TOEIC Practice - Part 7: Reading Comprehension

In Part 7 you will read passages in the form of letters, ads, memos, faxes, schedules, etc. The reading section has a number of single passages and 4 double passages. You will be asked 2-4 questions about each single passage, and 5 questions for each double passage. Sometimes you will be asked for specific details. Other times you will be asked about what the passage implies. In the paired passages you will also be asked to make connections between the two related texts. On the real test you will not have time to read every word. You need to practice scanning and reading quickly for details.

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.

Explanation 1:

The correct answer is D.

2. When does the change come into effect?

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

Explanation 2:

The correct answer is D.

Example 2: Advertisement

sunFREE
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.

Explanation 3:

The correct answer is C.

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.

Explanation 4:

The correct answer is A.

5. Who cannot benefit from this special deal?

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

Explanation 5:

The correct answer is B. (The UK is outside of North America.)

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.

Explanation 6:

The correct answer is C.

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

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

Explanation 7:

The correct answer is A. (John Trimbald only needed four, but they sent an extra pair.)

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.

Explanation 8:

The correct answer is B.

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.

Explanation 9:

The correct answer is D.

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