Confusing words: A Common Challenge in TOEIC R/C Part 5

Confusing words: A Common Challenge in TOEIC R/C Part 5 

 

One of the common challenges that test takers face in the TOEIC Reading and Listening exam is the Confusing Words question type. In Part 5 of the test, test takers are required to complete incomplete sentences by choosing the best option from four choices. Among these four options, there are often two words or phrases that are very similar in meaning or pronunciation, which can make it difficult for test takers to select the correct answer.

 

Here are five examples of Confusing Words that frequently appear in the TOEIC R/C Part 5:

 

Compliment vs. complement

Compliment and complement are often used interchangeably but have different meanings. Compliment means to praise or express admiration, while complement means to complete or enhance something.

 

Practice question: She ___________ me on my excellent presentation skills.

a. complemented

b. complimented

c. complected

d. complemended

 

Answer: b. complimented

 

Principal vs. principle

Principal and principle are homophones, which means they are pronounced the same way but have different meanings. Principal refers to a person in a leading position or the main part of something, while principle refers to a fundamental truth or a standard of behavior.

 

Practice question: The ___________ of the school met with the parents to discuss the new discipline ___________.

a. principal, principal

b. principle, principle

c. principal, principle

d. principle, principal

 

Answer: a. principal, principle

 

Adapt vs. adopt

Adapt and adopt both refer to making changes or adjustments, but they are used in different contexts. Adapt refers to adjusting to existing conditions, while adopt refers to taking on something new.

 

Practice question: The company decided to ___________ a new marketing strategy to ___________ to the changing market.

a. adopt, adapt

b. adapt, adopt

c. adopt, adopt

d. adapt, adapt

 

Answer: a. adopt, adapt

 

Immigrant vs. emigrant

Immigrant and emigrant both refer to a person who moves from one country to another, but they have different perspectives. An immigrant is someone who moves into a new country, while an emigrant is someone who moves out of a country.

 

Practice question: Many people become ___________ to pursue better opportunities, while others leave their homeland as ___________ to escape persecution.

a. immigrants, emigrants

b. emigrants, immigrants

c. immigrants, immigrants

d. emigrants, emigrants

 

Answer: a. immigrants, emigrants

 

Lend vs. borrow

Lend and borrow both refer to the act of giving and receiving something, but they are used in different contexts. Lend means to give something to someone temporarily, while borrow means to receive something from someone temporarily.

 

Practice question: Can you ___________ me your pen? I forgot mine at home.

a. lend

b. borrow

c. landed

d. borrowed

 

Answer: a. lend

 

 

 

Conclusion

Confusing Words are a common challenge in the TOEIC R/C Part 5. To prepare for this question type, it is important to practice identifying and understanding the differences between similar words and phrases. By doing so, test takers can improve their chances of selecting the correct answer and achieving a high score on the exam.