TOEIC Part 5: Time Linking Words – Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions

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TOEIC Part 5 tests your knowledge of time linking words like 'before', 'after', 'while', and 'since'. These words connect ideas about time sequence. The rule is that the tense of the verb in the dependent clause (after the linking word) must match the tense of the verb in the main clause. For example, in 'I had already left before she arrived', 'had left' (past perfect) connects to 'arrived' (simple past).

The Rule for Time Linking Words

The rule for time linking words in TOEIC Part 5 is straightforward: the tense of the verb in the dependent clause (after the linking word) must match the tense of the verb in the main clause. Here are some common time linking words and their rules:

| Linking Word | Rule | Example | |-------------|------|---------| | before | The dependent clause uses past perfect, the main clause uses simple past | I had finished my homework before he called. | | after | The dependent clause uses simple past, the main clause uses past perfect | After she left, I realized I had forgotten to tell her. | | while | The dependent clause uses past continuous, the main clause uses simple past | While I was cooking, the phone rang. | | since | The dependent clause uses present perfect, the main clause uses simple present | I have been waiting here since 2 p.m. |

Model Answers at Different Score Levels

Low-Score Answer (Score Level 3)

Question: Before I went to the meeting, I _____ my report. Answer: Before I went to the meeting, I write my report.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Incorrect verb tense (write instead of wrote)
• Vocabulary: Limited range (only basic verbs used)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Lack of logical connection between clauses
• Task Response: Partially addresses the question

Mid-Score Answer (Score Level 5)

Question: After she finished her work, she _____ a break. Answer: After she finished her work, she took a break.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct verb tense (took)
• Vocabulary: Adequate range (finished, took)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear logical connection between clauses
• Task Response: Fully addresses the question

High-Score Answer (Score Level 7)

Question: While I was studying, my roommate _____ loudly. Answer: While I was studying, my roommate was playing music loudly.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct verb tenses (was studying, was playing)
• Vocabulary: Varied range (studying, playing, loudly)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Clear and logical connection between clauses
• Task Response: Fully addresses the question with additional detail

20 Practice Questions

1. Before I _____ to bed, I checked my emails.
2. After he _____ the movie, he went to sleep.
3. While she _____ dinner, the doorbell rang.
4. Since I _____ here, I have met many interesting people.
5. I had already _____ my homework before the teacher called.
6. After she _____ her keys, she had to break into her own house.
7. While I _____ the news, I heard about the accident.
8. Before he _____ to the party, he bought a gift.
9. Since I _____ this job, I have learned a lot.
10. After they _____ the presentation, they went out for lunch.
11. While I _____ my lunch, I received a phone call.
12. Before I _____ the meeting, I prepared my notes.
13. After he _____ his degree, he started looking for a job.
14. While she _____ the book, she found a interesting note.
15. Since I _____ to this city, I have visited many places.
16. I had already _____ dinner when she arrived.
17. After they _____ the project, they celebrated.
18. While I _____ the TV, I fell asleep.
19. Before he _____ the office, he sent an email.
20. Since I _____ this course, my English has improved significantly.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Check (verb): To examine something to see if it is correct or in order. Example: I checked my emails before going to bed.
2. Finish (verb): To complete something. Example: After he finished the movie, he went to sleep.
3. Ring (verb): To make a sound to indicate that someone is at the door or to call attention. Example: The doorbell rang while she was cooking dinner.
4. Meet (verb): To come together with someone. Example: Since I moved here, I have met many interesting people.
5. Check (noun): An examination to see if something is correct or in order. Example: I did a quick check of my emails before bed.
6. Buy (verb): To obtain something in exchange for money. Example: Before he went to the party, he bought a gift.
7. Learn (verb): To gain or acquire knowledge or skill. Example: Since I started this job, I have learned a lot.
8. Prepare (verb): To make something ready for use or action. Example: Before I went to the meeting, I prepared my notes.
9. Look (verb): To search or try to find something. Example: After he graduated, he started looking for a job.
10. Find (verb): To discover or perceive by chance or unexpectedly. Example: While she was reading the book, she found an interesting note.
11. Visit (verb): To go to a place or person for a short time. Example: Since I moved to this city, I have visited many places.
12. Celebrate (verb): To commemorate or observe an event with ceremonies or festivities. Example: After they finished the project, they celebrated.
13. Send (verb): To cause something to go or be taken to a destination. Example: Before he left the office, he sent an email.
14. Improve (verb): To make something better. Example: Since I started this course, my English has improved significantly.
15. Examine (verb): To inspect something carefully or critically. Example: I examined my emails before going to bed.
16. Complete (verb): To finish something. Example: After he completed the movie, he went to sleep.
17. Cook (verb): To prepare food by heating it. Example: While she was cooking dinner, the doorbell rang.
18. Move (verb): To go from one place to another. Example: Since I moved here, I have met many interesting people.
19. Graduate (verb): To receive a degree or diploma. Example: After he graduated, he started looking for a job.
20. Read (verb): To look at and understand the meaning of written or printed matter. Example: While she was reading the book, she found an interesting note.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Incorrect Verb Tense: Using the wrong verb tense in the dependent clause. Example: Before I went to bed, I write my report. (Incorrect: write should be wrote.)
2. Lack of Logical Connection: Not ensuring the clauses are logically connected. Example: After she finished her work, she took a break. (Correct, but needs more detail for higher scores.)
3. Limited Vocabulary: Using only basic verbs and lacking a varied vocabulary. Example: Before I went to bed, I checked my emails. (Correct, but needs more advanced vocabulary for higher scores.)
4. Incorrect Linking Word: Using the wrong linking word for the context. Example: Before I went to bed, I was checking my emails. (Incorrect: should use simple past, not past continuous.)
5. Incomplete Sentence: Not completing the sentence with the correct verb form. Example: Before I went to bed, I checked my emails. (Correct, but needs more detail for higher scores.)

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