Kaplan's English/TOEFL Edge

In this issue: TOEFL Practice TOEFL Vocabulary		Sponsored by www.kaplanenglish.com. Test-Taking Tips and Strategies Paraphrasing Did you know that your ability to recognize accurately paraphrased language is heavily tested on the TOEFL* iBT? Here's our method of choice for dealing successfully with questions requiring this skill: Consider the meaning of the highlighted passage identified in the question prompt; compare and contrast this language with the language in each of the four answer choices. Mentally substitute each answer choice for the highlighted expression in its original context. Be aware that distractor choices will either contain information that is outside the scope of the highlighted passage or that changes its meaning in an important way. If the meaning remains essentially unchanged, the paraphrased language is valid. Developing your ability to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate paraphrasing will go a long way to helping you avoid the distractor trap. Additionally, knowing how to paraphrase when speaking and writing allows you to demonstrate a varied academic vocabulary and to avoid redundancy as well—another important application of this very same technique! Try your hand at applying the paraphrasing strategy you just learned—consider the highlighted portion of the following passage: Christopher Columbus – Discoverer of America "In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." This familiar mnemonic is routinely chanted by American schoolchildren seeking to recall the year in which Christopher Columbus purportedly discovered the New World.Despite the fact that Americans from coast to coast celebrate the discovery of America by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, a number of reputable historians refuse to give him credit for this feat. They suggest that it is simply not possible for one to "discover" an already-inhabited territory. Which of the following choices most closely approximates the highlighted portion of the paragraph above? A. certain well-respected scholars are unwilling to accord this accomplishment to Columbus B. the exact number of historians refusing to credit Columbus with the discovery of American is unknown C. many historians believe that it is foolish to honor Columbus in this way D. a certain group of historians want proof that Columbus was actually in charge of the voyage Is it possible to be a pedestrian pedestrian? No, you are not looking at a typographical error; in fact, the question you have just read is not only legitimate, it is also grammatically correct..but how? Imagine yourself in the role of a university professor in an ESL program. How would you explain this dilemma to your students? Answers will appear in next month's edition of the Edge—stay tuned! ********* Solution to last month's "check your understanding" vocabulary challenge complement or compliment (verb form, simple past) The soprano's vocal range and the aria she sang complemented each other perfectly. Not surprisingly, many audience members complimented her superb performance. (singular noun form) The wine steward's recommendation was the perfect complement to an exquisite second course. The patrons paid him a well-deserved compliment before leaving the restaurant.     Back to Top The Correct Answer to the Question above is: (A): Certain well-respected scholars are unwilling to accord this accomplishment to Columbus. Back to Top Kaplan English Programs and your local Kaplan Center join together to wish each of our August test-takers success on the TOEFL iBT! Making Subscription Changes: You are receiving this email newsletter from Kaplan because you are currently a subscriber. To modify or cancel your subscription to the Kaplan Edge, go to http://www.kaptest.com/subscription.jhtml . If you need additional help, please visit kaptest.com/contactus . *TOEFL® is a registered trademark of the Educational Testing Service.
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