📖 TOEIC Reading – Part 5
Incomplete Sentences | 50 Authentic Practice Questions
📌 Part 5 – Core Test-Taking Strategies
- Identify the question type first: Is it grammar (word form, tense, pronoun) or vocabulary? This determines your solving method.
- Word form questions: Look at the blank’s position — before a noun = adjective; after a verb = adverb; subject position = noun.
- Tense questions: Find time markers — “yesterday,” “since,” “by the time,” “currently,” “next week.” They point directly to the correct tense.
- Vocabulary questions: All four options are the same part of speech. Read the full sentence for context clues and collocations.
- Never leave blank: There is no penalty for wrong answers. Always guess if unsure.
- Spend 20–30 seconds per question: Part 5 has 30 questions in the actual test — time is tight.
- Check prepositions carefully: Many wrong answers hinge on one wrong preposition in a collocation.
- A prompt
- B promptly
- C promptness
- D prompted
Grammar Explanation
The blank modifies the verb “was prepared.” A word that modifies a verb must be an adverb. Promptly (adv.) = on time, without delay. (A) is an adjective; (C) is a noun; (D) is a past participle used as an adjective or verb.
Vocabulary
promptly – immediately; without delay
prompt (adj.) – done quickly; on time
- A increased
- B were increasing
- C have increased
- D will increase
Grammar Explanation
“Since” + past event triggers the present perfect in the main clause. The present perfect shows a change that started in the past and continues to affect the present. (A) simple past does not pair naturally with “since” in this structure; (D) is future; (B) is past continuous.
Vocabulary
employee satisfaction – how content workers feel about their jobs
take over – to assume control or management of something
- A request
- B requested
- C requesting
- D request
Grammar Explanation
After the adjective “formal,” a noun is needed. Request functions here as a noun meaning “an act of asking.” The structure: adjective + noun → “a formal request.” (B) and (C) are verb forms; they cannot follow an adjective directly in this noun-phrase position.
Vocabulary
formal request – an official, written appeal for something
additional funding – extra financial resources
expand – to make larger in scope or reach
- A approve
- B approving
- C be approved
- D have approved
Grammar Explanation
The structure “must + be + past participle” forms the passive voice with a modal. Invoices are the recipients of the action (they are approved, not approving). Modal + passive = must be approved. (D) “have approved” would make it active and perfect, which doesn’t fit.
Vocabulary
invoice – a document requesting payment for goods/services
approve – to officially agree to or authorize something
process – to deal with officially following a set procedure
- A comprehensively
- B comprehensive
- C more comprehensive
- D most comprehensive
Grammar Explanation
The word “than” signals a comparative structure. For multi-syllable adjectives, use more + adjective. (D) “most comprehensive” is a superlative (requires “the”); (B) has no comparison marker; (A) is an adverb.
Vocabulary
comprehensive – covering all aspects; thorough and complete
revised – updated; changed to improve something
considerably – significantly; by a large amount
- A to purchase
- B purchasing
- C purchased
- D purchase
Grammar Explanation
Recommend is one of the key verbs that must be followed by a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive. The pattern is: recommend + gerund. Other verbs in this group: suggest, avoid, consider, enjoy, finish, delay, mind, practice, keep.
Vocabulary
travel insurance – a policy covering expenses during travel
depart – to leave, especially for a journey
recommend – to advise someone to do or use something
- A a
- B an
- C the
- D —
Grammar Explanation
When referring to a unique position within an organization — there is only one CEO — the definite article the is used. Compare: “He is a director” (one of many) vs “He is the chief executive officer” (unique role in this company).
Vocabulary
appoint – to officially assign someone to a role
chief executive officer (CEO) – the highest-ranking person in a company
effective – starting from a given date
- A already presented
- B was presenting
- C had already presented
- D has presented
Grammar Explanation
“By the time + past simple” triggers the past perfect in the other clause. The past perfect shows that one past action was completed before another. Structure: had + past participle. (D) “has presented” is present perfect — wrong time frame.
