Skill
Determine Where To Insert A Piece Of Information
No description
In the TOEFL ITP Reading Comprehension section, you may encounter a question that asks where a particular sentence would best fit within a paragraph. Although this question type originally appeared in computer-based TOEFL formats, many preparation materials still include it because it strengthens your ability to understand logical flow, paragraph organization, and textual cohesion.
These questions test whether you can:
- Recognize how ideas are connected,
- Identify transitions and logical sequence,
- Understand reference words (such as this, these, such, he, they),
- Detect cause–effect, examples, elaboration, and contrast relationships.
To answer this type of question effectively, focus on the sentence to be inserted and check how well it matches the context before and after each numbered position.
How to Approach Sentence-Insertion Questions
- Read the sentence carefully.
Identify key ideas, subjects, reference words, transitions, or pronouns. - Examine each possible insertion point.
Look at the sentence before and after each labeled position (A, B, C, etc.) within the paragraph. - Check for logical and grammatical flow.
- Does the new sentence continue an idea?
- Does it introduce something that is explained afterward?
- Does it contain pronouns referring to something mentioned right before?
- Does it lead smoothly to the next sentence?
- Choose the position where the sentence fits most naturally in meaning, logic, and structure.
Exercise
Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:
PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1–3)
(Insertion positions are marked as A, B, C, etc.)
Paragraph 1
Something unusual about lions is that they hunt in groups. A Group hunting is beneficial because it allows lions to capture much larger prey and reduces the energy each lion uses during a hunt. B
Paragraph 2
There is a standard pattern to the group-hunting process. C The hunt is initiated by a single female who takes a high position to search for prey. D When prey is spotted, several young lionesses drive the herd toward another lioness hidden downwind. E That concealed lioness then targets the weakest animal in the herd. F
Paragraph 3
As this description shows, it is the females—not the males—who participate directly in the kill. G While the younger females pursue the prey, the males remain behind to protect the pride from predators such as hyenas. H
1. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 1:
Other big cats do not typically hunt this way.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After sentence A
B. After sentence B
2. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 2:
This is usually achieved by knocking the animal to the ground and breaking its neck.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After C
B. After D
C. After E
D. After F
3. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 3:
Their primary responsibility is defensive rather than offensive.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After G
B. After H
PASSAGE TWO (Questions 4–5)
Paragraph 1
A number of everyday products were invented by accident when someone recognized an unexpected opportunity in a problematic situation.
Paragraph 2
One example is the leotard, a tight-fitting, one-piece garment commonly worn by dancers and acrobats. A In 1828, circus performer Nelson Hower nearly missed his act because his costume was at the cleaners. B Rather than cancel, he performed in his long underwear. C Soon, other performers followed his lead. D When popular acrobat Jules Leotard adopted the style, it became known as the leotard.
Paragraph 3
Another accidental invention is the popsicle. E In 1905, eleven-year-old Frank Epperson mixed powdered flavoring with soda water and accidentally left the mixture outside overnight with a spoon still in the cup. F As the temperature dropped, the mixture froze around the spoon. G Years later, remembering the frozen treat, Epperson began manufacturing popsicles commercially. H
4. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 2:
They appreciated how comfortable it felt compared to their costumes.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After A
B. After B
C. After C
D. After D
5. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 3:
The flavor and uniqueness made a strong impression on him.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After E
B. After F
C. After G
D. After H
PASSAGE THREE (Questions 6–7)
Paragraph 1
Uranium, a radioactive metal named after the planet Uranus, is a major source of energy in nuclear power plants and certain weapons. It occurs naturally in three isotopes, each differing in how easily it undergoes nuclear fission.
Paragraph 2
The three naturally occurring isotopes of uranium are U-234, U-235, and U-238. A Each has 92 protons in its nucleus, which gives uranium its atomic number. B However, each isotope contains a different number of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. C
Paragraph 3
Among these isotopes, U-238 is the most abundant, while U-235 is the most capable of undergoing fission. D More than 99% of natural uranium is U-238, while U-234 and U-235 occur in much smaller quantities. E Nuclear fission occurs when a U-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron and splits, releasing energy along with additional neutrons. F In contrast, U-238 and U-234 rarely undergo fission when struck by neutrons. G
6. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 2:
U-234 contains 142 neutrons, U-235 contains 143, and U-238 contains 146.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After A
B. After B
C. After C
7. The following sentence could be added to Paragraph 3:
These newly released neutrons can initiate a chain reaction by splitting additional U-235 nuclei.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. After D
B. After E
C. After F
D. After G
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