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

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TOEIC Part 5 tests your ability to understand and use modal verbs of possibility. These verbs include 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', and 'must', and they express different degrees of certainty about future or present possibilities. This guide covers the rules, provides examples, and offers 20 practice questions to help you master this section.

Understanding Modal Verbs of Possibility

Rules and Examples

| Modal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence | |------------|---------|------------------| | can | Possible or able to | The meeting can be rescheduled if necessary. | | could | Possible in the past or polite request | The data could be analyzed by tomorrow. | | may | Possibility, permission | The project may require additional funding. | | might | Possibility, slightly less certain than 'may' | The report might be completed by Friday. | | must | Strong possibility or obligation | The documents must be submitted by noon. |

Practice Questions

1. The presentation ____ be delayed due to technical issues.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The team ____ finish the project by the end of the week.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The meeting ____ be postponed if the client cancels.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The report ____ be ready by tomorrow afternoon.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The data ____ be analyzed by the end of the day.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The project ____ require additional resources.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The documents ____ be submitted by Friday.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The presentation ____ be rescheduled if necessary.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The team ____ complete the task by noon.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The meeting ____ be held next week.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The report ____ be finished by the end of the month.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The data ____ be processed by tomorrow.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The project ____ need more time to complete.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The documents ____ be reviewed by the manager.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The presentation ____ be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The team ____ finish the task by the end of the day.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The meeting ____ be rescheduled if the client is available.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The report ____ be completed by Friday.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The data ____ be analyzed by the end of the week.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

1. The project ____ require additional funding.

a) can b) could c) may d) must

Model Answers

Score Level 6.0 (Basic Competence)

Answer:

1. c) may
2. c) may
3. c) may
4. c) may
5. b) could
6. c) may
7. d) must
8. c) may
9. d) must
10. c) may
11. c) may
12. b) could
13. c) may
14. d) must
15. c) may
16. c) may
17. c) may
18. c) may
19. b) could
20. c) may

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar/Usage (GU): 15/30 - The answers show basic understanding but lack precision in modal verb usage.
• Vocabulary (V): 10/20 - Limited range of vocabulary used.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5/10 - Answers are straightforward but not well-connected.
• Task Response (TR): 5/10 - Responses address the task but lack depth.

Score Level 7.0 (Proficient)

Answer:

1. c) may
2. c) may
3. c) may
4. b) could
5. c) may
6. c) may
7. d) must
8. c) may
9. d) must
10. b) could
11. c) may
12. b) could
13. c) may
14. d) must
15. b) could
16. c) may
17. b) could
18. c) may
19. b) could
20. c) may

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar/Usage (GU): 25/30 - Answers demonstrate a good understanding of modal verbs of possibility.
• Vocabulary (V): 15/20 - A wider range of vocabulary is used appropriately.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8/10 - Answers are well-structured and coherent.
• Task Response (TR): 8/10 - Responses fully address the task with clear modal verb choices.

Score Level 8.0 (Good)

Answer:

1. c) may
2. c) may
3. c) may
4. b) could
5. c) may
6. c) may
7. d) must
8. c) may
9. d) must
10. b) could
11. c) may
12. b) could
13. c) may
14. d) must
15. b) could
16. c) may
17. b) could
18. c) may
19. b) could
20. c) may

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar/Usage (GU): 28/30 - Answers show a strong grasp of modal verbs of possibility with precise usage.
• Vocabulary (V): 18/20 - A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and effectively.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9/10 - Answers are well-organized and cohesive.
• Task Response (TR): 9/10 - Responses fully address the task with clear and precise modal verb choices.

Score Level 9.0 (Expert)

Answer:

1. c) may
2. c) may
3. c) may
4. b) could
5. c) may
6. c) may
7. d) must
8. c) may
9. d) must
10. b) could
11. c) may
12. b) could
13. c) may
14. d) must
15. b) could
16. c) may
17. b) could
18. c) may
19. b) could
20. c) may

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar/Usage (GU): 30/30 - Answers demonstrate expert-level understanding and usage of modal verbs of possibility.
• Vocabulary (V): 20/20 - A comprehensive range of vocabulary is used accurately and effectively.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 10/10 - Answers are exceptionally well-organized and cohesive.
• Task Response (TR): 10/10 - Responses fully address the task with clear, precise, and expert-level modal verb choices.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Reschedule (verb): To arrange for something to happen at a different time.

• Example: The meeting was rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.

1. Analyze (verb): To examine something in detail to understand it better.

• Example: The data was analyzed by the team.

1. Submission (noun): The act of presenting something for consideration or approval.

• Example: The submission of the documents was delayed.

1. Technical Issues (noun): Problems related to technology or equipment.

• Example: The presentation was delayed due to technical issues.

1. Unforeseen Circumstances (noun): Events that were not anticipated or expected.

• Example: The meeting was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

1. Client (noun): A person or organization that receives goods or services from a business.

• Example: The client requested a reschedule of the meeting.

1. Resources (noun): Assets or materials that are available for use.

• Example: The project required additional resources.

1. Delay (verb): To make something happen later than planned.

• Example: The presentation was delayed due to technical problems.

1. Complete (verb): To finish something.

• Example: The report was completed by the end of the week.

1. Funding (noun): Money provided for a specific purpose.

• Example: The project required additional funding.

1. Task (noun): A piece of work to be done.

• Example: The team completed the task by noon.

1. Manager (noun): A person responsible for overseeing a department or team.

• Example: The documents were reviewed by the manager.

1. Available (adjective): Not busy or occupied; free to do something.

• Example: The meeting was rescheduled because the client was not available.

1. Circumstance (noun): A fact or condition that influences a situation.

• Example: The presentation was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

1. Range (noun): A variety of different things or people.

• Example: The test covers a wide range of modal verbs.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing Modal Verbs: Students often confuse 'can' and 'may' when expressing possibility. 'Can' suggests ability, while 'may' suggests permission or possibility.
2. Overusing 'Could': 'Could' is often overused when 'may' or 'might' would be more appropriate.
3. Ignoring Context: Students may choose modal verbs based on personal preference rather than the context of the sentence.
4. Misusing 'Must': 'Must' is often used incorrectly to express strong possibility when 'may' or 'might' would be more accurate.
5. Neglecting Tense Consistency: Students may forget to maintain consistent tense when using modal verbs in different contexts.

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