TOEIC Reading Practice Test 2
TOEIC Reading Practice Test 2
In the Reading test, you will read a variety of texts and answer several different types
of reading comprehension questions. The entire Reading test will last 75 minutes.
There are three parts, and directions are given for each part. You are encouraged to
answer as many questions as possible within the time allowed.
You must mark your answers on the separate answer sheet. Do not write your
answers in the test book.
PART 5
101. The newest technology presents --------- opportunities for the development of
new products.
A. excite
B. excitement
C. exciting
D. excited
102. Send an email to the customer service representative for --------- with removal of
the program.
A. direction
B. assistance
C. computer
D. technology
103. Due to increases in the cost of fuel, the average --------- of consumer goods rose
dramatically.
A. pricey
B. priceless
C. price
D. priced
105. The people --------- to the event were expected to respond by the end of the
week.
A. invited
B. notified
C. reserved
D. inquired
106. Downloads of the new software were --------- available on the internet before the
bug was discovered.
A. fortunately
B. relatively
C. temporarily
D. practically
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107. The intermittent problems resulted in --------- power outages.
A. repeated
B. finalized
C. fixed
D. unguarded
108. Our projections include concessions for inflation, which we assume will be
higher --------- last year's figures.
A. because
B. than
C. as
D. such
109. Although the plan presented by the clerk was rejected, he presented it ---------.
A. reasonable
B. reasonably
C. reasoning
D. reasoned
110. --------- the training session ran late, Hal still made it in time for his 7:00 speech.
A. If
B. When
C. Regardless
D. Though
111. Interest rates are expected to continue --------- unless the central bank makes
some adjustments to the money supply.
A. increase
B. increasing
C. to have been increasing
D. will increase
112. Without getting into specifics, the CEO indicated that the company would
attempt to finance the acquisitions through a --------- of financing options.
A. loan
B. variety
C. tendency
D. cost
113. We chose the company that seemed most capable of providing --------- superior
service.
A. consistently
B. recently
C. potently
D. heavily
114. The supervisor thought that the new measures would result in an immediately
--------- reallocation of resources
A. benefit
B. benefited
C. beneficial
D. beneficially
115. Because the employees reacted so negatively to the new computer system,
--------- job satisfaction has suffered. .
A. their
B. his
C. its
D. it is
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116. We do not charge a service fee so your gratuities are --------- by the staff.
A. appreciation
B. appreciating
C. appreciated
D. appreciable
117. Everyone was --------- to hear the news that the strike was averted at the last
minute.
A. assisted
B. relieved
C. complied
D. believable
118. The new landscaping around our corporate offices is only the most obvious of
the --------- that have been made in the past month.
A. change
B. changes
C. changed
D. changeability
119. The software suite is intended to --------- our award winning accounting platform.
A. complement
B. complementary
C. complementing
D. complemented
120. The nutritional supplement included --------- the meal pack was designed to
offset the health effects of a high-altitude environment.
A. in
B. at
C. of
D. over
121. Employee turnover is high, as can be seen from the list of --------- posted on the
corporate website.
A. vacant
B. vacancy
C. vacantly
D. vacancies
122. Although --------- the entrees will satisfy the hearty diner, meat lovers should
choose the Barnyard Burger.
A. either of
B. among
C. such
D. as much as
123. Beckett Industries has always been profitable, but the recent surge in revenues
has been --------- surprising for investors.
A. pleasing
B. pleasant
C. pleasantly
D. pleased
124. --------- behind the yellow line until the work area has been cleared.
A. remain
B. remaining
C. remained
D. remains
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125. The bills were --------- at the end of last month.
A. cost
B. paid
C. last
D. expense
126. There is very --------- opportunity to judge the suitability of the product before
purchase.
A. few
B. small
C. little
D. less
127. The items on the menu are subject --------- change at any time.
A. to
B. for
C. of
D. by
128. Before going ahead with the proposal, make sure you first fill out the necessary
--------- required for each submission.
A. assembly
B. paperwork
C. approval
D. program
129. My supervisor encourages competition with rival companies, but --------- among
workers in the same department.
