Structure of Toefl

Strategy of Structure

1. First study the sentence.
    Your purpose is to determine what is needed to complete the sentence correctly.

2. Then study each answer based on how well it completes the sentence.
     Eliminate answers that do not complete the sentence correctly.

3. Do not try to eliminate incorrect answers by looking only at the answers.
    The incorrect answers are generally correct by themselves. The incorrect answers are generally incorrect only when used to complete the sentence.

4. Never leave any answers blank.
    Be sure to answer each question even if you are unsure of the correct response.

5. Do not spend too much time on the Structure questions.
    Be sure to leave adequate time for the Written Expression questions


Example:

________ greeted me enthusiastically at the front door.

(A) Parental
(B) If
(C) My friends
(D) Them

In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has a verb, greeted, and that the verb needs a subject. Answers (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect because parental, if, and them are not subjects. The correct answer is answer (C).

The ten problems or  skill are:

1. Problem with  Subject and Verbs

2. Problem with  Objects of Prepositions

3. Problem with Present Participles

4. Problem with Past Participles

5. Problem with Coordinate Connectors

6. Problem with  Adverb Clause Connectors

7. Problem with Noun Clause Connectors

8. Problem with Noun Clause Connectors/Subjects

9. Problem with Adjective Clause Connectors

10. Problem with Adjective Clause Connectors/Subject

You know that a sentence in English should have a subject and a verb. The most common types of problems that you will encounter in the Structure section of the TOEFL test are related to subjects and verbs; perhaps the sentence is missing either the subject, or the verb, or both; perhaps the sentence has an extra subject or verb.

Example I

______was ringing continuously for hours.

(A) Loudly
(B) In the morning
(C) The phone
(D) The bells

Analysis:

In this example, you should notice immediately that there is a verb, was ringing, but there is no subject. Answer (C) is the best answer because it is a singular subject that agrees with the singular verb was ringing. Answer (A), loudly, and answer (B), in the morning, are not subjects, so they are not correct. Although answer (D), bells, could be a subject, it is not correct because bells is plural and it does not agree with the singular verb was ringing.

Example II

Newspapers _______ every morning and every evening.

(A) delivery
(B) are delivered
(C) on time
(D) regularly


Analysis:

In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has a subject, newspapers, but that there is no verb. Because answer (B), are delivered, is a verb, it is the best answer. Answers (A), (C), and (D) are not verbs, so they are not correct.

Example III

The plane __________ landing at the airport in five minutes.

(A) it is
(B) it really is
(C) is descending
(D) will be

Analysis:

This sentence has a subject, plane, and has part of a verb, landing; to be correct, some form of the verb be is needed to make the verb complete. Answers (A) and (B) are incorrect because the sentence already has a subject, plane, and does not need the extra subject it. Answer (C) is incorrect because descending is an extra part of a verb that is unnecessary because of landing. Answer (D) is the best answer; will be together with landing is a complete verb.

1.       SUBJECTS AND VERBS

A sentence in English must have at least one subject and one verb. The first thing you should do as you read a sentence in the Structure section of the TOEFL test is to find the subject and the verb.

EXERCISE 1

Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice in each of the following sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect ( I ).

1.       My best friend always helpful with problems. ( I )

                 Analysis:
                 The subject of the sentence above is My best friend, but there is no Verb. So, incorrect.
                 The correct sentence should be My best friend is always helpful and with problems. 

2.       The bus schedule has changed since last week. (C)
Analysis:
The subject is The bus and verb is has changed, so the sentence is Correct.

3.        Accidentally dropped the glass on the floor. ( I )
 Analysis:

                The sentence doesn't have a Subject. The verb is dropped, so it is incorrect.
                 The correct sentence should be Accidentally she or he dropped the glass on the floor.

4.       The customer paying the clerk for the clothes. (I)
 Analysis:
The sentence doesn't have to be, is. So incorrect
 It should be The customer is paying the clerk for the clothes.

5.       The professor handed the syllabus to the students. (C)
 Analysis:
The sentence has subject, the professor and verb, handed. So it is correct

2.       An object of a preposition is a noun or a pronoun that comes after a preposition such as in, at, of to, by, behind, and on to form a prepositional phrase.

The trip (to the island) (on Saturday) will last (for three hours)

This sentence contains three objects of prepositions. Island is the object of the preposition to; Saturday is the object of the preposition on; hours is the object of the preposition for.

An object of a preposition can cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because it can be mistaken for the subject of a sentence.

Example
To Mike ____ was a big surprise.