Vocabulary
financial projections – estimates of future financial performance
investor – a person who provides money expecting a financial return
- A him
- B his
- C himself
- D his own
Grammar Explanation
When the subject and object refer to the same person and emphasis is added (“personally, without help”), use a reflexive pronoun (-self/-selves). “Handle it himself” = he personally did it. (A) “him” would be an object pronoun needing a different referent; (D) “his own” needs a noun after it.
Vocabulary
delegate – to assign responsibility to someone else
handle – to deal with; to manage
junior staff member – a lower-level employee
- A was
- B were
- C has been
- D is
Grammar Explanation
With “neither…nor”, the verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb (the proximity rule). The closest subject is “the regional supervisors” (plural), so use “were.” If the singular “manager” were closest, you’d use “was.”
Vocabulary
regional supervisor – a manager responsible for a geographic area
policy change – an alteration in official rules or procedures
- A since
- B for
- C during
- D while
Grammar Explanation
For + duration (a period of time) → “for two weeks.” Compare: since + starting point (“since Monday”); during + noun event (“during the conference”); while + clause (“while we worked”). “Two weeks” is a duration, so only “for” fits.
Vocabulary
production line – a sequence of operations for manufacturing a product
upgrade – an improvement or enhancement to equipment or systems
- A Therefore
- B Moreover
- C Although
- D Consequently
Grammar Explanation
The sentence expresses a contrast: the project went over budget (negative) BUT the client was satisfied (positive). Although is a subordinating conjunction of contrast. (A) and (D) express result/consequence; (B) adds more information — none of these fit contrast.
Vocabulary
run over budget – to cost more than planned
outcome – the result or consequence of an action
- A of
- B for
- C to
- D in
Grammar Explanation
Responsible for is a fixed collocation (adjective + preposition). This is one of the most tested prepositional collocations on the TOEIC. Structure: be responsible for + noun/gerund.
Vocabulary
oversee – to supervise and ensure something is done correctly
quality control – the process of ensuring products meet required standards
- A who
- B whom
- C whose
- D which
Grammar Explanation
Whose is a relative pronoun showing possession. “The consultant’s report” → “the consultant whose report.” It links the noun (consultant) to something that belongs to it (report). (A) “who” is subject; (B) “whom” is object — neither expresses possession.
Vocabulary
supply chain optimization – improving efficiency in the flow of goods and services
extensive – covering a wide area or large amount; thorough
- A Although
- B Even though
- C Despite
- D However
Grammar Explanation
Despite + noun/noun phrase (no verb follows). Although and even though must be followed by a full clause (subject + verb). “Despite the heavy rainfall” (noun phrase) is correct. “Although the heavy rainfall” requires a verb: “Although it rained heavily.”
Vocabulary
ceremony – a formal event or ritual
proceed – to continue or go ahead with something
- A I
- B my
- C me
- D myself
Grammar Explanation
The pronoun is the object of the verb “notify” (HR will notify [whom]?). Object pronouns: me, him, her, us, them. (A) “I” is a subject pronoun; (D) “myself” is reflexive — used only when subject = object or for emphasis, neither of which applies here.
Vocabulary
notify – to officially inform someone of something
reach a decision – to come to a conclusion after discussion
- A enhancement of
- B enhancing
- C enhance
- D to enhance
Grammar Explanation
Parallel structure: items in a list must share the same grammatical form. The series is: “to improve… build… [enhance].” The first infinitive “to improve” sets the pattern; subsequent items drop “to” but keep the base verb form. So: improve, build, enhance — all base verbs.
Vocabulary
enhance – to improve the quality or value of something
leadership ability – the capacity to guide and motivate others
- A must
- B could
- C might
- D would
Grammar Explanation
Must expresses strong obligation or requirement — a rule that has no exceptions. (B) “could” = ability/possibility; (C) “might” = weak possibility; (D) “would” = conditional or habitual past. The context (a mandatory agreement upon arrival) demands “must.”
