1. What is the main purpose of this memo?

A) To inform all employees of a new expiration date.
B) To put staff members on probation.
C) To introduce the HR department.
D) To inform supervisors of a change in policy.

2. When does the change come into effect?

A) Today.
B) In 2 days.
C) In 3 months.
D) On January 1st.

Example 2: Advertisement

FREE SUNGLASSES AND CASE Purchase a 12 month subscription to Vacation the Nation today and receive a free pair of Sunnies Sunglasses with your very own soft leather case.* To get your free Sunnies follow these 3 easy steps. 1. Purchase a copy of Vacation the Nation, New York's #1 Travel magazine. 2. Fill out the application card (found in the center of the magazine) 3. Mail the card and $21. 95 US to the address provided *This is a limited time offer only. Application and funds must be received no later than Dec 1st 2004. Canadian residents should add $3 US for shipping. Offer not available for residents outside of North America.

3. What is this advertisement for?

A) A summer trip.
B) A travel company.
C) A special deal.
D) A free magazine.

4. How much do the sunglasses cost?

A) They are free with a subscription.
B) They cost $1.
C) They cost $3 Canadian.D) They cost $21. 95 US.

5. Who cannot benefit from this special deal?

A) Canadians.
B) UK residents.
C) North Americans.D) US residents.

Example 3 (double passage): E-mail and Letter

To: "The Shoe People" <inquiries@shoepeople.com> Cc: From: "John Trimbald" <jtconstruction@img.com> Subject: Customer Complaint To Whom it May Concern, I have trusted the Shoe People to protect the feet of my employees for over ten years now. I recently purchased a few pairs of boots from your company for my crew. Though my men were initially satisfied with the boots, the soles began to fall apart on them after just twelve weeks. This was extremely surprising considering they came with a six year warranty. The boots are unsafe to wear because my men are pouring hot concrete. Please respond as soon as possible with instructions on how I can return the boots and receive a refund. Thank you, John Trimbald John Trimbald, Foreman, JT Construction The Shoe People 22 Circular Rd. Castlerock, Northern Ireland BT51 6TP John Trimbald JT Construction 22 Mark Lane Rd. London, England EC3R 4BT January 3rd, 2008 Dear Mr. Trimbald, Thank you for your e-mail concerning the poor quality of our rubber soled black workboots. A representative will be by your office next week to pick up the damaged boots. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you and your crew. Along with five new pairs of workboots for your crew (we included one extra pair), we have enclosed a free year's supply of sole protector spray. In our retail stores, this spray is always recommended to buyers who work on heated floors. This should have been brought to your attention at the time of your initial order (received by telephone on October 12, 2007). Please excuse our oversight. To date we have had no complaints about these workboots from customers who have used the protector spray. However, should you use the spray and find that you are still unsatisfied with the boots, please return the boots and spray for a full refund. Thank you for supporting The Shoe People. Have a Happy New Year. Sincerely, Stan Mason, President

6. Which company was unsatisfied?

A) Stan Mason's company.
B) The Shoe People.
C) JT Construction
D) The sole company.

7. How many people are on John Trimbald's crew?

A) Four.
B) Five.
C) Six.D) Twelve.

8. What is the spray used for?

A) To protect the boots from water.
B) To protect the soles from heat.
C) To protect the floors from soles.D) To protect the boots from rubber.

9. What should John Trimbald do if he remains unsatisfied?

A) Return just the spray.
B) Call the President.
C) Mail another letter.
D) Request a refund.