A. promotion
B. monitoring
C. resignation
D. cooperation
130. Despite her --------- attempts, Janice never quite got the hang of golf.
A. frequency
B. amount
C. degree
D. numerous
131. The benefit of using our software is that it --------- all of your costs automatically,
making your record keeping quite simple.
A. itemize
B. itemizes
C. itemization
D. items
132. The chairman of the board wondered why a --------- couldn't be conducted to
provide more concrete data.
A. monument
B. treatment
C. display
D. survey
133. Part of the key to our success has been our ability to --------- our commercials on
local television stations during prime viewing hours.
A. broadcast
B. publish
C. revisit
D. distribute
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134. It will be difficult to continue to grow revenues in this economic climate so we
have decided to --------- cost overruns for improvement in an attempt to
boost profitability.
A. decline
B. target
C. refund
D. figure
135. The board has --------- to adopt the resolutions before they meet with the
shareholders.
A. to persuade
B. been persuading
C. to be persuaded
D. persuaded
136. --------- the several options that remain viable, two come at a cost of over five
hundred thousand Euros.
A. Between
B. Of
C. Regards
D. Alone
137. The responsibility for personal safety rests --------- with the participants in the
expedition.
A. peacefully
B. solely
C. unanimously
D. eventfully
138. It hardly matters who's to blame, especially --------- the error should have been
caught had standard operating procedures been followed.
A. when
B. due to
C. always
D. hoping
139. As an economic prognosticator, the head analyst at Finch and Marbury has
earned himself a --------- reputation.
A. solid
B. solidify
C. solidly
D. solidarity
140. The task of --------- the impact of the merger on the bottom line of the company
has fallen to Hester Garcia in the accounting department.
A. calculate
B. calculation
C. calculating
D. calculated
5
PART 6
Directions: Read the text below. A word or phrase is missing in some of the
sentences. For each empty space in the text, select the best answer to complete the
text. Then mark the letter (A), (B), (C), or (D) on your answer sheet.
Forgive me for not --------- my name to this note, but I wish to remain anonymous. I
141. A. attaching
B. requiring
C. discerning
D. expecting
need to report that one of the temporary secretaries brought in to deal with the tax
season rush has been stealing office supplies.
On more than one --------, I have seen one of the temporary secretaries scurrying into
142. A. situation
B. observation
C. intrusion
D. occasion
the supply room with her over-the-shoulder bag and emerging with the bag looking
noticeably heavier. I haven't confirmed my suspicions, but it seems likely that she is
-------- materials for her own personal use.
143. A. appropriate
B. appropriated
C. appropriating
D. appropriately
I don't want to cause any problems, but I fear that the thefts won't be discovered until
after the temps have been released. I fear that one of our regular staff may take the
blame -------- the missing items. Please have someone do a discreet inventory of the
144. A. on
B. for
C. because
D. with
4th floor supply closest just to see if anything is missing.
6
Questions 145-148 refer to the following news report.
for the candidate said that Mr. Vodkanov has decided that the election was taking too
large a toll on his family and he has, therefore, decided to end his -------- public
146. A. usual
B. illustrious
C. directional
D. balancing
career.
Mr. Vodkanov entered politics nearly twenty years ago when he successfully
--------
147. A. ran
B. was
C. became
D. denied
for mayor of Newberg. His strong views on crime fighting and dedication to rooting
graft out of local politics made him loved by the people and feared by corrupt
politicians.
There had been widespread -------- that Mr. Vodkanov would withdraw when recent
148. A. speculation
B. articulation
C. matriculation
D. revelation
7
Questions 149-152 refer to the following advertisement.
Sell Nutraceuticals!
Be a millionaire!
Get in on the ground floor of the burgeoning nutraceuticals market! It's a
multimillion-dollar industry and it's growing larger every year!
What are nutraceuticals? They are natural compounds that have health benefits too
-------- to mention. Including age-old remedies such as soybean extract, distilled St.
149. A. number
B. much
C. numerous
D. amount
Johns Wort, and Brewer's Yeast, these all-natural substance have -------- health
benefits.