Vocabulary
confidentiality agreement – a legal contract to keep information secret
upon arrival – immediately when reaching a place
facility – a place built for a specific purpose
- A in
- B at
- C on
- D by
Grammar Explanation
At is used for specific locations/venues: “at the hotel,” “at the station,” “at the conference center.” In suggests being inside a city/country/room (“in the conference room”). “Held at [venue name]” is the standard TOEIC collocation for event location.
Vocabulary
shareholders’ meeting – a gathering of company investors to discuss business
annual – happening once a year
- A Much
- B Every
- C The majority
- D Each
Grammar Explanation
“Survey respondents” is a countable plural noun. Quantifiers for countable plurals: many, most, the majority of, several, a number of. (A) “Much” is for uncountable nouns; (B) “Every” and (D) “Each” take singular verbs — but the verb here is “indicated” (plural context).
Vocabulary
respondent – a person who completes a survey or questionnaire
indicate – to show or state something
the majority of – more than half; most of
- A discontinue
- B disqualify
- C discharge
- D discontinue
Grammar Explanation
Discontinue production is a standard business collocation meaning to stop making a product permanently. (B) “disqualify” = to rule someone ineligible; (C) “discharge” = to release from duty or hospital — neither applies to production.
Vocabulary
discontinue – to stop doing or providing something
declining – gradually becoming lower or smaller
sales figures – numerical data showing how much was sold
- A statement
- B leaflet
- C reminder
- D letter
Grammar Explanation
Letter of interest is the fixed expression for a document expressing interest in a program or position (also called a letter of intent). “Statement of interest” also exists but is less common in job/program application contexts — in a real test, “letter” is the standard collocation here. (B) leaflet = a printed flyer; (C) reminder = a notice to remember something.
Vocabulary
letter of interest – a document expressing desire to participate or apply
leadership development program – training aimed at building managerial skills
- A accumulate
- B reduce
- C submit
- D retain
Grammar Explanation
Context: refinancing at a lower rate is a strategy to make debt smaller/cheaper — so “reduce” fits. (A) “accumulate” = to gather more (opposite meaning); (C) “submit” = to hand in; (D) “retain” = to keep/hold onto — none of these logically pair with the refinancing strategy described.
Vocabulary
refinance – to replace a loan with a new one at better terms
fiscal year – a 12-month period used for financial reporting
interest rate – the percentage charged on a loan
- A considerate
- B considerable
- C prompt
- D prospective
Grammar Explanation
The clue is “resolving each issue within the hour” — this highlights speed. Prompt = quick; done without delay. (A) “considerate” = thoughtful/kind — about attitude, not speed; (B) “considerable” = large in size/amount; (D) “prospective” = expected or likely in the future.
Vocabulary
prompt – done quickly and without delay
considerate – thoughtful about the feelings and needs of others
considerable – large in size, extent, or amount
prospective – likely to happen in the future
- A observe
- B inspect
- C evaluate
- D overlook
Grammar Explanation
Evaluate = to assess the quality or value of something before making a judgment. This fits “before announcing the winner” — a judging process. (A) “observe” = to watch passively; (B) “inspect” = to look closely for faults; (D) “overlook” = to fail to notice or to ignore — all wrong in this context.
Vocabulary
evaluate – to form an opinion about the value or quality of something
grant – an amount of money given for a specific purpose
proposal – a formal plan or suggestion
- A did
- B made
- C reached
- D found
Grammar Explanation
Reach an agreement is a fixed business collocation. Other fixed expressions: reach a decision, reach a conclusion, reach a consensus. You cannot “make an agreement” — you make a deal or an offer. You cannot “find an agreement” in standard business English.
Vocabulary
negotiation – discussion aimed at reaching a compromise
contract terms – the specific conditions of a legal agreement
reach an agreement – to come to a mutual understanding
- A inclusive
- B decisive
- C inconclusive
- D exclusive
Grammar Explanation
If results lead researchers to “pursue further investigation,” the results did not provide a definite answer — they were inconclusive (not leading to a clear conclusion). (B) “decisive” = providing a clear answer — the opposite; (A) and (D) don’t logically apply to clinical trial results.
