Writing · Free lesson
TOEIC Reading: choose a sentence that fits the paragraph
A sentence can be grammatically correct and still belong in the wrong paragraph. Check what it connects.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Read the sentence before the gap, then the one after it. A good choice continues the topic and supplies any reference the next sentence needs. Here, “these instructions” needs instructions to have been introduced.
Check the connection on both sides.
The first sentence introduces a booking form. The last sentence refers to “these instructions,” so the missing sentence should introduce instructions for that form. Repeating “Friday” or “front desk” alone is not enough: the meaning and reference must work together.
Follow the paragraph
We will introduce a new online booking form on Monday.
Instructions for using the form will be emailed to staff on Friday.
These instructions will also be available at the front desk.
“The form” points backward to the booking form. “These instructions” points backward to the instructions introduced in our chosen sentence.
Read, connect, reread
Find the topic
A new booking form → instructions for the form.
Check the reference
Instructions for using it → these instructions.
Read all three sentences
Form → instructions → where to find them.
Try it now
Connect both sides
Read all answers and explanations
Which sentence best fills the gap? We will introduce a new online booking form on Monday. [Gap] These instructions will also be available at the front desk.
Instructions for using the form will be emailed to staff on Friday.This introduces instructions for the form, which “these instructions” can then refer to. The other choices do not supply that connection.
What does “these instructions” refer to in the completed paragraph?
The instructions for using the new form.The missing sentence introduces instructions for using the form. Opening hours and cancellations are not established in the completed paragraph.
Two choices are grammatical. How should you decide?
Read both neighboring sentences and check meaning and references.A complete sentence still needs a coherent place in the paragraph. Both sides help test that connection.
Put it into practice
Repair the missing connection
Read: “The north entrance will close for repairs tomorrow. [Gap] Please use that entrance until the work is finished.” Choose the missing sentence.
Repairs can sometimes take several days.
See a model answer
The south entrance will remain open.
The middle sentence connects the closure with a practical instruction. A shared topic alone is not enough.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does every gap depend on a pronoun or reference word?
No. Some depend on cause, sequence, contrast or another logical link. Reference words are one clue; read the complete message.
The entrance is closed. Use the other entrance.
Should I always avoid a choice that repeats a word?
No. Repetition can make a connection clear. Reject or accept a choice because of its meaning in context, not because repetition is automatically good or bad.
A new form → instructions for the form.
Take it into your day
Grammar, meaning and reference all contribute to sentence fit.
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Understand how English sentences connect.
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