150. A. prove
B. proving
C. proven
D. been proven
How can you make money selling nutraceuticals? Because nutraceuticals are not
currently -------- by the Food and Medicine Bureau of the government, you do not
151. A. regulated
B. hungered
C. consisted
D. revealed
need a license to recommend or sell nutraceutical products. You can sell them to your
friends, from the comfort of your own home, or on the Internet.
How do I get in on this? -------- Far East Nutraceutical at 1-888-PLACEBO and order
152. A. Call
B. Calling
C. Callers
D. Called
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PART 7
Directions: In this part you will read a selection of texts, such as magazine and
newspaper articles, letters, and advertisements. Each text is followed by several
questions. Select the best answer for each question and mark the letter (A), (B), (C),
or (D) on your answer sheet.
Thank you for buying Vid-Clipper video editing suite from Tenpin Software.
If you have not yet downloaded your software, you can follow this link:
http://tenpinsoft.com/vidclipper.php. Login using your user name and password
Your user name: BBPlum
Your Password: yhyh78
Before you install the software, you should remove the trial version of Vid-Clipper
from your hard drive if you have previously installed it. Failure to do so may result in
a software conflict making the registered version unusable.
After installing the registered version, you will need to enter your order number and
your confirmation code the first time you use the software.
Please keep these numbers. If you ever need to reinstall the software, it will be
necessary to enter these numbers again.
For your convenience, you can access our help files and FAQ on our homepage at
tenpinsoft.com.
9
Questions 155-157 refer to the following itinerary.
Friday, June 12
9:00 am
Departure: Flight # 343 Redmond Airlines
Friday, June 12
11:47 am Arrival: Fargo, ND
Friday Evening Celestine Bed and Breakfast
Dinner reservations at Kelly's Irish Pub
Saturday Morning Breakfast at Celestine and checkout
Saturday
10:00a.m.Van leaves for the Badlands trailhead
Saturday
afternoon Badlands nature hike led by Dr. Kelty Brickwold
Saturday Evening Dinner and accomodations at the Badlands National Park
Stonewall Lodge
Sunday Morning Breakfast at Stonewall Lodge
Sunday
8:30 am
(weather permitting) Flyfishing lessons led by Frank Shmelt on the Hyperion
River
Sunday
12:00 pm Barbecue at the Stonewall Lodge
Sunday
2:00 pm Van departs for the Fargo airport
Sunday
6:20 Departure: Flight # 345 Redmond Airlines
Sunday
8:10 Arrival: Sioux City
If you have any questions or wish to change any of your itinerary, please notify
Travelbug at least 48 hours prior to departure. Payment for all travel and travel related
activities must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure.
10
Questions 158-160 refer to the following information.
Friday, May 4
Topic: Woods
Session led by Jeeman Pukman
Jeeman Pukman, consistently one of the longest drivers on the tour will spend the day
taking participants through the key points of his trademark backstroke, the proper way
to swing through the ball from the hips instead of the arms, and the ways to avoid
slices.
Saturday, May 5
Topic: Irons
Session led by Gil Marconi
Irons are the key to reaching the green. Gil Marconi will focus on three aspects of the
approach shot using irons, how to achieve the proper height, ways to increase
backspin on the ball, and how to hit the ball farther using a shorter stroke.
Sunday, May 6
Topic: Putting
Session led by Grady O'Shanahan
As everyone knows, great putting is the key that allows you into the clubhouse of
great golfers, but poor skills will keep you forever an outsider. Grady O'Shanahan,
one of the best putters of all time will take you from reading the green to controlling
the club head.
159. Who will teach participants to control specific parts of their bodies?
A. Jeeman Pukman
B. Gil Marconi
C. Grady O'Shanahan
D. George Palmer
11
Questions 161-162 refer to the following advertisement.
Archibald Events
Let us make your function unforgettable!
With over twenty years in the business of catering, Janey
Archibald and her staff have the expertise to make your
function a memorable and successful one. Call for ideas
and estimates for your:
12
Questions 163-165 refer to the following letter of inquiry.
Ideal for corporate retreats or management development seminars, our speakers can
provide your employees accurate, important information about how to run a greener
workplace. Our speakers are charismatic and engaging. Each speaker's session
features an interactive computer presentation and colorful literature designed to make
a lasting impression.
