Toefl exam Essentials

TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
QUESTION TYPES IN THE STRUCTURE SECTION
There are two basic kinds of questions on the structure section
of both the computer-based and paper-based exams:
■
Sentence completion. This question type presents a
sentence with a blank. From four possible answer
choices, you will select the one word or phrase that
correctly completes the sentence. Here are some
examples:
1. The company had dumped waste into the river for years
and it ________ to continue doing so.
a. plans
b. planning
c. planned
d. had planned
2. After the female emperor penguin lays a single egg, she
gives them to her mate, ________ holds it in a fold of skin
near his feet for a two-month incubation period.
a. he
b. who
c. which
d. while
Answers: 1. c
2. b
■
Recognizing grammatical mistakes. In this question
type, sentences will have four underlined words or
phrases. You will choose the underlined word or phrase
that is incorrect. Here are some examples:

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STRUCTURE
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3. Frank Lloyd Wright, by designing the low-cost “Usonian” 
A
B 
house in the 1930s, wanting to make American architec-
C
D
ture more “democratic” and affordable to everyone.
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
4. A lack in vitamin D, which comes from fortified milk or 
A
B
sunshine, can decrease the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
C
D
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Answers: 3. c
4. a
COMPUTER TEST VS. PAPER TEST
You will find some key differences between the computer-based
test (CBT) and the paper-and-pencil exam. Although the ques-
tions will cover the same type of material, you will answer fewer
questions about each on the CBT. The structure section of the
CBT is also computer adaptive, meaning that the computer
selects questions based on your ability level. Your first question
will be of average difficulty. If you answer it correctly, your next

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TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
question will be harder. If you answer incorrectly, your next
question will be easier. Here is an overview of the differences
between the two tests:
Computer Test:
Paper-and-Pencil:
Structure
Structure and Written
Expression
15–20 minutes
25 minutes
20–25 questions
40 questions
Computer adaptive: the 
Test takers answer the same
level of difficulty of ques-
questions.
tions is based on each 
test-taker’s ability.
Question types are mixed 
Question types fall into two
together and presented 
sections:
at random.