🎯 TOEIC Part 6: Text Completion Strategies for Faster, Smarter Answers

Complete the story—not just the sentence.

In TOEIC Reading Part 6, you’ll read short business-style passages with blanks to fill.
Some blanks need a single word or phrase. Others need a full sentence that connects ideas.

It’s more than grammar — it’s about following the flow of the passage and choosing the most natural, logical completion.

1 – Keep the Flow

  • Skim the whole passage first — don’t solve blank by blank.

  • For sentence options, choose one that connects smoothly to both the line before and after.

  • Can’t decide? Mark it, move on, and come back — later context often gives clues.

  • Follow the logical sequence — cause/effect, step-by-step, timeline.

  • Avoid choices that simply repeat earlier information.

2 – Use Grammar to Guide You

  • Identify the type of blank — single word or full sentence — and adjust your approach.

  • Check subject–verb agreement (singular/plural).

  • Match verb tense with the rest of the passage.

  • Recognise fixed expressions (in order to, as a result, due to).

  • Eliminate options that don’t fit the sentence structure.

3 – Fit the Vocabulary and Tone

  • Use context clues from nearby words.

  • Know common TOEIC business vocabulary (submit, inquire, postpone).

  • Match the tone — Part 6 is often formal or polite.

  • Learn the typical structure of common passage types (emails, notices, reports).

4 – Follow Logical Connections

  • Watch for transition words (however, therefore, meanwhile, in addition).

  • Track pronouns and references (this, that, he, they) — know exactly what they refer to.

5 – Manage Your Time

  • Don’t get stuck — mark and move on if needed.

  • Avoid overthinking — your first instinct is often right.

  • Aim for ~30 seconds per blank (16 questions in about 8 minutes).

  • Practice with real-style passages until the rhythm feels natural.

Final tip: Part 6 rewards both big-picture reading and detail checking.
Think like the writer — what makes the passage flow naturally from start to finish?

For more strategies and resources to strengthen your Reading skills, visit the English Library Collection and find ideas you can apply to your Part 6 preparation.

A black-and-white photograph of a large examination hall filled with rows of test takers seated at desks. Each person appears focused on their individual test papers, creating a quiet, concentrated atmosphere.
🔐 Sakura Hidden FAQ – TOEIC Part 6: Text Completion For use in backend only – not visible to public ❓ What is the best way to start Part 6? EN: Start by skimming the whole short passage. Don’t just look at the first blank. Understanding the topic and flow helps you choose better answers. JP: パート6では、まず短文全体をざっと読んで全体の流れをつかみましょう。最初の空欄だけを見て判断するのではなく、トピックと構成を理解することが正解率アップのカギです。 ❓ Should I do each blank one by one? EN: Not always. It’s better to read the full passage first, then go back and choose answers based on the full context. JP: 空欄を1つずつ順に解く必要はありません。まずは全文を読み、全体の文脈を理解したうえで解答するのがおすすめです。 ❓ How can I tell if the blank needs a word or a sentence? EN: Look at the answer choices. If they’re full sentences, you’re dealing with a sentence insertion question. Use flow and logic to choose the best fit. JP: 選択肢を見れば判断できます。文全体が選択肢になっていれば、文挿入タイプの問題です。前後のつながりや論理の流れを意識して選びましょう。 ❓ What kind of grammar issues should I watch for? EN: Pay attention to verb tense, subject-verb agreement, and fixed phrases. These are common traps in Part 6. JP: 動詞の時制、主語と動詞の一致、定型表現の形などに注意しましょう。これらはパート6でよく出る文法トラップです。 ❓ I don’t understand the vocabulary. What can I do? EN: Use context clues around the blank. If that’s not enough, eliminate choices that don’t match grammatically or logically. JP: 空欄の前後の文脈から意味を推測しましょう。難しい単語があっても、文法的・論理的に合わない選択肢を消去すれば正解に近づけます。 ❓ How much time should I spend on Part 6? EN: Aim to finish all 16 questions in about 8 minutes total. That’s 30 seconds per blank. Don’t spend too long on one item. JP: パート6全体で約8分以内に解き終えるのが理想です。1つの空欄につき30秒が目安です。時間をかけすぎないようにしましょう。 ❓ What should I do if I’m stuck on one blank? EN: Mark it and move on. You can come back after reading the full passage—it might be easier then. JP: 分からない場合はマークして、後で戻るのが効果的です。全文を読んだ後の方が答えやすくなることがあります。