Word Formation (Word Families) (Japanese Translation)
(JA) Word formation questions ask you to choose the correct part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, or adverb) to fill the blank. This is the most common question type in Part 5.
Rules
- (JA) Nouns often end in -tion, -ment, -ness, -ity, -ance/ence.
- (JA) Adjectives often end in -able/ible, -ive, -al, -ous, -ful.
- (JA) Adverbs usually end in -ly.
- (JA) Verbs often end in -ize, -ate, -en, -ify.
Examples
"The successful implementation of the new system saved time."
(JA) The blank is the subject, modified by an adjective, so a noun ('implementation') is needed.
"The CEO spoke very confidently about the company's future."
(JA) The blank modifies the verb 'spoke', so an adverb ('confidently') is required.
"It is important to maintain a productive work environment."
(JA) The blank modifies the noun 'environment', so an adjective ('productive') is needed.
What TOEIC specifically tests
- (JA) Choosing an adjective when an adverb is needed to modify a verb.
- (JA) Choosing a verb when a noun is needed as the subject or object.
- (JA) Words with similar endings that are different parts of speech (e.g., 'arrival' is a noun, not an adjective).
Common questions
(JA) How can I quickly identify the part of speech needed?
(JA) Look at the words immediately before and after the blank. Articles (a/an/the) and prepositions (of/in/at) signal a coming noun. A blank before a noun needs an adjective. A blank after a verb often needs an adverb.
(JA) Are all words ending in -ly adverbs?
(JA) Most are, but there are exceptions. 'Friendly', 'costly', and 'timely' are adjectives.
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