TOEFL structure and written expression test (Mini test)

... are phosphorescent in the dark surprises many people.

• That certain species of centipedes

• Certain species of centipedes

• There are certain species of centipedes

• It is certain species of centipedes

Answer explanation

"surprises" is the main verb, and "are" is the verb for a clause used as a subject. A subject is needed to complete the dependent clause. (B) added to the sentence makes a complete independent clause which cannot be used as a subject. (C) and (D) have both a subject and a verb, so they cannot be used as subjects.

... from the leaves of the rare weeping tree even though the sky may be cloudless.

• Great drops of water dripping

• Great drops of water drip

• Water dripping in great drops

• that great drops of water are dripping

Answer explanation

A subject and verb are needed to complete the sentence. (B) has both a subject, "drops," and a verb, "drip." (A) and (C) have no verbs. (D) is a clause that can be used as a subject but not as a verb.

... with strong flippers, seals gracefully glide through the sea.

• paddle and steer

• it is paddling and steering

• that they paddle and steer

• paddling and steering

Answer explanation

(D) The independent clause is complete. therefore, either a clause or phrase is needed in the blank. (D) is a phrase.

(A) has verbs that need a subject. the use of (B) makes a complete independent clause. (C) is a dependent clause that takes a subject position in an independent clause.

... is a tiny sea animal that looks like a shrimp.

• It is the krill

• The krill

• there is the krill

• that the krill

Answer explanation

A subject is needed to complete the sentence. (A) and (C) contain both a verb and a subject. (D) is an incomplete clause and, therefore, cannot be used as a subject.

..., which is a traditional Valencian dish, is made of rice, chicken, and seafood.

• It is paella

• Paella

• Paella is

• There is paella

Answer explanation

A singular subject is needed to complete the sentence.

(A), (C), and (D) all contain both a subject and a verb.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be eased by injecting a solution consisted of snake venom.

• Symptoms

• may be eased

• a

• consisted

Answer explanation

The solution consists of venom. Therefore, the active form of the adjective phrase "consisting of snake venom" should be used.

The rupture of the Mareb Dam in ancient Yemen brought it about the collapse of many small kingdoms.

• rupture

• brought

• it about

• collapse

Answer explanation

"brought about" is a phrasal verb that takes an object. "collapse" is in the noun position, so the pronoun "it" is incorrect.

The tiger's cunning, strength, and agile have earned it a legendary reputation.

• agile

• earned

• it

• legendary

Answer explanation

"Agile" is an adjective. "Agility" is the noun form that should be used to be parallel with the nouns "cunning" and "strength."

Uranus is the alone planet in the solar system which is tipped on its side.

• alone

• in the

• which

• its

Answer explanation

"Alone" can be used before a noun. "only" is the correct word to use in this position.

Most critics agree that William Shakespeare was the greater writer in the English language.

• Most

• That

• Greater

• In

Answer explanation

The superlative form "greatest" should be used because Shakespeare is being compared to all writers in the English language.