🎯 TOEIC Part 5: Spot the Word, Win the Point
Fast grammar. Smart patterns. 30 chances to score.
In TOEIC Reading Part 5, each question is a single sentence with one missing word.
Your job: choose the best word to complete it.
It looks simple — but it moves fast.
Grammar, vocabulary, and logic all come into play.
1 – Grammar Structure Mistakes
Read the whole sentence first — don’t just stare at the blank.
Identify the word type needed: noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
Check subject–verb agreement — singular or plural.
Match verb tense to time clues.
Even if you don’t know the word, grammar patterns often reveal the answer.
2 – Confusing Vocabulary & Word Families
Learn word family differences (apply, applicant, application, applicable).
Recognise collocations — words that naturally go together (make a decision, take a break).
Watch gerunds vs. infinitives — some verbs only take one form (to do / doing).
Notice articles and quantifiers (a, an, the, some, many).
Place adverbs correctly — know what they modify.
3 – Logic & Sentence Meaning
Understand conjunctions (although, because, but, so).
Follow signal words (however, meanwhile, as a result).
Think in English — don’t translate word-for-word.
Expect formal business tone in TOEIC contexts.
4 – Process Problems
Eliminate wrong choices first — grammatically or logically impossible options go.
Don’t overthink — simple is often right.
Recognise common TOEIC vocabulary (client, shipment, deadline).
Keep moving — ~20–30 seconds per question.
5 – Make Practice Automatic
Part 5 repeats patterns.
The more you see them, the faster your brain will lock in the right choice.
Final tip: Part 5 isn’t about creativity — it’s about recognition.
Spot the pattern, trust your grammar sense, and move with confidence.
For more strategies and resources to strengthen your Reading skills, visit the English Library Collection and find ideas you can apply to your Part 5 preparation.
