STRUCTURE and WRITTEN EXPRESSION

In the following pages, we will examine ten elements of English sentence

structure that are covered in the Structure and Written Expression of the TOEFL. These
ten elements are organized into a list of ten objectives, called the 10-Point Checklist of
Problem Areas. You should study this checklist carefully. Each time you examine a
Structure and Written Expression question; go though this list systematically as you look
for the best sentence completion or the error.

10-Point Checklist of Problem Areas

1. Check for subject and verb (both present, neither repeated).
Example of error: Children they need love and protection.
2. Check verb agreement, tense and from.
Example of error: That student has living here for ten years.
3. Check for full subordination.
Example of error: because wanted to learn fast, the girl studied all the time.
4. Check the verbal.
Example of error: This is a very interested book.
5. Check pronoun from, agreement, and reference.
Example of error: It was me who answered the telephone.
6. Check word from.
Example of error: Those roses smell real sweet.
7. Check word order.
Example of error: The policeman asked the man what was he doing.
8. Check for parallel structure.
Example of error: He likes to swim, to play tennis, and riding horses.
9. Check for unnecessary repetition.
Example of error: He is a very fast, quick swimmer.
10. Check for correct usage.
Example of error: She is interested for learning Arabic.

Exercise 1: Match each sentence to a problem area from the 10-point checklist above.
Write the appropriate number in the blanks.
----a. Johnny Carson he hosts a famous late night talk show.
----b. That student is creative, conscientious, and does everything carefully.
----c. The doctor has all ready left the hospital.
----d. After the sun has rose, the birds began chirping.
----e. Alcoholism sometimes results from an emotion problem.
----f. The players were chosen for their ability to make fast, quick moves.
----g. The crowd enjoyed the excited movie.
----h. That man is enough strong to lift three hundred pounds.