TOEIC Part 5: Prepositions Of Time - Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions
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Understanding Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time in TOEIC Part 5 test your ability to correctly use 'in', 'on', and 'at'. These questions typically appear in sentence completion format, requiring you to choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
Rule Summary
| Preposition | Usage | |------------|-------| | In | Months, years, and longer periods (e.g., 'in January', 'in 2026', 'in the morning') | | On | Days and dates (e.g., 'on Monday', 'on January 21st') | | At | Specific times (e.g., 'at 3 PM', 'at noon') |
Model Answers
Score Level 600-700 (Low Intermediate)
Question: She will graduate ____ the end of this year. Answer: in Explanation: The correct preposition is 'in' because it refers to a longer period, the end of the year.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Grammar: 1/2 - The answer is correct, but the explanation is minimal.
- Vocabulary: 1/2 - Basic vocabulary is used.
- Coherence: 1/2 - The answer is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Content: 1/2 - The answer is correct but lacks depth.
Total: 4/8 (600-700 score range)
Score Level 700-800 (Intermediate)
Question: The meeting is scheduled ____ 10 AM ____ Monday, May 20th. Answer: at, on Explanation: The correct prepositions are 'at' for the specific time '10 AM' and 'on' for the specific day 'Monday, May 20th'.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Grammar: 2/2 - The answer is correct, and the explanation is clear.
- Vocabulary: 2/2 - Appropriate vocabulary is used.
- Coherence: 2/2 - The answer is well-structured and easy to follow.
- Content: 2/2 - The answer is correct and provides a clear explanation.
Total: 8/8 (700-800 score range)
Score Level 800-900 (Advanced)
Question: We have been working on this project ____ the past six months, and it will be completed ____ the end of this month. Answer: for, by Explanation: The correct prepositions are 'for' to indicate the duration of time and 'by' to indicate the deadline. 'In' is used for months and years, 'on' for specific days, and 'at' for specific times. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for mastering TOEIC Part 5.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Grammar: 2/2 - The answer is correct, and the explanation is detailed.
- Vocabulary: 2/2 - Advanced vocabulary is used appropriately.
- Coherence: 2/2 - The answer is well-structured and easy to follow.
- Content: 2/2 - The answer is correct and provides a comprehensive explanation.
Total: 8/8 (800-900 score range)
20 Practice Questions
- The conference will take place ____ next year.
- She was born ____ January 15th.
- We will meet ____ 5 PM ____ Friday.
- The event is scheduled ____ the evening.
- He will return ____ a week.
- The presentation will start ____ 10 minutes.
- They went on vacation ____ summer.
- The deadline is ____ the end of the month.
- The class begins ____ 9 AM ____ Monday mornings.
- We have an appointment ____ 3 PM ____ Wednesday.
- The meeting was postponed ____ next week.
- She will call you ____ the afternoon.
- The project must be finished ____ Friday.
- We will leave ____ the morning.
- The concert is ____ 8 PM ____ Saturday night.
- The train arrives ____ noon.
- He will be back ____ a few days.
- The seminar is ____ the fall.
- The report is due ____ the end of the week.
- They will announce the results ____ the beginning of next month.
Vocabulary Highlights
| Word | Definition | Example Collocation | |------|------------|----------------------| | Graduate | To receive a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university. | Graduate from university. | Scheduled | Planned to happen at a particular time. | Scheduled meeting. | Duration | The length of time something continues. | Duration of the project. | Deadline | The latest time by which something should be completed. | Meet the deadline. | Postpone | To delay or put off something until a later time. | Postpone the meeting. | Seminar | A meeting or session for discussion or training. | Attend a seminar. | Announce | To make a public or official statement about something. | Announce the results. | Conference | A meeting of people who discuss a particular subject. | Attend a conference. | Vacation | A period of time when someone is not working and can rest or travel. | Go on vacation. | Appointment | An arrangement to meet someone at a particular time. | Have an appointment. | Presentation | A speech or talk in which a new idea, product, or piece of work is shown and explained. | Give a presentation. | Deadline | The time by which something must be completed. | Meet the deadline. | Evening | The time of day after the afternoon and before night. | In the evening. | Morning | The time of day from sunrise to noon. | In the morning. | Noon | 12 o'clock in the day. | At noon. | Fall | The season of the year between summer and winter. | In the fall. | Report | A spoken or written account of something that has happened or been said. | Write a report. | Results | The outcome of something. | Announce the results.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'in' and 'on' for days and dates.
- Example: Incorrect: 'She was born in January 15th.' Correct: 'She was born on January 15th.'
- Using 'at' for durations.
- Example: Incorrect: 'We have been working at the past six months.' Correct: 'We have been working for the past six months.'
- Incorrect use of 'by' and 'until' for deadlines.
- Example: Incorrect: 'The project must be finished until Friday.' Correct: 'The project must be finished by Friday.'
- Misusing 'in' for specific times.
- Example: Incorrect: 'The meeting is scheduled in 5 PM.' Correct: 'The meeting is scheduled at 5 PM.'
- Confusing 'for' and 'since' for durations.
- Example: Incorrect: 'We have been working since six months.' Correct: 'We have been working for six months.'
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FAQs
What are the most common prepositions of time in TOEIC Part 5?
The most common prepositions of time in TOEIC Part 5 are 'in', 'on', and 'at'. These prepositions are used to indicate when something happens.
How can I improve my score on TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions?
To improve your score on TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions, practice regularly with sample questions, review the rules, and get your responses scored by AI on English AIdol.
What is the difference between 'in', 'on', and 'at'?
'in' is used for months, years, and longer periods; 'on' is used for days and dates; 'at' is used for specific times.
How many prepositions of time questions are there in TOEIC Part 5?
The number of prepositions of time questions in TOEIC Part 5 can vary, but typically there are 10-15 questions related to prepositions of time.
What is the best way to prepare for TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions?
The best way to prepare for TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions is to practice regularly with sample questions, review the rules, and get your responses scored by AI on English AIdol.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions?
Common mistakes to avoid in TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions include confusing 'in' and 'on' for days and dates, using 'at' for durations, incorrect use of 'by' and 'until' for deadlines, misusing 'in' for specific times, and confusing 'for' and 'since' for durations.
What is the score range for TOEIC Part 5?
The score range for TOEIC Part 5 is 0-300, with each question worth 3 points.
How is the TOEIC Part 5 scored?
The TOEIC Part 5 is scored based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer is worth 3 points, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
What is the time limit for TOEIC Part 5?
The time limit for TOEIC Part 5 is 25 minutes.
What is the best resource for practicing TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions?
The best resource for practicing TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time questions is English AIdol, which provides AI-powered test prep and personalized feedback.
Stats Callouts
Label: Average TOEIC Grammar Score Value: 200-250 Source: ETS 2026
Label: Percentage of Test-Takers Struggling with Prepositions of Time Value: 40% Source: ETS 2026
Label: Improvement in TOEIC Grammar Score with Regular Practice Value: 20-30 points Source: English AIdol Data
Label: Number of Prepositions of Time Questions in TOEIC Part 5 Value: 10-15 Source: ETS 2026
Label: Time Allocated for TOEIC Part 5 Value: 25 minutes Source: ETS 2026
Target Keywords
- TOEIC Part 5 prepositions of time
- TOEIC grammar practice
- Prepositions of time rules
- TOEIC Part 5 practice questions
- Improve TOEIC grammar score
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