Working words Check your vocabulary for TOEFL

Check your vocabulary for TOEFL

Working words

Exercise 1

This exercise lets you review some of the more common uses of “grammar”-type words (prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns, prepositions, etc.) in context. Use one word to complete each gap in the sentences. In some cases, there may be more than one alternative answer, but you should just give one of them.

1	I'm afraid __________ say you have absolutely __________ chance __________ passing the exam.
2	A few years __________, people __________ to write letters to each other. __________ days, it's all e-mails and text messages.
3	You can't leave early, __________ if you promise to work late tomorrow.
4	__________ 1999 and 2003, the book sold __________ a million copies.
5	One or two of my friends live abroad, but __________ of them live __________ my home.
6	Please __________ quiet. I'm trying to concentrate __________ my project.
7	__________ it rains tomorrow, we can go __________ a picnic.
8	We wanted to see the exhibition __________ the art gallery, but knowing how __________ other people __________ be there, we decided to give it a miss.
9	In __________ of missing most of his lessons, he __________ to pass the exam.
10	I adore spicy food. __________ is the reason I'm so keen __________ Mexican cooking.
11	Jan Kelly, a teacher __________ works at St. Clare's in Portland, Oregon, has __________ been given a “Teacher of the Year” award.
12	He approached his English lessons __________ enthusiasm, and __________ excellent progress as a result.
13	His sudden change of heart took everyone __________ surprise, since previously he __________ been very interested in the project.
14	He spent the second half of his life living in _______ remote village of Hogstail Common, __________ he wrote most of his novels.
15	__________ the time she retired, she __________ worked for the company for thirty two years, and during __________ time, she only took one or two days __________ sick.
16	I've __________ working on this essay __________ over a week, but __________ matter how much Iwork, I just can't seem to finish __________.

Exercise 2

Instructions as above.

1	Some people try to __________ up cigarettes by smoking _____ they feel sick, or by limiting themselves to one or __________ a day, but __________ methods are not very effective.
2	There were at __________ sixty people in the room, which was far __________ than the organizers expected, and __________ there were only 20 chairs, most of us __________ to stand.
3	I enjoy working __________ people who come __________ a wide range of backgrounds. __________ is the reason why I'm so keen __________ working for the U.N.
4	“Interphone”, __________ is in __________ city center, is __________ of the biggest companies in _______ country.
5	Up __________ a few years ago, people __________ have the same career for life. Nowadays, __________ can reasonably expect __________ change careers two __________ three times.
6	In spite __________ being rather lazy, he is always able __________ get good results and has made __________ good impression __________ his tutors.
7	He spent __________ greater part of his life working __________ Barcelona, __________ he produced most of his most famous works of art.
8	__________ 2001 and 2004, unemployment figures dropped to an all-time low, but __________ 2004 to 2007 __________ rose __________ their highest level ever.
9	One __________ two of our lecturers commute from the country, but __________ of them live __________ the college or in the accommodations __________ the college provides.
10	Students are __________ allowed to miss a class __________ they inform their tutor at __________ three days in advance, __________ they are ill, in which case they should try to call the college on the day itself.
11	Please come __________ time to your lessons, and __________ prepared to work a __________ harder from __________ on.
12	We discussed holding the interviews __________ our Washington branch, but knowing how many people would apply __________ the job, we decided to use our bigger offices __________ New York.
13	In most respects he was a typical student, but __________ made him different __________ everybody else in his class __________ his enthusiasm for working __________ weekends.
14	I agree __________ I'm not perfect. I'm __________ capable _______ making mistakes as __________ else.
15	He approached his course __________ enthusiasm, __________ all the assignments he was set, and__________ excellent progress as a result.

ANSWER KEY