STRUCTURE TEST IN TOEFL

Structure and Written Expression was tested in the second part of the TOEFL test . It's meant for you to know the data of English competence . The question being tested is divided into two models of structure and written expression question question . The duration of a good time is provided only for 25 minutes . question structure is used to test your ability to understand the structure of the sentence in the English language correctly . In this model uses sentence completion format that complements the rest of the sentence is still empty . While written expression question you are asked to identify the right part in a sentence .

Of Structure and Written Expression section , somewhat easier question part of another section of the TOEFL test is Listening and Reading Comprehension . How to Respond to Questions Listening Strategies have been discussed in previous articles . Because Structure and Written because not too complicated , just fill in the blank sentence and identify sentence is wrong . Nevertheless, not to be taken lightly as well as the questions can trap and if not learn it before - before the test may not know the answer at all .

Strategy to Answer Structure Test

To answer structure test in TOEFL, the first you must know that you don’t need translate all the qustion, but be translate as the last alternative. You must know in structure test all the qustion are sentences (Subject + Verb). So you must search Verb in the sentense, and this is the rule to find verb:

1. If these sentence has 1 verb so doesn’t have conjungtion.
2. If these sentence has 2 verbs so it has 1 conjungtion (Remember, conjuntion is fungsion to connecting the sentences)
3. If these sentence has 3 verbs so it has 2 conjungtions, etc
4. This rule applies to sentence in active and pasive.

Materials in Structure Test

This is a materials and example questions structure test which often tested in TOEFL:

a. Basic Sentences stucture

In general , there was no significant difference between the structure of English sentences with Indonesian , where a sentence is built on four main components , namely.
Subject ( S ) + Verb ( V ) + Complement ( C ) + Modifier ( M )
example :
We Studied grammar last week
We Studied + + grammar + last week

1.      Subject

·        The agent of a sentence in the active form

·        Objects / people / parties who conduct or activity that is responsible for an action in a sentence

·        Usually precedes the verb , or after the subject is usually a verb

example :
I explain how to study English.
She listens to my explanation.
They did not understand that language.

2.      Verb

·        Verb is the action of a sentence ( action or actions in a sentence )

·        Verb phrase : auxilaries combination with the main verb ( the main verb )

example :
I am learning English ( am = auxilary , learning = main verb )
My brother is very clever
She has gone home (has = auxilary , gone = main verb )
I have been waiting here ( have been = auxilary , waiting = main verb )

1.      Infinitive

There are some verbs that need (to) infinitive if combine with another verb : afford, agree, Appear, arrange, ask, beg, care, claim, consent, decide, demand, expect, fail, hesitate, learn, hope, manage, mean, need, offer, plan, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse, seem, struggle, swear, threaten, volunteer, wait, want, wish.

Example test in TOEFL:

After being indicated for his part in a bank robbery, the reputed mobster decided

        A                         B                                                          C

find another attorney.

D

The answer you should choose is D. Find should be to find.

Decided + to infinitive.

2.      Gerund (Verb -ing)

There are some verbs that need a gerund (- ing form) if combine with other verbs : admit, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, complete, Consider, delay, deny, discuss, dislike, enjoy, finish, keep, mention, mind, miss, Postpone, practice, quit, recall, Recollect, recommend, resent, resist, risk, suggest, tolerate, suggest, tolerate, understand.

Example test in TOEFL:

Rita enjoyed to be able to meet several members of Congress during her vacation.

A         B                  C                                                             D

The answer you should choose is A. To be should be being.

Enjoyed + gerund.

3.      Conditional

Conditional explains that an activity contrary to other activities. The most common conditional is Real and Unreal Conditonal Conditonal, sometimes also called if-clauses. Real Conditional (Conditional Type I) describes suppose the facts which will be happen. Unreal Conditional (Conditional Type II) describe the suppositions that are not real or imagination. And Conditional Type III, is used as a regret that happened in the past.

· Future Conditional (Conditional Type 1) This assumption states that something might happen in the future or now, if the terms/certain conditions are met.

Type 1 :

a)      If + Subject + present simple + subject + modals (will, can, may, must) V1 (simple form)

example : If have money I will buy a new car

b)      If + Subject + Simple ... + subject + simple present

example : If he has enough time, John usually walks to school.

c)      If + Subject + ... + command simple present form

example : If you go to the post office, please mail this letter for me!

· Unreal Present (Conditional Type 2) This assumption states something contrary to what is or is happening now.

