TOEIC : Logic-based completions in single sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for TOEIC

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Logic Based Sentence Completions

Yesterday, Paul Williamsonbergfriend was hired as the ________________ financial officer of the company.

Possible Answers:

solo

primary

chief

boss

Correct answer:

chief

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #1 : Logic Based Sentence Completions

The disorder and bad publicity brought on by the Williamsonbergfriend scandal really ________________ the company's standing in the industry.

Possible Answers:

damaged

opened

ameliorated

removed

Correct answer:

damaged

Explanation:

"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.

Example Question #32 : Sentence Completion

Even a cursory glance at the results of the ____________________ would let any reasonable observer know that the company's books were not in order.

Possible Answers:

physical examination

auditorium

audit

count up

Correct answer:

audit

Explanation:

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."

Example Question #1 : Logic Based Sentence Completions

I stayed away from all my sick friends, because I didn't want to ______________.

Possible Answers:

make a mess

catch the flu

catch sight of 

have a rest

Correct answer:

catch the flu

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #34 : Sentence Completion

It is a possibility that a thunder storm ________________ cause the city to flood.

Possible Answers:

should

is

None of these

could

Correct answer:

could

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #35 : Sentence Completion

My uncle's favorite piece of advice was, "You ___________ always follow your heart."

Possible Answers:

None of these

should

could

would

Correct answer:

should

Explanation:

"Should" is the correct answer because should is an imperative commonly used when giving advice. "Could" is used when talking about past abilities. While the question is talking about the advice his uncle used to give. "Would" is incorrect because "would" is commonly used when speaking about unreal situations or conditions.

Example Question #36 : Sentence Completion

People say I ______________ my father. I have his jet black hair and pointy nose.

Possible Answers:

take after

None of these

look after

go after

Correct answer:

take after

Explanation:

"Take after" is the correct answer because it means to resemble someone. Here the sentence says the subject shares physical traits with his father like hair color and nose shape. "Go after" means to try and get something. "Look after" means to care for someone.

Example Question #2 : Logic Based Sentence Completions

I should have gone to cooking school. I ____________ have been a great cook.

Possible Answers:

should 

could

make

would

Correct answer:

would

Explanation:

This sentence talks about an imaginary situation. When talking about imaginary situations, would is the correct verb to use. "Could" is used when talking about past abilities, and "should" is used when giving advice. "Make" means to form something.

Example Question #3 : Logic Based Sentence Completions

After deciding the time, date, and location of the meeting, I was tired of _______________ all the decisions.

Possible Answers:

making

writing

doing 

taking

Correct answer:

making

Explanation:

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. 

Example Question #3 : Logic Based Sentence Completions

I had a long weekend. I don't plan to _____________ anything this weekend.

Possible Answers:

make

do

write

eat

Correct answer:

do

Explanation:

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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