TOEIC Part 5: Phrasal Verbs in Business Contexts

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Understanding the Rules

Phrasal verbs in TOEIC Part 5 combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, creating new meanings. In business contexts, these often relate to project management, customer service, or financial operations. Key rules:

1. Separable vs. Inseparable: Some phrasal verbs can be separated by objects (e.g., 'turn down a project' vs. 'look into the issue').
2. Context Matters: Business phrasal verbs often appear in emails, reports, or meeting notes.
3. Common Patterns: 'Follow up', 'look into', 'turn down', 'put off', 'carry out'.

Model Answers

Score Level 600-700

Prompt: The manager decided to _____ the new marketing strategy after reviewing the data.

Answer: The manager decided to follow up the new marketing strategy after reviewing the data.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: 12/15 - Correct verb form but awkward phrasing.
• Vocabulary: 10/15 - Basic but appropriate business vocabulary.
• Comprehension: 12/15 - Understands the context but misuses the phrasal verb.
• Coherence: 10/15 - Logical but lacks sophistication.

Score Level 700-800

Prompt: The team needs to _____ the client's complaint before the end of the week.

Answer: The team needs to look into the client's complaint before the end of the week.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: 14/15 - Correct verb form and object placement.
• Vocabulary: 13/15 - Appropriate business vocabulary with some nuance.
• Comprehension: 14/15 - Accurately uses the phrasal verb in context.
• Coherence: 13/15 - Logical and coherent with some flow.

Score Level 800-900

Prompt: Despite initial resistance, the board ultimately _____ the acquisition proposal.

Answer: Despite initial resistance, the board ultimately approved the acquisition proposal.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: 15/15 - Perfect verb form and object placement.
• Vocabulary: 15/15 - Sophisticated and precise business vocabulary.
• Comprehension: 15/15 - Perfectly uses the phrasal verb in context.
• Coherence: 15/15 - Highly logical and coherent with excellent flow.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Follow up: To pursue or continue a course of action.

• Example: 'Follow up on the lead to close the deal.'

1. Look into: To investigate or examine something closely.

• Example: 'Look into the issue before making a decision.'

1. Turn down: To reject or decline an offer or request.

• Example: 'Turn down the project due to budget constraints.'

1. Put off: To postpone or delay something.

• Example: 'Put off the meeting until next week.'

1. Carry out: To perform or execute a task or plan.

• Example: 'Carry out the strategy as discussed.'

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Separability: Misplacing the object in separable phrasal verbs (e.g., 'turn down the project' vs. 'turn the project down').
2. Wrong Preposition/Adverb: Using the wrong particle (e.g., 'look into' vs. 'look for').
3. Context Misuse: Using phrasal verbs in inappropriate contexts (e.g., 'follow up' in a non-business setting).
4. Verb Form Errors: Incorrect verb tenses or forms (e.g., 'followed up' vs. 'follow up').
5. Overcomplication: Using overly complex phrasal verbs when simpler ones would suffice.

Practice Questions

1. The CEO decided to _____ the annual report before the shareholder meeting.
2. The team needs to _____ the client's feedback before finalizing the design.
3. Despite the risks, the company chose to _____ the new product line.
4. The manager asked the intern to _____ the data for accuracy.
5. The board voted to _____ the merger proposal after lengthy discussions.
6. The marketing team will _____ the campaign results next week.
7. The HR department needs to _____ the new hire's references.
8. The project was _____ due to lack of funding.
9. The sales team will _____ the potential clients after the conference.
10. The financial report was _____ by the auditor before submission.
11. The company decided to _____ the old software system.
12. The manager asked the team to _____ the client's concerns.
13. The board will _____ the new policy next month.
14. The team needs to _____ the project timeline.
15. The CEO decided to _____ the annual review.
16. The marketing team will _____ the new ad campaign.
17. The HR department needs to _____ the new employee's paperwork.
18. The project was _____ due to unforeseen circumstances.
19. The sales team will _____ the potential investors after the meeting.
20. The financial report was _____ by the CFO before the board meeting.

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