Type 2 :

a)      If + subject + subject + simple past modals (would, could, might) V1 (Simple Form)

example :

1.      If I had time, I would go to the beach with you this weekend.  (the fact is: I do not have time so I could not go).

2.      He would tell you about it if he were here. (the fact is: Because he is not here he does not tell you about it).

b)      For the if - clause in this form only to be "were" is used for all subjects. if the conditional type 2 can be removed is by the use of inversion:

Were + subject + Adj / Noun + subject + capital ( would , could , might ) + V1

example :

1.      Were I John I would not forgive you. (the fact is: I'm not John so I forgive you).

2.      He could hug me, if he were here. (The fact is: he can not hug me, Because he is not here)

· Unreal Past (Conditional Type 3) This assumption states something contrary to what has happened (past).

Type 3 :

a)      If + Subject + Past Perfect ... subject + modals (would, could, might ) have + V3
example :

1.      If we had known that you were there, we would have written you a letter.
(the fact is: I did not know that you were there so I did not write you a letter)

2.      He would tell you about it if he were here .

3.      If he did not speak so quickly intervening, you could understand him.

The Simple Present Tense
Tenses are used for :

Menyatakan / disclose activities that are often performed or routines . For example , do every day , every week , every month , every year , and so on .
Stated circumstances , the nature of the objects / animals / people who remain , meaning that from the beginning until now ( can not be denied ) and probably will not be changed . For example , red blood , the earth was round , and so on .
example :

Sentence Positive ( + )

I / we / they / you + INFINITIVES
He / she / it + INFINITIVES + S
formula
a. We go to campus everyday .
b . She always helps her mother .
c . Beckham plays football everyweek .

Sentence Negative ( - )

I / we / they / you + Do not + INFINITIVES
He / she / it + Does not + INFINITIVES
formula
a. We do not go to campus everyday .
b . She does not always help her mother .
c . Beckham does not play football everyweek .

Sentence Question ( ? )

Do + I / we / they / you + INFINITIVES
Does + He / she / it + INFINITIVES
formula
a. Do we go to campus everyday ?
b . Does she always help her mother ?
c . Beckham does play football everyday ?
WH Questions
a. What do we do everyday ?
b . Who does she always help ?
c . What dose Beckham play everyday ?

5.  Simple Past Tense
Tenses are used for :
Stating that the activities done in the past and the future in mind also .
example :

Sentence Positive ( + )

Subject + Past Tense ( V2 )
formula
a. They went to Yogyakarta last week .
b . She came here yesterday .
c . I watched the movie last night .

Sentence Negative ( - )

Subject + did not + INFINITIVES ( V1 )
formula
a. They did not go to Yogyakarta last week .
b . She did not come here yesterday .
c . I did not watched the movie last night .

Sentence Question ( ? )

Did + Subject + INFINITIVES ( V1 )
formula
a. Did they go to Yogyakarta last week ?
b . Did she come here yesterday ?
c . Did you watch the movie last night ?
WH Questions
a. Where did they go last week ?
b . When did she come here ?
c . When did you watch the movie ?

5.      Present Perfect Tense
Tenses are used for :
Describe an activity that is carried out in the past that still has something to do with the present but the future is not clearly known .
Shows an act uklangan at a good time indefinite before now . In this case the words are often used separti before , already , ever , never , yet .
example :

Sentence Positive ( + )

I / we / you / they + HAVE + Past Participle
He / she / it + HAS + Past Participle
formula
a. I have ever been there .
b . He has taught English since seven years ago .
c . She has lived in England since ten years ago .

Sentence Negative ( - )
I / we / you / they + HAVE + Past Participle Not
He / she / it + Not + Past Participle HAS
formula
a. I have not ever been there .
b . He has not taught English since seven years ago .
c . She has not lived in England since ten years ago .

Sentence Question ( ? )
HAVE + I / we / you / they + Past Participle
HAS + He / she / it + Past Participle
formula
a. Have you ever been there ?
b . Has he taught English since seven years ago ?
c . She has lived in England since ten years ago ?
WH Questions
a. Where place have you ever been ?
b . How has he taught Engllish log ?
c . Where has she live since ten years ago ?

6.      Simple Future Tense
Tenses are used for :
Stating activities to be conducted at a time that will come .
example :

Sentence Positive ( + )
Subject + Will + INFINITIVES ( V1 )
formula
a. He will meet you in Campus tomorrow morning .
b . She will visit her grandma next week .
c . I will meet this evening mary

Sentence Negative ( - )
Subject + Will not + INFINITIVES ( V1 )
formula
a. He will not meet you in Campus tomorrow morning .
b . She will not visit her grandma next week .
c . I will not meet Mary this night .

