TOEIC Incomplete Sentences Grammar (Part 5) Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The annual report _______ by the board of directors before it can be distributed to shareholders.
- must approve
- must be approved (Correct answer)
- must have approve
- must approving
Correct answer: must be approved
'Must be approved' is the correct passive voice construction. The report is the recipient of the action, requiring the passive infinitive 'be approved'.
In English, when the subject receives the action rather than performing it, the passive voice is used. With modal verbs like 'must,' the structure is 'modal + be + past participle.' Here, 'the report' is acted upon by 'the board,' so 'must be approved' is correct.
Question 2: All employees are required to submit their expense reports _______ the 15th of each month.
- until
- by (Correct answer)
- during
- since
Correct answer: by
'By' indicates a deadline — the reports must be submitted no later than the 15th. 'Until' implies a continuous action up to a point, which doesn't fit a submission deadline.
'By' is used to express a deadline, meaning something must be completed no later than the stated time. 'Until' indicates a continuous state or action that lasts up to a point. For submission deadlines in business English, 'by' is the standard choice.
Question 3: The new marketing _______ has resulted in a significant increase in brand awareness.
- campaign (Correct answer)
- campaigns
- campaigning
- campaigned
Correct answer: campaign
'Campaign' is a singular countable noun that fits the article 'the' and the singular verb 'has resulted.' The sentence refers to one specific campaign.
The definite article 'the' followed by 'new' signals a singular noun is needed. 'Campaign' is the singular countable noun. 'Campaigns' would require no article or 'the' with plural verb agreement. Verb forms 'campaigning' and 'campaigned' cannot function as the subject here.
Question 4: We were _______ informed that the shipment would be delayed by two weeks.
- previously (Correct answer)
- previous
- previousness
- preview
Correct answer: previously
'Previously' is an adverb that modifies the past participle 'informed.' Adverbs, not adjectives, modify participles and adjectives.
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. 'Informed' is a past participle functioning as an adjective here, so it should be modified by the adverb 'previously.' 'Previous' is an adjective used before nouns. 'Previousness' is not a standard English word.
Question 5: The factory will remain closed _______ the safety inspection has been completed.
- as soon as
- while
- until (Correct answer)
- so that
Correct answer: until
'Until' correctly indicates that the factory's closure will continue up to the point when the inspection is completed. It shows a condition that must be met before the factory reopens.
'Until' introduces a time clause indicating that the main action (remaining closed) will continue up to the point when a specified event (completion of inspection) occurs. 'As soon as' suggests immediate action upon completion. 'While' indicates simultaneous events. 'So that' expresses purpose.
Question 6: The company's _______ commitment to sustainability has earned it several industry awards.
- unwavering (Correct answer)
- unwavered
- unwave
- unwaveringly
Correct answer: unwavering
'Unwavering' is an adjective that correctly modifies the noun 'commitment.' It means steady and resolute.
'Unwavering' is an adjective meaning steadfast or resolute, and it correctly precedes and modifies the noun 'commitment.' 'Unwavered' is not a standard English adjective. 'Unwave' is not a word. 'Unwaveringly' is an adverb that would modify verbs or other adjectives, not nouns.
The annual report _______ by the board of directors before it can be distributed to shareholders.