TOEIC Reading Comprehension Passages (Part 7) Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A company newsletter states: 'We are pleased to announce that our Tokyo branch has achieved its annual sales target three months ahead of schedule.' What can be inferred about the Tokyo branch?
- It performed better than expected this year (Correct answer)
- It is the largest branch in the company
- It will receive additional funding next year
- It was recently opened by the company
Correct answer: It performed better than expected this year
Reaching the annual sales target three months early clearly indicates that the branch performed better than the scheduled expectation — an inference from the given facts.
TOEIC reading inferences must be logically supported by the text. Completing the annual sales target three months early clearly implies stronger-than-expected performance. 'Largest branch' is not mentioned. 'Additional funding' is not implied. 'Recently opened' is not stated — the announcement is about sales performance, not company history.
Question 2: A customer service policy reads: 'Refunds will be processed within 7 to 10 business days of receiving the returned item. Shipping fees are non-refundable.' Which statement is true?
- Customers will not get back the shipping cost they paid (Correct answer)
- Refunds are processed on the same day
- All fees including shipping are fully refundable
- Items must be returned within 7 to 10 days
Correct answer: Customers will not get back the shipping cost they paid
'Non-refundable' means shipping fees will not be returned to the customer, even when a refund is issued for the item.
'Non-refundable' is standard retail and service language meaning a specific charge will not be returned regardless of circumstances. The policy states shipping fees are non-refundable, so Option A is correct. The 7–10 days refers to processing time, not return window. Option C directly contradicts 'non-refundable.' Option D misreads the return processing timeframe.
Question 3: A business report states: 'Despite a 15% increase in operating costs, the company's net profit grew by 8% compared to the previous year.' What does this suggest?
- Revenue increased significantly enough to offset rising costs (Correct answer)
- The company reduced its workforce to save money
- Operating costs are expected to decrease next year
- The company borrowed money to cover its losses
Correct answer: Revenue increased significantly enough to offset rising costs
If net profit grew despite higher operating costs, total revenue must have increased significantly enough to more than cover the cost increase — the only logical inference.
Logical inference in TOEIC Part 7 requires understanding financial relationships. Net profit = Revenue − Costs. If costs rose 15% but profit still grew 8%, revenue must have increased substantially. Workforce reduction, future cost decreases, and borrowing are not mentioned or implied by the stated facts.
Question 4: An internal announcement reads: 'All staff are reminded that personal use of company vehicles is strictly prohibited without written authorization from the department head.' What does this announcement address?
- Rules about using company-owned vehicles for private purposes (Correct answer)
- A new policy allowing personal use of vehicles
- Instructions on how to request vehicle maintenance
- Guidelines for renting vehicles from the company
Correct answer: Rules about using company-owned vehicles for private purposes
The announcement explicitly addresses the prohibition of personal use of company vehicles, reinforcing an existing rule through a reminder to all staff.
'Strictly prohibited' is formal language indicating a firm rule against something. The announcement is about personal use of company vehicles being forbidden without authorization. It does not introduce a new permission (Option B). It does not discuss maintenance (Option C) or rental procedures (Option D).
Question 5: A product description reads: 'This portable air purifier is ideal for small offices and home environments. It removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles and operates almost silently.' What is NOT stated about the purifier?
- Its price and warranty information (Correct answer)
- It is suitable for small spaces
- It has a high particle removal rate
- It produces very little noise
Correct answer: Its price and warranty information
The description mentions suitability for small spaces, particle removal rate (99.97%), and near-silent operation. Price and warranty are not mentioned anywhere in the passage.
TOEIC Part 7 'NOT stated' questions require identifying information absent from the text. The passage explicitly states: small offices/home use (Option B), 99.97% particle removal (Option C), and almost silent operation (Option D). Price and warranty are never mentioned, making Option A the correct choice.
Question 6: A travel itinerary reads: 'Day 1: Arrive in Berlin, check into hotel. Day 2: City tour and museum visits. Day 3: Day trip to Potsdam. Day 4: Departure.' How many full days does this trip include?
- Two full days (Correct answer)
- Four full days
- Three full days
- One full day
Correct answer: Two full days
Day 1 involves arrival and check-in (not a full day). Day 4 is departure (not a full day). Days 2 and 3 have full scheduled activities, making two full activity days.
In TOEIC reading comprehension, precise reading of itineraries is tested. Day 1 (arrival) and Day 4 (departure) are partial travel days. Only Days 2 (city tour) and Day 3 (Potsdam trip) are full activity days. The itinerary spans 4 calendar days but contains only 2 full days of activities.
TOEIC Reading Comprehension Passages (Part 7) Questions and Answers 3
A company newsletter states: 'We are pleased to announce that our Tokyo branch has achieved its annual sales target three months ahead of schedule.' What can be inferred about the Tokyo branch?