Sentence Question ( ? )
Will + Subject + INFINITIVES ( V1 )
formula
a. Will he meet you in Campus tomorrow morning ?
b . Will she visit her grandma next week ?
c . Will you meet Mary this night ?
WH Questions .
a. When Will he meet you in Campus ?
b . When Will she visit her grandma ?
c . Who Will you meet this night ?

WILL AND TO BE GOING TOA very confusing concept is when to use WILL and when to use BE GOING TO when we refer the future. Both refer to the future but there is a slight difference but in most cases they can be used interchangeably with no difference in meaning. Even if you misuse them, a native speaker is going to understand you without any problems.

WILL :

·                POSITIVE  :    SUBJECT  +  WILL  + VERB-1

NEGATIVE  : SUBJECT  +  WILL  +  NOT  + VERB-1

·                QUESTIONS : WILL +  SUBJECT  +  VERB-1?

BE GOING TO

·                POSITIVE  : SUBJECT  +  TO BE +  GOING TO + VERB-1

·           NEGATIVE SUBJECT  +  TO BE  +  NOT  +  GOING TO + VERB-1

·                QUESTIONS TO BE  +  SUBJECT  +  GOING TO  +  VERB-1?

Example           :

I am sure Jane ..... to Indonesia next year.

a.  Will move

b.   Moving

c.   Has moved

d.   Moved

The answered is A

SO, TOO, NEITHER, EITHER

·                SO : SO  +  AUXILIARY VERB  +  SUBJECT

·                TOO : SUBJECT  +  AUXILIARY VERB  +  TOO

·                NEITHER :NEITHER  +  AUXILIARY VERB  +  SUBJECT

·                EITHER : EITHER  +  AUXILIARY VERB  +  NOT  +  SUBJECT

Example           :

He came here last night, .... ?

a.   Did she

b.   So did they

c.   He does too

d.   So was she

The answered is B

NOUN CLAUSES

A noun clause is a dependent clause that can be used in the same way as a noun or pronoun. It can be a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, appositive, indirect object, or object of the preposition. Some of the words that introduce noun clauses are that, whether, who, why, whom, what, how, when, whoever, where, and whomever. Notice that some of these words also introduce adjective and adverb clauses. (To check a noun clause substitute the pronoun it or the proper form of the pronouns he or she for the noun clause.)

Example           :

No one knows ..... he wanted to go there in such bad weather.

a.   Why

b.   Then

c.   Whom

d.   Which

The answered is A

ADJECTIVE CLAUSES

Adjective clauses (relative clauses) are like "sentences inside sentences." The "job" of adjective clauses is to modify (describe, identify, make specific) the noun phrases that they follow. In their full forms, adjective clauses have several parts: a relative pronoun (or, in some cases, another kind of connecting word), a subject, and a predicate (a verb and, often, other types of words which follow it).

Example           :

The house ..... they bought last month is very big.

a.   Whom

b.   Why

c.    Which

d.    Where

The answered is C

 source :

Http://fikarzone.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/5-of-toefl-structure-test/
Http://rizkyluppy.blogspot.com/
http://rudybyo.blogspot.com/2013/05/materi-toefl-structur-dan-tenses_20.html

om/2013/05/materi-toefl-structur-dan-tenses_20.html

Tugas softskill

“SHOPA HOLIC”

Some people, no matter what their level of income is, tend to view shopping as hobby. They buy stuff on impulse: they go into a supermarket for detergent, milk, bread, and eggs, but come out with a windshed de-fogging cloth and a package of colorful magic markers. Thes people may end up as shopaholics. Shopaholics, or compulsive shoppers, are people who are addicted to uncontrolled overspending. They shop when they are feeling emotionally burdened or distressed,and use spending as a coping mechanism. Compulsive buying may not sound as scary as drug abuse, excessive dringking or smoking, but if things get ot of hand, it could easily destroy people’s lives. While thid kind of disorder may for several reasons  be destructive,nevertheless, with the help of a little self-constraintm it ca be effectively controlled and treated.

            Mida use to be a true compulsive shopper. She would still make purchases log after she was up to her ears In debt. She suffered from a very real and very frightening lack of self-control. She had closets full of clothes she had never worn,and countless electronic gadgets she had never use . with all her financial resource used up, she eventually had to sell her house, and had her car respossed . minda’s story is a example of how compulsive buying may result in bankruptcy.