As our speakers are in great demand, we ask that you inquire about availability no
later than one month prior to any function.
If you wish to see a sample of the kind of presentations that we can offer, you can see
video clips of our speakers at recent events by visiting our website:
www.marxwashere.com
Sincerely,
April Morningblossom-Dewdrop
165. Which of the following would NOT likely be the title of a speech given by a
Greenworld Project speaker?
A. The Advantages of Solar Power
B. Increase Quality of Life with Petrochemicals
C. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
D. Water-saving Toilets are the Future
13
Questions 166-169 refer to the following letter of inquiry.
Harold Blankquist
Consult-u-temps
2231 Chang Chun Rd.
Beijing, China
Mr. Blankquist,
I own a small manufacturing concern that I run with my two sons. My eldest thinks
that we should be expanding into China like other large manufacturers. I frankly don't
know enough about it to know whether his opinion has any merit. He gave me your
article you recently published in Asia Industries Monthly and suggested that I read it
and contact your firm about your consulting services.
We are just a small company and can't really afford to fly anyone over to Beijing on a
fact-finding tour or anything like that, but I wondered if we might not consult by
phone. If you'd prefer, my younger son, the computer whiz, says that he could set up
an Internet teleconference.
It may be that your firm doesn't do phone consultations, but I'd appreciate the chance
to talk with you. We are, of course, willing to pay the same fee as a normal
face-to-face session.
I look forward to hearing back from you on this matter. If you have any questions, you
can contact me or either of my boys by using the contact information at the bottom of
the page.
Yours truly,
Bill Brighton
Brighton & Sons Ltd.
1-909-989-9090
http:\\brightonandsonsltdmnfctrng.com
166. What can be inferred about Bill Brighton?
A. He favors his company's expansion in China.
B. He rarely listens to his sons.
C. He read an article in a trade magazine.
D. He wants to travel to Asia.
14
Questions 170-173 refer to the following document.
15
Questions 174-176 refer to the following agreement.
Artsy Fartsy provides consignment sales services for local artists in accordance with
the following conditions.
Product: Once your product has been accepted for consignment sales, the artist will be
responsible for keeping his/her products sufficiently stocked. The artist assumes all
responsibility for the craftsmanship of all products sold. Consignment items will not
be accepted by Artsy Fartsy for return or refund. Customers will be put in contact with
the individual artist.
Fees: There are no special consignment fees. Artsy Fartsy will charge the artist 15%
of the purchase price. (Note: If a customer demands a refund of the artist, he/she will
be responsible for refunding the full amount.)
Payment: When an artist's piece is sold, he/she will be contacted at the address
provided below. For cash sales, the artist will receive payment immediately. For check
or credit card sales, the artist will receive payment on the 5th of the following month.
Artsy Fartsy reserves the right to refuse any piece it feels may be offensive to our
clientele or the community. Past acceptance of an artist's work on consignment does
not imply acceptance of future pieces.
---------------------------------
I hereby request that Artsy Fartsy accept the following products for consignment sale:
Please describe your product. Include price for each piece. (Continue on the back of this sheet if necessary)
174. According to the agreement, what service does Artsy Fartsy offer?
A. Art lessons
B. Selling art for artists
C. Selling stock to artists
D. Refunds for defective products
16
Questions 177-180 refer to the following magazine article.
Casual Dining Continues to Expand
but will it last...?
The past ten years have seen an explosion in what has come to be known "casual
dining." Restaurants such as "February's," "The Cherry Garden," and "Scooters" have
taken advantage of the growth of the baby boom generation with disposable income
and busy schedules. From a negligible sliver of the restaurant pie to a 500 million
dollar chunk, the past decade has seen nothing short of a revolution in the restaurant
industry.
Nay sayers, however, are predicting catastrophe for the sector in the coming months
as a once solid economy has been shaken by increasing unemployment and inflation.
Belle Merewether, a financial analyst who follows the restaurant industry closely, says
that a downturn is inevitable. "Fast-food restaurants are immune from a poor economy
thanks to their low-priced menu items, and exclusive establishments have a steady
clientele of diners who don't have to worry about shrinking paychecks, " Ms.
