Reading question types - Sentence Insertion

Learning Outcomes

After studying this article, you will be able to accurately solve Sentence Insertion questions in the TOEFL Reading section. You will know how to spot the correct location for an inserted sentence by analyzing referential words, logical connectors, and topic continuity. You will also avoid frequent errors related to ambiguous pronouns or weak paragraph flow.

TOEFL iBT Syllabus

For TOEFL, you are required to recognize and answer Sentence Insertion questions in the Reading section. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

• Identify Sentence Insertion question formats and instructions in TOEFL Reading.
• Evaluate the logical, grammatical, and referential link between the sentence to insert and the surrounding text.
• Use pronouns, demonstratives, and connectors to match sentences to passage context.
• Distinguish between suitable and unsuitable insertion points based on paragraph structure and meaning.
• Avoid placing sentences where pronoun references or flow become unclear.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What should you check first in an inserted sentence on a TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion question?
2. When inserting a sentence with the phrase "these patterns," what kind of clue can help you find the correct spot?
3. True or false: On TOEFL, you should pick the insertion point where the sentence sounds only loosely connected, even if some pronouns are unclear.

Introduction

Sentence Insertion questions test your ability to place a new sentence in the best position within a TOEFL Reading passage. They check if you can follow logical structure, track pronoun references, and maintain topic focus in academic paragraphs. Success with these questions demonstrates your strength in reading comprehension and organization.

Key Term: Sentence Insertion
A reading question type that asks where a provided new sentence fits best in the passage, using four marked insertion points for possible locations.

Recognizing Sentence Insertion on TOEFL

On test day, you will see four black squares [■] next to sentences in a paragraph. Your task is to insert the given sentence at the spot that makes the paragraph smooth, logical, and clear.

Key Term: Referential Clue
A pronoun or demonstrative (such as "this," "these," "it," "such a change") pointing to a noun or fact stated previously in the text and showing sentence connections.

Key Term: Logical Connector
A linking word or phrase (such as "however," "therefore," "for example") used to show how ideas relate or transition between sentences.

Steps for Answering Sentence Insertion Questions

To answer accurately, follow these steps:

1. Read the Inserted Sentence Closely. Focus on any pronouns, demonstratives, or connecting words.
2. Evaluate Each Possible Position. For every black square [■], read the previous and following sentences. Picture the new sentence at that point and look for clarity or confusion.
3. Check Referential and Logical Clues. Look for clear links: Does "this" or "these" match something specific in the nearby sentences? Does the connector (e.g., "however") fit the organization?
4. Maintain Paragraph Topic and Flow. Inserting the sentence should keep the discussion clear and not introduce unrelated information.
5. Reject Problem Spots. Do not pick spots where the new sentence causes pronoun ambiguity, illogical sequence, or a break in the main idea.

Key Term: Paragraph Flow
The smooth movement of ideas in a paragraph, where each sentence logically and grammatically links to the next.

Typical Sentence Insertion Clues

TOEFL uses predictable features in sentence insertion items:

• Referential Clues: Look for "these," "this," "such," or pronouns referring to facts or nouns already stated.
• Logical Connectors: Note whether the new sentence signals contrast ("however"), cause ("because," "since"), effect ("therefore," "as a result"), or example ("for instance").
• Topic Continuity: The inserted sentence should expand, clarify, or summarize the main topic, not disrupt it.
• Grammatical Accuracy: Tense, subject, and number must be correct for the context.

Recognizing and Avoiding Distractor Positions

Do not choose an insertion spot where:

• Pronoun references ("it," "these," "their") lack a clear noun nearby.
• Logical connector words ("however," "therefore") conflict with the logical sequence.
• The overall paragraph topic shifts or breaks into unrelated points.
• The order of events or details is illogical or redundant.

Worked Example 1.1

Passage:

The greenhouse effect is caused by gases in the atmosphere trapping heat from the Sun. Carbon dioxide is the most significant of these gases. [■] Human activities have rapidly increased carbon dioxide levels over recent decades. [■] Scientists warn that continued emissions will accelerate global warming. [■] New technologies are being developed to monitor and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. [■]

Sentence to insert:

"These rising concentrations have already been linked to shifts in global climate patterns."

Question: Where should the sentence be inserted?

Answer:
The best position is after the third sentence (second square [■]):
Human activities have rapidly increased carbon dioxide levels over recent decades. [■] These rising concentrations have already been linked to shifts in global climate patterns. [■] Scientists warn that continued emissions will accelerate global warming.

Explanation: The inserted sentence expands upon the "increased carbon dioxide levels" and leads directly into discussion of the consequences.

Worked Example 1.2

Passage:

Insects use pheromones to communicate with others of their species. These chemical signals can warn of predators or attract mates. [■] Each pheromone message is unique to its sender and context. [■] Some pheromones are so powerful that they can affect behavior at great distance. [■]

Sentence to insert:

"This individualized signaling ensures that only the intended receivers will detect and respond to specific messages."

Question: Where does this sentence fit best?

Answer:
Insert after the second sentence (first square [■]):
These chemical signals can warn of predators or attract mates. [■] This individualized signaling ensures that only the intended receivers will detect and respond to specific messages. [■] Each pheromone message is unique to its sender and context.

Explanation: The new sentence defines "individualized signaling," which matches the “unique to its sender and context” sentence that comes immediately afterward.

Worked Example 1.3

Passage:

Glaciers shape mountain valleys by eroding rock as they move. [■] As a glacier slides downhill, it grinds the subsurface stone, carving deep grooves. [■] When temperatures rise, melting glaciers can recede at remarkable rates. [■] Some studies predict that many glaciers could vanish within decades if current warming continues.

Sentence to insert:

"This process results in dramatic terrain changes visible long after the ice is gone."

Question: Where should the sentence be added?

Answer:
Insert after the second sentence (second square [■]):
As a glacier slides downhill, it grinds the subsurface stone, carving deep grooves. [■] This process results in dramatic terrain changes visible long after the ice is gone. [■] When temperatures rise, melting glaciers can recede at remarkable rates.

Explanation: The inserted sentence summarizes the impact described and links to the following discussion of glacial retreat.

Exam Warning

Never pick an insertion spot if the meaning of a pronoun ("this," "these," "they") is unclear at that location. Check that all references and connectors are precise before choosing.

Revision Tip

When practicing, always read the passage with the new sentence inserted at each possible spot. Only select the place where all grammatical, logical, and topic clues fit together without confusion.

Summary

TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion questions evaluate whether you can place a new sentence where it fits logically, grammatically, and topically within a paragraph. Correct answers require matching pronouns and connectors, maintaining topic focus, and checking smooth sequence.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Identify TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion questions and understand instructions.
• Answer systematically: check each position, seeking clear references and logical connections.
• Use pronouns, logical connectors, and other clues to confirm the best location.
• Avoid common missteps with ambiguous pronouns, illogical sequence, or topic breaks.
• Practice with worked examples for greater test-day accuracy.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Sentence Insertion
• Referential Clue
• Logical Connector
• Paragraph Flow