Vocabulary
inconclusive – not leading to a definite result or conclusion
clinical trial – a scientific study of a medical treatment on human subjects
compound – a substance formed from two or more elements (in chemistry)
- A do
- B say
- C deliver
- D speak
Grammar Explanation
Deliver a speech is the standard collocation. You can also “give a speech.” (B) “say a speech” and (A) “do a speech” are not standard English. (D) “speak a speech” is redundant — “speak” is intransitive here and does not collocate with “a speech.”
Vocabulary
deliver a speech – to formally present a prepared talk
outstanding – exceptionally good; distinguished
contribution – something given or done to help achieve a result
- A attend
- B join
- C participate
- D appear
Grammar Explanation
Attend takes a direct object: attend + event (meeting, briefing, conference). (B) “Join” = to become a member of something; (C) “Participate” = to take part — both need a preposition: “join in,” “participate in.” (D) “Appear” is intransitive in this sense. Only “attend” works directly with “the briefing.”
Vocabulary
briefing – a short meeting to give or receive information
attend – to be present at an event
participate in – to take part in an activity
- A stop
- B prevent
- C refrain
- D avoid
Grammar Explanation
Refrain from is a formal verb + preposition collocation meaning to stop yourself from doing something. It requires the preposition “from.” (A) “Stop” could work with “making” but not with “from making” in this structure naturally; (B) “prevent from” means to stop something/someone externally — not self-restraint; (D) “avoid” takes a gerund without “from.”
Vocabulary
refrain from – to stop oneself from doing something
public statement – an official announcement made openly
investigation – a formal inquiry to discover facts
- A invests
- B invested
- C were to invest
- D has invested
Grammar Explanation
The main clause uses “would likely see” — this signals a Type 2 conditional (hypothetical/unreal present or future). The if-clause can use simple past (“if it invested”) or the more formal “were to + base verb”. Both (B) and (C) are technically correct, but on the TOEIC, “were to invest” is the preferred formal option and more distinctively correct when listed alongside “invests.”
Vocabulary
resources – assets such as money, staff, or materials
research and development (R&D) – activities aimed at creating new products or improving existing ones
- A to test
- B test
- C tested
- D testing
Grammar Explanation
Have + object + base verb is the causative structure for active, willing action. “Had the team test” = she caused the team to do the testing. Compare: “had the software tested” (passive causative — done by someone else to the object). Since “the technical team” is the agent doing the testing, use the base verb.
Vocabulary
causative verb – a verb expressing that someone causes an action to happen
demonstration – a presentation showing how something works
- A grow
- B growing
- C growth
- D grown
Grammar Explanation
After the article “a” and adjective “significant,” a noun is required. Growth is the noun form of “grow.” Pattern: “a significant + noun.” (A) “grow” is a verb; (B) “growing” can be a gerund/adjective but “a significant growing” is not standard; (D) “grown” is a past participle.
Vocabulary
significant growth – a large, meaningful increase
transaction – a completed financial exchange
relaunch – to introduce something again, usually improved
- A efficient
- B efficiency
- C efficiently
- D most efficient
Grammar Explanation
The blank modifies the verb “operates.” A word modifying a verb must be an adverb. Efficiently (adv.) = in a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum waste. (A) is adjective; (B) is noun; (D) is superlative adjective — none modify verbs.
Vocabulary
efficiently – in a way that achieves a result without wasting energy
workload – the amount of work to be done by a person or system
enterprise – a large business or organization
- A strengthen
- B strengthened
- C strengthening
- D strengthen to
Grammar Explanation
“Committed to” is a prepositional phrase — after a preposition, always use a gerund (-ing). “To” here is a preposition (not part of an infinitive), so it must be followed by a noun or gerund. Common traps: “look forward to doing,” “in addition to doing,” “committed to doing,” “devoted to doing.”
Vocabulary
committed to – dedicated to; determined to do something
digital presence – visibility and activity on online platforms
strengthen – to make something stronger or more effective
- A a higher
- B higher
- C the highest
- D highly
Grammar Explanation
“Across all departments” = comparing within a defined group → use the superlative (the + -est or the most). Comparative (higher) compares two items; superlative compares one against all others in a group. Superlatives always take “the.”