Merewether reasoned. She emphasized that the casual dining sector enjoys neither of
these advantages. "The middle-class is always the first to have their consumer
confidence shaken, and at the first sign of a slowing economy, folks tend to start
implementing cost-cutting measures. The axe usually falls first on dining out."
Already many national chains, such as February's are test marketing lower-priced
menu items and other similar promotions in an attempt to keep diners coming in for
more. A spokesman for the company said that too much should not be made of the
new promotions, insisting that "[February's] always tries to stay ahead of the curve.
We're always testing some new product for our menus."
For now, the picture still seems quite rosy. The casual dining sector of the restaurant
industry continued to expand through last quarter, with sales up an average of 1.5%.
Investors, however, are not convinced that the trend will continue, sending the stock
prices of several well-known casual dining chains spiraling downward over the past
two weeks.
177. What does the article imply about the casual dining sector?
A. It will be affected by general economic conditions.
B. It is larger than the fast-food sector.
C. It needs to be revolutionized.
D. It has caused an increase in unemployment.
17
Questions 181-185 refer to the following recipe and letter.
Kiddie Dough Recipe
For a safe, inexpensive batch of modeling clay just right for young children, mix the
following ingredients to the right consistency (You may not need all of the water). If
you want to save your child's sculpture, simply set the piece aside to dry.
This concoction only costs pennies to make and is safe for those youngsters who tend
to stick everything they touch in their mouths.
Dear Editor,
I simply had to take exception to the recipe for the so-called "safe" Kiddie Dough that
you featured in your May 2006 issue. Although I have valued the advice that I have
gotten from your publication over the years, this one is way off base.
First, as for the recipe itself, it works fine. My problem is with your characterization
of it as "safe." I understand that it may seem safer than many commercially available
modeling clays because it doesn't have any artificial chemicals and the ingredients are
all food grade. However, that does not mean that the Kiddie Dough is actually good
for children to be eating. The level of salt (sodium chloride, a chemical!) in your
Kiddie Dough recipe is terribly high. If a child were to ingest that much sodium, the
child should be taken to a doctor immediately. A taste here or there won't harm a
child, but swallowing a good-sized piece could still prove dangerous.
Finally, instead of using the artificial food colorings available in supermarkets, I like
to color my homemade kiddie dough with natural ingredients like tomato or grape
juice. You might consider that for the next time you publish this recipe.
Sincerely,
Erma Beckenbaum
18
184. What is Ms. Beckenbaum's main objection?
A. The ingredient proportions are incorrect.
B. The temperature of the water is too high.
C. The food coloring is artificial.
D. The recipe contains high levels of sodium.
19
Questions 186-190 refer to the following brochure and information.
Energy Saving Benefits of Using
Harborway Tankless Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters can now become a thing of the past with the introduction of
the revolutionary Harborway Tankless Water Heater.
Traditional water heaters have two major disadvantages. First, they waste energy (and
money!) by heating up a large amount of water and storing it in a tank. The efficiency
of even the most modern tanks is low. Energy (and money!) must be constantly added
to keep the water in the tank at the desired temperature as it sits and waits for
someone to use it. No one keeps a pot of coffee burning all day and night just for the
sake of their morning cup. Why do that for your hot water?
The second disadvantage is evident when you finally do use the water. The amount of
hot water available to you is limited, as anyone who gets stuck taking the second
shower knows.
Harborway Tankless water heaters solve these two problems by heating the water as it
runs through the water pipes in your home. Hot, fast and efficient, Harborway
Tankless Water Heaters deliver as much hot water as you need when you need it, and
when you don't, you're not wasting money waiting for when you do.
Talk to your plumbing and Heating Specialist today about switching to a Harborway
Tankless Water Heater.
Ms Fenton, Thank you for your interest in the Model 23WW Harborway Tankless.
Here are the energy usage comparison charts you requested. Call if you have any
more questions.
Harborway
__
Traditional
20 Gal 30 Gal 40 Gal 20 Gal 30 Gal 40 Gal
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186. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a traditional water heater?