(A) really
(B) the party
(C) funny
(D) when

In this example, you should look first for the subject and the verb. You should notice the verb was and should also notice that there is no subject. Do not think that Mike is the subject; Mike is the object of the preposition to, and one noun cannot be both a subject and an object at the same time. Because a subject is needed in this sentence, answer (B), the party, is the best answer. Answers (A), (C), and (D) are not correct because they cannot be subjects.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about objects of prepositions.

                Now, Let's do and analyze the exercise below:

EXERCISE 2: Each of the following sentences contains one or more prepositional phrases. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the prepositional phrases that come before the verb. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The name of the baby in the crib is Jack. (C)
     Analysis:
    Subject is The name of baby and Verb is IS. So, it is correct
    The Crib is only object of preposition

2. By the next meeting of the class need to turn in the papers.( I)
     Analysis:
     Verb is need but there is no Subject. So, it is Incorrect
     The next meeting of the class is NOT subject, it is object of preposition

3. The directions to the exercise on page 20 unclear.
    Analysis:
    Subject is The directions but there is no Verb. So, it is incorrect.
    The exercise is not subject, it is object of preposition.

4. Because of the heavy rain throughout the night, the walkways are muddy.
   Analysis:
   Subject is the walkways and Verb is Are. So, it is correct.
   The heavy rain throughout the night is only object of preposition.

5. During the week eat lunch in the school cafeteria.
    Analysis:
    Verb is eat but there is no Subject. So, it is incorrect
    The week is not Subject, it is object of preposition

3.       Present participles can-cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because a present participle can be either an adjective or a part of the verb. A present participle is the - ing form of the verb. It is part of the verb when it is preceded by some form of the verb be.

The train is arriving at the station now. (Arriving is VERB)                                                     

In this sentence, arriving is part of the verb because it is accompanied by is.

A present participle is an adjective when it is not accompanied by some form of the verb be.

The train arriving at the station now is an hour late. (Arriving is ADJECTIVE)

In this sentence, arriving is an adjective and not part of the verb because it is not accompanied by some form of be. The verb in this sentence is is.

The following example shows how a present participle can be confused with the verb in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

                The film ____ appearing at the local theater is my favorite.
                (A) now
                (B) is
                (C) it
                (D) was

                In this example, if you look at only the first words of the sentence, it appears that film is the subject and appearing is part of the verb. If you think that appearing is part of the verb, you might choose answer (B), is, or answer (D), was, to complete the verb. However, these two answers are incorrect because appearing is not part of the verb. You should recognize that appearing is a participial adjective rather than a verb because there is another verb in the sentence, is. In this sentence, there is a complete subject, film, and a complete verb, is, so this sentence does not need another subject or verb. The best answer to this question is answer (A).

EXERCISE:  Each of the following sentences contains one or more present participles. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the present participles, and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

a)      The crying baby needs to be picked up. (C)
          ADJ.

b)      The clothes are lying the floor should go into the washing machine. (I)
                             VERB

c)       The waitress bringing the steaming soup to the waiting diners.

d)      Most of the striking workers are walking the picket line.

e)      For her birthday, the child is getting a talking doll.

4.       Past participles can cause confusion in the Structure section of the TOEFL test because a past participle can be either an adjective or a part of the verb. The past participle is the form of the verb that appears with have or be. It often ends in -ed, but there are also many irregular past participles in English.

The mailman has left a letter in the mailbox. (Left is VERB)

                             The classes were taught by Professor Smith. (Taught is VERB)

In the first sentence, the past participle left is part of the verb because it is accompanied by has. In the second sentence, the past participle taught is part of the verb because it is accompanied by were.

                A past participle is an adjective when it is not accompanied by some form of be or have.

The letter left in the mailbox was for me. (Left is ADJECTIVE)

The classes taught by Professor Smith were very interesting. (Taught is ADJECTIVE)

In the first sentence, left is an adjective rather than a verb because it is not accompanied by a form of be or have (and there is a verb, was, later in the sentence). In the second sentence, taught is an adjective rather than a verb because it is not accompanied by a form of be or have (and there is a verb, were, later in the sentence).

The following example shows how a past participle can be confused with the verb in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The bread _____ baked this morning smelled delicious.

(A) has
(B) was
(C) it
(D) just

In this example, if you look only at the first few words of the sentence, it appears that bread is the subject and baked is either a complete verb or a past participle that needs a helping verb. But if you look further in the sentence, you will see the verb smelled. You will then recognize that baked is a participial adjective and is therefore not part of the verb. Answers (A) and (B) are incorrect because baked is an adjective and does not need a helping verb such as has or was. Answer (C) is incorrect because there is no need for the subject it. Answer (D) is the best answer to this question.

