TOEIC Part 6: The sentence-insertion trap (and how to beat it)

Xin chào! Week four: Part 6, text completion. Four short passages, four blanks each, and inside every passage one question that punishes the Part 5 habit of reading only one line: the sentence-insertion question.

Why Part 6 is not Part 5

Three of the four blanks look familiar: word forms, connectors, verb tense. But in Part 6 the correct tense may depend on a date two sentences earlier, and the right connector depends on where the argument is going. If you zoom in on one line, the passage will trick you.

So read the whole passage, in order, filling blanks as you go. These passages are short: an email, a notice, a memo. Reading it all costs 30 seconds and saves you from every context trap at once.

Beating the sentence-insertion question

You must choose which full sentence fits the blank. Three tools:

1. Pronouns and pointer words. If a choice starts with "They will also receive…", then someone must have received something in the previous sentence. No referent, wrong answer.
2. Logical flow. What comes before the blank? A problem? Then the blank is likely a solution or consequence. Match the role, not just the topic.
3. The tone check. A formal apology letter will not suddenly contain "Thanks a bunch!" Eliminate anything that breaks register.

After choosing, re-read the paragraph with your sentence inside. If it flows, you're done; if it stumbles, you'll hear it.

Timing target

Eight minutes for all sixteen questions. Part 6 done well is quiet and boring; the drama belongs to Part 7, which is exactly where we go next week. Hẹn gặp lại! 🌸