            Coumpulsive shopping  can also have a disastrous impact on family life. Children may be victims of their parent’s extravagant hobby. For instance rena , an executive secretary , usually takes her children with her when she goes to the mall. Preoccupied with her purchases, she often frgets her kids are with her leaves them unattended. Her behavior enrages her husband, who berates her negligence , and often yhe couple get into a vicious fight, leaving the children scared and depressed. Another such shopaholic is andrea, a hair stylist whose extravagant shopping habits has put her marriage at risk. Unable t pay their mounting debts longer, her husband has filed for divorce.

            Coumpulsive shopping  may also be the trigger to criminal behavior. Take for example, hartati, a assistant lawyer . the fact that she often didn’t have enough money to satisfy her shopping urges did not discourage her from helping herself to the things she wanted- she just stole them. She began shoplifting on a regular basis. One day she spotted an attractive  blouse In department store. With all of her credit card over the limit, she decided to oce again ake possession of the item in an illegal manner. In the fitting room she pulled the blouse over her tank top and wore her swater. She was caught red handed by a security guard. When her employed found out she was shoplifter, she was fired. As anticipated, she ended up in jail. Coumpulsive shopping ironically, transformed this woman from a assistant lawyer into a lawbreaker.

            Fortunately, there are ways to control overspending and to cure shopaholics. As a preventive measures, leave bothcredits cards and ATM cards at home when you go out shopping. Use only cash. Furthermore , when spot something that you would like to buy, never allow yourself to purchases It on the spot . instead, walk away and give yourself some time to tik it over. If you must, ask the store to hold the item for you. Most store hold goods for their customers for at least a day. If, after a lapse of several das, you still wat the item, go back ad make your through-out purchase. another effective method is by making a monthly list of all the things you pay for, such as grociers, gas for you car , the electric bill, and even that candy bar or bottled tea from the side walk stay that you thought would have revive yaou sagging spirits. Then carefully go over the list and see where all your hard-earned money is going . this habits could save you. By being more aware of what you are spending you will find it easier to control your cash flow. Finally, to help you manage your funds, draw up budget and stick to it. Do not allow yourself to buy anything that is not on the budget.

            In conclusion, whether your are an implusive buyer or compulsive shopper, it is never too late to change your habits as long as your determined. Doubtless, we live in an acquisitive society where it is very easy to get carried away. But bear in mind that being an impulsive shopper is only one step away from becoming a compulsive buyer who shops only to escape from the hars reality of life.

Comment :

According to me about this article is, 

Everyone has their needs, needs consists three type are primary needs, secondary needs, and tertiary needs. Primary needs is vital needs which mst to complete such as foods, drinks, etc, secondary needs is needs which must to completeafter primary needs, such as clothes, house, etc. tertiary needs needs is needs axpensive goods, such as cars, handphone, jewelarry and etc.

Needs  and wis must can difference because every wish not always be needs which must to be complete. Wish which have a lot of will made had impact for people personality and their condition of economic. If that problem to continue to do, so will ba have consumtif personality.

Usually that case occur to woman where, they very crazy for shopping. The crazy for shopping or it is call is shopaholic will can harm for theirself and family especially their children, because if crazy of shopping. She have strand her children and she not care with her family, she just care to her want until unlimited. So will appear egoist personality.

The consequently, if you want to shopping, you must buy with your needs. So, you should use your money for investment, savings, or deposito.

“TOEFL LISTENING

The first session in  which  the test toefl, is listening skill. This listening session generally consists of  50 questions. You will hear recoding in English and you have to respond  or answer questions related to the tape. You should hear the tape as much as possible, because the tape was played only once and the recording material is not written in the book tests. There are three sessions in the listening test: PART A which consists of 30 short conversation, every conversation followed by a question.  PART B consisting of 2 long conversations and followed a few questions (usually 4 questions  every conversation), and PART C which consists of 3 talk (as professor was explaning a particular topic) followed by some questions (usually 4 questions  every talk).  According to the author is the hardest part in the listening sessions.

General strategies that should be known in every session in toefl listening test is:

1.      Be familiar with the directions.

Get used to the instructions in doing  toefl test item, as a matter of general guidance in doing the same. Instruction will be working on the listening that is played throght a tape recorder before the test begins. By it, the instructions do the problems should be known clearly before take the test.