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains one or more past participles. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the past participles, and label them as adjectives or verbs. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. The food is served in this restaurant is delicious. (Incorrect)
    Analysis:
    The sentence should be "The food served in this restaurant is delicious".
    is served is incorrect, it should be served (past participle as an Adjective).
    Subject is The food and Verb is IS

2. The plane landed on the deserted runway. (Correct)
    Analysis:
   Subject is The place and Verb is landed
   Deserted is past participle as an adjective
  
3. The unexpected guests arrived just at dinnertime. (Correct)
    Analysis:
    Subject is unexpected guests and Verb is arrived
    Unexpected is past participle as an adjective

4. The courses are listed in the catalogue are required courses. (Incorrect)
    Analysis:
    The sentence should be The course listed in the dialogue are required courses.
     Subject is The course and Verb is are required.
     are listed is inccorect, but it should be listed (be past participle as an adjective)

5. The teacher found the lost exam. (Correct)
     Analysis:
     Subject is The teacher and Verb is found
     Lost is past participle as an adjective

5.       Past Participle : Many sentences in English have more than one clause. (A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.) When you have two clauses in an English sentence, you must connect the two clauses correctly. One way to connect two clauses is to use and, but, or, or so between the clauses.

The sun was shining and the sky was blue.

The sky was blue, but it was very cold.

It may rain tonight, or it may be clear.

It was raining outside, so I took my umbrella.

In each of these examples, there are two clauses that are correctly joined with a coordinate connector—and, but, or, or so—and a comma (,).

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

I forgot my coat, ____ I got very cold.
(A) then
(B) so
(C) later
(D) as a result

In this example, you should notice quickly that there are two clauses, I forgot my coat and I got very cold. This sentence needs a connector to join the two clauses. Then, later, and as a result are not connectors, so answers (A), (C), and (D) are not correct. The best answer is answer (B) because so can connect two clauses in this manner.

The following chart lists the coordinate connectors and the sentence pattern used with them.

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct ‘(C) or incorrect (I).

a)      The lawn needs water every day, or it will turn brown. (C)
Analysis:

Both clauses are correct and coordinate connector is correct.

b)      The book was not long, it difficult to read. (I)
Analysis:

Second clause should be it is difficult to read. There is not coordinate connector.

c)       It was raining, so decided not to go camping. (I)
Analysis:

Second clause has no Subject.

d)      The material has been cut, and the pieces have been sewn together. (C)
Analysis:

Both clauses are correct and coordinate connector is correct too.

e)      The patient took all the medicine, he did not feel much better. (I)
Analysis:

Both clauses are correct but there is no coordinate connector

6.       Sentences with adverb clauses have two basic patterns in English. Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences:

He is tired because he has been working so hard.

Because he has been working so hard, he is tired.

In each of these examples, there are two clauses: he is tired and he has been working so hard. The clause he has been working so hard is an adverb clause that is introduced with the connector because. In the first example, the connector because comes in the middle of the sentence, and no comma (,) is used. In the second example, the connector because comes at the beginning of the sentence. In this pattern, when the connector comes at the beginning of the sentence, a comma (,) is required in the middle of the sentence.

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example
_____ arrived at the library, he started to work immediately.

(A) The student
(B) When
(C) He
(D) After the student

         In this example, you should recognize easily that the verb arrived needs a subject. There is also another clause, he started to work immediately. If you choose answer (A) or answer (C), you will have a subject for the verb arrived, but you will not have a connector to join the two clauses. Because you need a connector to join two clauses, answers (A) and (C) are incorrect. Answer (B) is incorrect because there is no subject for the verb arrived. Answer (D) is the best answer because there is a subject, student, for the verb, arrived, and there is a connector, after, to join the two clauses.

The following chart lists common adverb connectors and the sentence patterns used with them.

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

a.        After the plane circled the airport, it landed on the main runway. (C)
Analysis:
Both clauses have subject and verb.
The connector "when" is correct, too.

b.      The registration process took many hours since the lines so long. (I)
Analysis:
The second clause has no verb. It should be the lines were so long.
The connector "since" is correct.

c.       This type of medicine can be helpful, it can also have some bad side effects. (I)
Analysis:
Both clauses are correct but there is no connector.

d.       The waves were amazingly high when the storm hit the coastal town. (C)
Analysis:
Both clauses and connector are correct.

e.       We need to get a new car whether is on sale or not. (I)
Analysis:
Second clause has no subject. It should be it is on sale or not
Connector "whether" is correct

7.       A noun clause is a clause that functions as a noun; because the noun clause functions as a noun, it can be used in a sentence as an object of a verb (if it follows a verb) or an object of a preposition (if it follows a preposition). Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences.