A. The water can be heated to a desired temperature.
B. The water is kept hot continuously.
C. It can be used to brew coffee.
D. It often runs out of hot water.
187. In what way is a Harborway model different from a traditional model?
A. It has a smaller tank.
B. It comes with it special water pipes.
C. It can run on electricity.
D. It heats water on demand.
188. What can be inferred from the brochure?
A. A Harborway Water Heater can save consumers money.
B. Harborway Water Heaters come in different sizes.
C. Installing a Harborway Water Heater is simple.
D. Delivery of new Harborway Water Heaters is fast and efficient.
189. What is Ms. Fenton likely most concerned about?
A. How to save the most energy
B. How much the 23WW model costs
C. When she can have her water heater installed
D. Switching from gas to electric power
190. What can be inferred from the information sent to Ms. Fenton?
A. Harborway Water Heaters are more efficient using gas than electricity.
B. Traditional water heaters are less expensive than Harborways.
C. JBD Plumbing Supply only sells Harborway Water Heaters.
D. Ms. Fenton desires a Harborway model with a tank.
21
Questions 191-195 refer to the following letter and summary.
Zell Ningfert
The Law Offices of
Trenton and Bueller
Summary of grounds for suit: We feel you can sue successfully on several grounds.
1. Misrepresentation and fraud: You were lied to by the clerk.
2. Failure to comply with a request for a refund: Consumer protection laws frown
on behavior such as that exhibited by the store manager
3. Endangerment: You might have been injured by the faulty bed frame.
4. Mental anguish and sleep deprivation: You have been forced to sleep on the floor
for an extended period of time due to the Gatling Outlet's negligent and fraudulent
behavior.
22
191. What is the purpose of the letter?
A. To request a refund.
B. To inquire about a new sofa
C. To threaten a company with legal action
D. To suggest a way to improve sofa sales.
195. According to the summary, which of the following is NOT grounds for a lawsuit?
A. The store was not truthful.
B. The woman was overcharged.
C. The manager acted in an inappropriate manner.
D. The sofa put her safety at risk.
23
Questions 196-200 refer to the following press release and email.
Press Release:
Technocrom Inc
April 1, 2005
Technocrom Incorporated announces the completion of its newest computer
peripheral, the Technosnake. A replacement for the traditional computer mouse, the
Technosnake unit allows users to manipulate their computers by slithering a wireless
snake-like device across their desktops.
"The Technosnake is really a revolutionary new product," said Gary Hartman, director
of marketing for the company. "Instead of pushing a piece of plastic that somewhat
resembles a rodent while operating their computers, folks can now use a short length
of rubber and silicone that looks just like a reptile to accomplish their tasks."
The development of the Technosnake was led by 23-year-old Doug Altman, the
innovative whiz kid who was responsible for bringing glow-in-the-dark keyboards
into the mainstream. Technocrom also teamed up with fashion expert, Kelvin Crime,
for the design of the Technosnake's colorful diamond-back pattern. Consumers who
find the Technosnake's colors too bold can look forward to the Technosnake
Chameleon model due out next year. As the name implies, the unit is designed to
blend into any decor.
To: Technocrom Sales
From: Felicia Sanchez ([email protected])
This is Felicia Sanchez at Compucrud. I just saw a posting of a press release on the
Internet regarding your newest product, the Technosnake. I'd really like to stock this
product in all of our stores. It sounds like the type of item that will really generate
floor traffic. If it would be possible, could you send me a few samples of the
Technosnake? I'd like to preview it to my sales staff and get their reaction. Also, if we
do decide to stock the Technosnake, I'll require quite a large volume of product. That
being the case, will you be able to assure me that I will be adequately supplied?
Finally, one last question. Is Technocrom planning to offer any marketing support?
Advertising? Any point-of-purchase materials? Brochures? Needless to say, anything
along these lines would certainly make selling the Technosnake easier.
Thanks
F.S.
24
196. What is the press release announcing?
A. The hiring of a new product developer
B. The invention of a new type of computer hardware
C. The development of a special kind of plastic
D. A new application for the Technosnake
198. According to the press release, what will happen next year?
A. Technocrom will offer glow-in-the-dark keyboards.
B. A second type of Technosnake will be available.
C. Doug Altman will assume a greater degree of responsibility.
D. The Technosnake will be redesigned.
25