Vocabulary · Free lesson
TOEFL Reading: check the ending of a partly missing word
The current TOEFL Complete the Words task uses partially missing words in context. This original practice isolates a few endings so you can see how the clues work.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Do not stop when you recognize the beginning of a word. Read the whole sentence: several may require a plural noun, and a word describing how an action happens may need an adverb. Then check every visible letter and the missing-letter slots.
A familiar root still needs the right form.
In “The students labeled several sampl__,” the two missing letters complete samples. Several points to more than one sample. In “They labeled each sample careful__,” the final letters make carefully, describing how they labeled it. These clues must agree with both meaning and the printed letters.
Read the clue around the gap
several sampl__ → samples
labeled careful__ → carefully
The students labeled several samples carefully.
Each underscore in these exercises represents one missing letter. The choices show whole words so you can compare their forms.
Use all the clues
Read the surrounding grammar
several → plural noun
Check letters and meaning
sampl + es → samples
Try it now
Complete the form
Read all answers and explanations
Choose the complete word: “The students labeled several sampl__.”
samplesSamples adds es to sampl and agrees with several. Sample is singular; sampling does not match the two remaining letters or noun meaning.
Choose the complete word: “They labeled each sample careful__.”
carefullyCarefully adds ly and describes how they labeled it. Careful is an adjective; carefulness is a noun and too long.
Choose the complete word: “They wrote three observat____ about the seedlings.”
observationsObservations adds ions: four letters. Three requires the plural count noun. Observing changes the visible letters.
Put it into practice
Restore the missing ending
Complete both blanks, keeping every visible letter. Each underscore is one letter.
They labeled several sampl__ careful__.
See a model answer
They labeled several samples carefully.
Recognizing sample and careful is the start; sentence grammar determines the final forms.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Is the number of missing letters enough?
No. A candidate must also fit the visible letters, meaning, and grammar.
several sampl__ → samples
Should I add -ly whenever a word describes an action?
No. Some adverbs have other forms. Learn the actual form instead of treating one ending as a universal rule.
They worked hard.
Take it into your day
Check meaning, grammar, visible letters, and remaining length together.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
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The English Grammar and English Speaking Master Course develops broader grammar, sentence-building, and communication foundations. Grammar practice helps you recognize the word forms a sentence needs. The dedicated exam course is coming soon; the available main course is not a complete exam-preparation program.
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