2.      Listen carefully to the conversations and talks.

You have to really concentrate to hear what the speaker on the tape because it was played only once

3.      Know where the easier and more difficult questions are general found.

Please note that in every matter of listening difficulty level increasing from about to about. Him as much as possible try to answer the quertions that come early

4.      Never leave any answers blank on your answer sheet.

Never empty your answer sheet. Toefl test no reduction in value even if you answer is wrong. Therefore, it is better filled answer sheet only.

5.      Use any remaining time to look ahead at the answers to the questions that follow.

When you answer the number one example. Hurry up to look at the answer choices two numbers that you quickly read the content of the topics to be discussed. By looking at the possible answer before hearing the conversation, at least you will get the shadow of the matter that from will appear.

Contoh Simulasi Soal Listening:

Part A : Short Conversations

Woman: Steve, is something the matter? You don’t look very good.

Man      : Oh, I’m feeling a little sick today.

Narrator : What does the man mean?

Di buku tes, anda membaca:

(A)    He’s not very good looking.

(B)   He’s a bit ill

(C)   He looks worse that he feels.

(D)   His feet are a little thick.

       Jawaban yang benar adalah B. Pilihan jawaban B mempunyai sound yang paling berbeda jika dibandingkan dengan pilihan jawan A, C, dan D. Dalam pilihan jawaban A, sound yang mirip adalah very dan looking. Dalam pilihan C, sound yang mirip adalah looks dan feels. Sedangkan di D, sound yang mirip adalah feet , little, dan thick.

Part B: Long Conversation

Narrator :  Qustions 1 through 4.

Listen to a conversation between two people who are decorating an apartment.

Woman      : Hey, Walt. Do you think you could help me hang these pictures on the wall?

  There are only two of them.

Man            : Sure, Monica. Where do you want them to go?

Woman      : I’d like the picture of the mountains over the fireplace, and I’d like the

  picture of my family over the sofa. What do you think?

Man            : I think they’ll ook fine there. How about if you hold the pictures while I

  hammer the nails into the wall?

Woman      : Okay. Let’s start with the picture of my family.

Pertanyaan:

(1)  Narrator  : What are the man and woman discussing?

Di buku tes, anda membaca:

(A)   Taking some pictures

(B)   Hanging some plants

(C)   Taking a trip to the mountains.

(D)   Putting some pictures on the wall.

Jawaban yang benar adalah (D) karena sudah jelas di ucapkan dalan percakapan “, Walt. Do you think you could help me hang these pictures on the wall?”

Sementara pilihan jawaban (B) dan (C) tidak sesuai dengan percakapan tersebut dan pilihan (A) ada kemiripan makna, namun tidak terdapat dalam percakapan tersebut.

(2)     Narrator: How many pictures are there?

Di buku tes, anda mendengarkan:

(A)   One

(B)   Two

(C)   Three

(D)   Four

Jawaban yang benar adalah (B) karena sudah jelas diucapkan dalam percakapan “There are only two of them.” Sementara pilihan (A), (C), dan (D) tidak sesaui dengan percakapan tersebut.

Part C: TALK

(narrator)   Listen to an instructor talk to his class about painting.

(man)  Artist Grant Wood was a guiding force in the school of painting known as American

regionalist, a style reflecting the distinctive characteristics of art from rural areas of the United States. Wood began drawing animals on the family farm at the age of three, and when he was thirty-eight one of his paintings received a remarkable amount of public notice and acclaim. This painting, called "American Gothic," is a starkly simple depiction of a serious couple staring directly out at the viewer.

Now listen to a sample question.

1.      (narrator)   What style of painting is known as American regionalist?

In your test book, you read: 

(A)  Art from America's inner cities

(B)  Art from the central region of the United States

(C)  Art from various urban areas in the United States

(D)  Art from rural sections of America

The best answer to the question, "What style of painting is known as American regionalist?" is (D), "Art from rural sections of America." Therefore, the correct choice is (D).

2.      (narrator)   What is the name of Wood's most successful painting?

In your test book, you read: 

(A)  "American Regionalist"

(B)  "The Family Farm in Iowa"

(C)  "American Gothic"

(D)  "A Serious Couple"

The best answer to the question, "What is the name of Wood's most successful painting?" is (C), "American Gothic." Therefore, the correct choice is (C). 

Source:

http://bahasa.kompasiana.com/2013/05/23/tips-mengerjakan-soal-toefl-listening-dengan-mudah-562508.html

http://mayampera.blogspot.com/2011/03/cara-meningkatkan-skor-listening-toefl.html