In the first example, there are two clauses, I don’t know and he said such things. These two clauses are joined with the connector why. Why changes the clause he said such things into a noun clause which functions as the object of the verb don’t know.

In the second example, the two clauses I am thinking and he said such things are also joined by the connector why. Why changes the clause he said such things into a noun clause which functions as the object of the preposition about.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test

Example

The citizens worry about ____ is doing.
(A) what the government
(B) the government
(C) what
(D) what the government it

            In this example, the sentence contains the main subject and verb, the citizens worry, and it also contains an additional verb, is doing. The sentence needs a subject for the verb is doing and a connector to join the two clauses. The best answer is answer (A) because it has the connector what and the subject government. Answer (B) is incorrect because it does not have a connector. Answer (C) is incorrect because it does not have a subject for is doing. Answer (D) is incorrect because it has two subjects for is doing.

            The following chart lists the noun clause connectors and the sentence patterns used with them.

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

a.       It is unfortunate that the meal is not ready yet. (C)
    Analysis:
    Both clauses are correct because they have subject and verb

b.       She told me when should pick up the children. (I)
    Analyisis:
     should pick up the children is incorrect. It should be  I should pick up the children.

c.       The instructor explained where was the computer lab located. (I)
 Analysis:
 Where was the computer lab located is incorrect. It should be where the computer lab was located.

d.      We could not believe what he did to us. (C)
    Analysis:
    Both clauses are correct.

e.      Do you want to know if it going to rain tomorrow? (I)
   Analysis:
   If it going to rain tomorrow is incorrect. It should be If it is going to rain tomorrow.

8.       In Skill 7 we saw that noun clause connectors can be used to introduce noun clauses. In Skill 8 we will see that in some cases a noun clause connector is not just a connector; a noun clause connector can also be the subject of the clause at the same time. Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences.

I know what happened yesterday

            NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF VERB

We are thinking about what happened yesterday.

                                  NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF PREPOSITION

In the first example, there are two clauses: I know and what happened yesterday. These two clauses are joined by the connector what. It is important to understand that in this sentence the word what serves two functions. It is both the subject of the verb happened and the connector that joins the two clauses.

In the second example, there are two clauses. In the first clause we is the subject of are thinking. In the second clause what is the subject of happened. What also serves as the connector that joins the two clauses. The noun clause what happened yesterday functions as the object of the preposition about.

The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The company was prepared for ________ happened with the economy.
(A) it
(B) the problem
(C) what
(D) when

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

a.       The teacher heard who answered the question. (C)
    Analysis:
    Who answered the question is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.

b.      I do not understand it went wrong. (I)
    Analysis:
    it went wrong is a noun clause connector/subject. But, the sentence is incorrect.
    It should be what went wrong

c.        Of the three movies, I can’t decide which is the best. (C)
   Analysis:
   Which is the best is a noun clause connector/subject. The sentence is correct.
   

d.      She did not remember who in her class. (I)
   Analysis:
   Who in her class is a noun clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
   It should be Who is in her class.

e.      No one is sure what did it happen in front of the building. (I)
   Analysis:
   What did it happen in front of the building is a nouc clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
   It should be what happened in front of the building.

9.      An adjective clause describes a noun. Because the clause is an adjective, it is positioned directly after the noun that it describes.

      In the first example, there are two clauses: this is the subject of the verb is, and I is the subject of the verb want. That is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective clause that I want to buy describes the noun house.

      In the second example, there are also two clauses: house is the subject of the verb is, and I is the subject of the verb want. In this sentence also, that is the adjective clause connector that joins these two clauses, and the adjective clause that I want to buy describes the noun house.

      The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.

Example

The job _____ started yesterday was rather difficult.
(A) when
(B) was
(C) after
(D) that he

      In this example, you should notice quickly that there are two clauses: job is the subject of the verb was, and the verb started needs a subject. Because there are two clauses, a connector is also needed. Answers (A) and (C) have connectors, but there are no subjects, so these answers are not correct. Answer (B) changes started into a passive verb; in this case the sentence would have one subject and two verbs, so answer (B) is not correct. The best answer to this question is answer (D). The correct sentence should say: The job that he started yesterday was rather difficult. In this sentence job is the subject of the verb was, he is the subject of the verb started, and the connector that joins these two clauses.

