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TOEIC Part 5:
Modal Verbs Ability — Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions

Master TOEIC Part 5 modal verbs ability questions with rules, examples, and 20 practice questions. Boost your TOEIC Listening & Reading score today!

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Master TOEIC Part 5 modal verbs ability questions with rules, examples, and 20 practice questions. Boost your TOEIC Listening & Reading score today!

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TOEIC Part 5: Modal Verbs Ability — Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions

Related guides:

Understanding Modal Verbs of Ability in TOEIC Part 5

TOEIC Part 5, the grammar and vocabulary section, tests your ability to understand and use modal verbs that express ability. These include:

  • Can: Present ability (e.g., "She can swim.")
  • Could: Past ability (e.g., "He could run fast when he was younger.")
  • Be able to: Often used for specific situations (e.g., "I was able to finish the project on time.")
  • Be allowed to: Permission (e.g., "Students are allowed to use dictionaries.")

Model Answers at Different Score Levels

Score Level 6 (550-780)

Prompt: She _______ speak three languages fluently.

Answer: She can speak three languages fluently.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Grammar/Usage: Correct use of "can" for present ability. (2/2)
  • Vocabulary: Appropriate and accurate. (2/2)
  • Structure: Complete and coherent sentence. (2/2)
  • Topic Development: Direct and to the point. (2/2)

Score Level 7 (785-940)

Prompt: When he was a child, he _______ climb trees with ease.

Answer: When he was a child, he could climb trees with ease.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Grammar/Usage: Correct use of "could" for past ability. (2/2)
  • Vocabulary: Appropriate and accurate. (2/2)
  • Structure: Complete and coherent sentence. (2/2)
  • Topic Development: Direct and to the point. (2/2)

Score Level 8 (945-990)

Prompt: Despite her fear of heights, she _______ overcome her anxiety and climb the mountain.

Answer: Despite her fear of heights, she was able to overcome her anxiety and climb the mountain.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Grammar/Usage: Correct use of "was able to" for a specific situation. (2/2)
  • Vocabulary: Appropriate and accurate. (2/2)
  • Structure: Complete and coherent sentence. (2/2)
  • Topic Development: Direct and to the point. (2/2)

Score Level 9 (995-120)

Prompt: The students _______ use the library resources for their research projects.

Answer: The students are allowed to use the library resources for their research projects.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Grammar/Usage: Correct use of "are allowed to" for permission. (2/2)
  • Vocabulary: Appropriate and accurate. (2/2)
  • Structure: Complete and coherent sentence. (2/2)
  • Topic Development: Direct and to the point. (2/2)

20 Practice Questions for TOEIC Part 5 Modal Verbs Ability

  1. She _______ play the piano when she was five.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. They _______ finish the project on time.

    2. a) can b) could c) are able to d) were able to

  1. He _______ speak French fluently.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. We _______ use the computer lab after school.

    2. a) can b) could c) are allowed to d) were allowed to

  1. She _______ swim across the lake when she was younger.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. They _______ complete the task without any help.

    2. a) can b) could c) are able to d) were able to

  1. He _______ drive a car when he was sixteen.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. We _______ use the gym facilities for free.

    2. a) can b) could c) are allowed to d) were allowed to

  1. She _______ speak Spanish after studying for a year.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. They _______ finish the marathon in record time.

    2. a) can b) could c) are able to d) were able to

  1. He _______ play the guitar when he was a teenager.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. We _______ use the library resources for our research.

    2. a) can b) could c) are allowed to d) were allowed to

  1. She _______ run a mile in under six minutes.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. They _______ complete the assignment on time.

    2. a) can b) could c) are able to d) were able to

  1. He _______ speak Italian after living in Italy for two years.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. We _______ use the computer lab during lunch break.

    2. a) can b) could c) are allowed to d) were allowed to

  1. She _______ swim across the river when she was a child.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. They _______ finish the project without any assistance.

    2. a) can b) could c) are able to d) were able to

  1. He _______ drive a truck when he was twenty.

    2. a) can b) could c) is able to d) was able to

  1. We _______ use the gym facilities after school.

    2. a) can b) could c) are allowed to d) were allowed to

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Fluently: Smoothly and easily (e.g., "She speaks English fluently.")
  2. Overcome: To succeed in dealing with or controlling something (e.g., "She overcame her fear.")
  3. Anxiety: A feeling of worry or nervousness (e.g., "He felt anxiety before the test.")
  4. Ease: Freedom from difficulty or effort (e.g., "She climbed the mountain with ease.")
  5. Permission: Official consent or authorization (e.g., "They were given permission to use the lab.")
  6. Resources: Available assets or means (e.g., "The library has many resources.")
  7. Research: Systematic investigation or study (e.g., "They conducted extensive research.")
  8. Facilities: Buildings, equipment, or services (e.g., "The school has excellent facilities.")
  9. Assignment: A task or piece of work assigned (e.g., "She completed her assignment on time.")
  10. Assistance: Help or support (e.g., "They provided assistance with the project.")
  11. Record: An official document or a new high achievement (e.g., "They set a new record.")
  12. Teenager: A person aged between 13 and 19 (e.g., "He was a talented teenager.")
  13. Resident: A person who lives in a particular place (e.g., "She was a resident of Italy.")
  14. Break: A pause or interruption (e.g., "They took a lunch break.")
  15. Childhood: The state or period of being a child (e.g., "She had a happy childhood.")
  16. Control: The power to direct or manage (e.g., "He gained control of the situation.")
  17. Extensive: Covering a large area or having great range (e.g., "They conducted extensive research.")
  18. Talent: Natural aptitude or skill (e.g., "She has a talent for music.")
  19. Achievement: Something accomplished, especially by effort (e.g., "He celebrated his achievement.")
  20. Authorization: Official permission (e.g., "They received authorization to proceed.")

Common Mistakes Students Make

  1. Confusing "can" and "could": Students often mix up the present and past forms of ability.
  2. Incorrect use of "be able to": Using "be able to" in inappropriate contexts.
  3. Misusing "be allowed to": Confusing permission with ability.
  4. Overcomplicating sentences: Using overly complex structures when simple ones would suffice.
  5. Ignoring context: Not paying attention to the context clues in the sentence.

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