Vocabulary
job satisfaction – the feeling of fulfillment from one’s work
survey – a structured study of people’s opinions or experiences
- A because
- B since
- C due to
- D although
Grammar Explanation
Due to + noun/noun phrase (no clause needed). “The keynote speaker’s unexpected illness” is a noun phrase, not a clause. (A) “because” and (B) “since” require a full clause (subject + verb): “because the speaker was ill.” (D) “although” = contrast.
Vocabulary
postpone – to delay an event to a later time
keynote speaker – the main presenter at a conference
unexpected – not anticipated; surprising
- A constructive
- B construction
- C constructed
- D constructively
Grammar Explanation
“Feedback” is a noun; the blank precedes it and must be an adjective. Constructive (adj.) = helpful; intended to improve. (B) “construction” is a noun; (C) “constructed” = built (past participle); (D) “constructively” is an adverb — cannot modify a noun.
Vocabulary
constructive feedback – helpful, improvement-oriented comments
anonymous – not identified by name
platform – a system or structure used for a particular purpose
- A after
- B up
- C through
- D on
Grammar Explanation
Follow up on = to take further action on something previously initiated. “Follow up on leads” is the standard business phrasal verb for acting on potential customers. (A) “follow after” is not a standard phrasal verb in this context; (C) “follow through” = to complete something started; (D) “follow on” is also used but less specifically in lead-generation contexts.
Vocabulary
follow up – to take further action regarding a previous matter
lead – a potential customer or sales opportunity
trade fair – an exhibition where businesses display their products
- A who
- B whom
- C which
- D whose
Grammar Explanation
The antecedent is “the new regulation” — a thing (not a person). For things, use which in relative clauses. Who/whom refers to people; whose shows possession. This is also a non-defining clause (set off by commas), where “which” is always used — “that” cannot be used in non-defining relative clauses.
Vocabulary
regulation – an official rule made by an authority
financial institution – a bank, insurance company, or similar organization
suspicious transaction – a financial activity that may indicate illegal behavior
- A should receive
- B must receive
- C should have received
- D would receive
Grammar Explanation
Should have + past participle expresses an expectation about the past that may or may not have been met. “By now” + past context (dispatched two weeks ago) signals a past modal. “Should have received” = we expected this to have happened already. (A) is present tense — not appropriate for “by now” + past dispatch.
Vocabulary
dispatch – to send goods or a person to a destination
shipment – a quantity of goods sent at one time
by now – at or before this moment in time
- A More
- B Much more
- C The more
- D The most
Grammar Explanation
The structure “The more… the more…” expresses a proportional relationship: as one thing increases, another also increases. Both clauses use “the + comparative.” You cannot use “most” (superlative) or bare “more” without “the” in this structure.
Vocabulary
analyst – a person who examines data to draw conclusions
market forecast – a prediction of future market behavior
accurate – correct and precise
- A complete
- B completing
- C completion
- D completed
Grammar Explanation
After the adjective “successful,” a noun is needed as the subject of the sentence. Completion is the noun form: the act of finishing something. “The successful completion of the merger” = noun phrase as subject. (B) “completing” as a gerund could theoretically work (“The successful completing”) but is not standard — “completion” is the proper nominalization.
Vocabulary
completion – the action of finishing something
merger – a combination of two companies into one
regulatory review – examination by official governing bodies
- A refuse
- B reject
- C deny
- D decline
Grammar Explanation
Reject a proposal/plan/budget is the standard business collocation. “Reject” = to officially not accept. (A) “refuse” is used with actions (“refuse to do”) not proposals; (C) “deny” is used for accusations, requests, or facts; (D) “decline” is for invitations or offers (less formal for a board vote on a budget).