      The following chart lists the adjective clause connectors and the sentence pat terns used with them.

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

a.       I did not believe the story that he told me. (C)
   Analysis:

   First Clause                            : I did not believe the story
   Second Clause                        : He told me
   Adjective clause connector     : that

b.       Ms. Brown, whom did you recommend for the job, will start work tomorrow.(I)
    Analysis:

    First clause                         : Ms. Brown will start work tomorrow
    Second clause                     : Did you recommend for the job (incorrect)
                                                It should be you recommended for the job
    Adjective clause connector : whom

    The correct sentence is Ms. Brown, who you recommended for the job, will start work tomorrow.

c.       The lecture notes which lent me were not clearly written.(I)
     Analysis:

     First clause                       : The lecture notes were not clearly written
     Second clause                  :  lent me (incorrect)
                                               It should be I lent
     Adjective clause connector : which

     The correct sentence is the lecture notes which I lent were not clearly written

d.      Sally has an appointment with the hairdresser whom you recommended. (C)
    Analysis:

     First clause                         : Sally has an appointment with the hairdresser
     Second clause                    : you recommended
     Adjective clause connector : whom

e.       The phone number that you gave me.
    Analysis:

     First clause                        : The phone number (incorrect: no verb)
     Second clause                   : you gave me
     Adjective clause connector : that
     The correct sentence is The phone number that you gave me IS wrong

10.   In Skill 9 we saw that adjective clause connectors can be used to introduce clauses that describe nouns. In Skill 10 we will see that in some cases an adjective clause connector is not just a connector; an adjective clause connector can also be the subject of the clause at the same time.

           In the first example, there are two clauses: we is the subject of the verb are looking, and that is the subject of the verb is. These two clauses are joined with the connector that. Notice that in this example the word that serves two functions at the same time: it is the subject of the verb is, and it is the connector that joins the two clauses. The adjective clause that is quite expensive describes the noun house.

           In the second example, there are also two clauses: house is the subject of the verb seems, and that is the subject of the verb is. In this example, that also serves two functions: it is the subject of the verb is, and it is the connector that joins the two clauses. Because that is quite expensive is an adjective clause describing the noun house, it directly follows house.

The following example shows how these sentence patterns could be tested in the Structure section of the Toefl test.

Example

______ just dropped off a package for you is my sister.
(A) The woman
(B) The woman who
(C) Because the woman
(D) With the woman

            In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has two verbs, dropped and is, and each of them needs a subject. The only answer that has two subjects is answer (B), so answer (B) is the correct answer. The correct sentence should say: The woman who just dropped off a package for you is my sister. In this sentence woman is the subject of the verb is, and who is the subject of the verb dropped. Who is also the connector that joins the two clauses?

The following chart lists the adjective clause connector/subjects and the sentence patterns used with them.

EXERCISE : Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

a.       The children that were vaccinated did not get sick. (C)
    Analysis:
    First Clause      : The children did not get sick (correct)
    Second Clause : that were vaccinated (correct)
                              THAT functions as CONNECTOR  and SUBJECT, too.                                           Verb is WERE.

b.      I did not vote for the politician who he just won the election. (I)
    Analysis:
    First Clause      :  I did not vote the politician. (Correct)
    Second Clause :  Who he just won the election (Incorrect)
                               It should be "Who just won the election". There are double                               subject: WHO and HE.
                               WHO  functions as CONNECTOR and SUBJECT. WON is                               Verb. So, remove HE.
                              

c.       The dog that barking belongs to my neighbor. (I)
    Analysis:
    First Clause      : The dog belongs to my neighbor (correct)
    Second Clause :  that barking (incorrect).
                              THAT functions as CONNECTOR and SUBJECT. But IS is                        missing
                              The second sentence should be "that is barking".

d.      I took two of the blue pills, which were very effective. (C)
    Analysis :
    First Clause      : I took two of the blue pills. (correct)
    Second Clause :  which were very effective (correct)
                              Which fucntions as CONNECTOR ans SUBJECT, too.

e.       We rented an apartment from the landlord who does he own the buildings on Maple Street. (I)
    Analysis  :
    First Clause      :  We rented an apartment from the Landlord. (correct)
    Second Clause :  Who does he own the building on Maple Street. (incorrect)
                               Who functions as Connector and Subject.
                               Own is VERB.
                               Does and HE should be removed.
                               The correct sentence is Who owns the building on Maple                                  Street.

Source : http://argumentunram.blogspot.com/2013/02/strategies-of-structure-and-written.html

http://www.toeflskill.com/2011/01/geral-strategy-of-structure-and-written.html