Vocabulary
reject – to formally refuse to accept or approve
cite – to give as a reason or example
insufficient – not enough; inadequate
justify – to show to be right or reasonable
- A Neither
- B Either
- C Both
- D Not only
Grammar Explanation
Neither… nor is used for negative correlative conjunctions (not A and not B). The sentence says neither has been approved — both are negative. (B) “Either… or” = one of two choices (positive); (C) “Both” pairs with “and,” not “nor”; (D) “Not only… but also” adds information positively.
Vocabulary
timeline – a schedule showing when events are planned to occur
senior management – top-level executives in an organization
- A look up
- B break off
- C account for
- D take over
Grammar Explanation
Account for = to explain or justify (financial) figures; to be responsible for presenting financial data. This is a phrasal verb essential in accounting/audit contexts. (A) “look up” = to search for information; (B) “break off” = to stop or detach; (D) “take over” = to assume control.
Vocabulary
account for – to give a satisfactory record of; to explain
expenditure – the amount of money spent
auditor – a person who officially examines financial records
- A outlining
- B outline
- C outlined
- D to outline
Grammar Explanation
“The guidelines” are being described by a past participial phrase (passive meaning): the guidelines that were outlined in the update. Past participle (-ed) in a reduced relative clause = passive. Present participle (-ing) would give active meaning: “guidelines outlining something” — but guidelines don’t outline themselves actively.
Vocabulary
outline – to describe the main features of something
policy update – a revision to official rules or procedures
immediately – at once; without delay
- A show
- B give
- C express
- D present
Grammar Explanation
Express gratitude is the fixed formal collocation. In formal writing and announcements, “express” is always paired with abstract feelings: express gratitude, express concern, express regret, express appreciation. “Show gratitude” is informal; “give gratitude” and “present gratitude” are not standard collocations.
Vocabulary
express gratitude – to formally communicate thankfulness
sponsor – an organization that provides financial support for an event
organizer – a person who arranges and coordinates an event
- A will release
- B releases
- C will have released
- D has released
Grammar Explanation
“By the end of this quarter” signals a future deadline before which an action will be completed — this is the trigger for the future perfect (will have + past participle). It shows that the action (releasing) will be finished before a future point in time. (A) “will release” is simple future — doesn’t convey completion by a deadline.
Vocabulary
beta version – a pre-release version of software for testing
development team – a group of programmers building a product
quarter – a three-month period in a business calendar
- A raise
- B rise
- C enhance
- D elevate
Grammar Explanation
Enhance profitability is the most natural business collocation — “enhance” = to improve the quality or value of something. (A) “raise” = to lift or increase (often used with prices/salaries/rates — “raise prices”); (B) “rise” is intransitive (cannot take an object: “profits rise”); (D) “elevate” works for status/position but not as natural with “profitability.”
Vocabulary
enhance – to improve the quality, value, or extent of something
profitability – the degree to which a business generates profit
emerging market – a developing economy with rapid growth potential
shareholder – a person who owns shares in a company
🏆 Part 5 Master Reference — Grammar & Vocabulary Summary
- Word forms: Before noun = adjective | After verb = adverb | Subject/object position = noun | Action = verb.
- Tense signals: since/for → present perfect | by the time (past) → past perfect | by + future time → future perfect | currently/now → present continuous.
- Preposition collocations to memorize: responsible for · interested in · capable of · committed to · result in · account for · refrain from · aware of · satisfied with · due to.
- Gerund vs infinitive verbs: recommend/suggest/avoid/enjoy/consider/finish/delay → gerund | want/hope/decide/plan/manage/agree/offer → infinitive.
- Prepositions followed by gerunds: look forward to doing · committed to doing · in addition to doing · instead of doing · before/after + doing.
- Causative: have/get + object + base verb (active) | have/get + object + past participle (passive).
- Correlative conjunctions: neither…nor | either…or | both…and | not only…but also.
- Key business collocations: reach an agreement · deliver a speech · attend a meeting · express gratitude · reject a proposal · account for expenditure · follow up on leads.
- Non-defining relative clauses: always use which (things) or who (people) — never “that.”
- Rise vs raise: rise = intransitive (no object) | raise = transitive (takes an object).
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