TOEIC Reading Part 6（長文穴埋め問題）：空欄の前後の文を読んで語句・つなぎ言葉・抜けた文を選ぶ方法

TOEIC Reading Part 6（長文穴埋め問題）では、メールやお知らせなど短いビジネス文書が四つ出され、それぞれに空欄が四つあります。通常、各文書の空欄のうち一つは文をまるごと選ぶ問題です。答えを選ぶ前に、空欄の前後の文を両方読みましょう。前に出た時を表す語句が時制を決めることがあり、空欄のあとの“they”や“this”のような語が、どの文が入るかを教えてくれます。つなぎ言葉の問題では、まず二つの文の関係を言葉にしましょう。この記事は中級（B1）以上の受験者に向けて書きました。

この記事が向いている人

Part 5は安定しているのに、手がかりが別の文にあるとPart 6で点を落とすTOEIC受験者。
“however”と“therefore”は知っていても、どちらが合うか迷う方、文挿入問題が一番苦手な方。
お知らせ、手順の説明、変更連絡のメールを書く機会があり、文と文をはっきりつなげたい社会人。
まだ早い：一文の中の品詞や時制でまだ時間がかかるなら、Part 5の短文穴埋め問題から始めましょう。
簡単すぎる：Part 6は楽に解けて、時間が長い文章に取られるなら、Part 7のお知らせ・広告・チャットに進みましょう。

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単語カード

Personal · your own space

Do you have your own desk or place to work? How would you feel if you had to book one every day?

Useful: ‘I’d find it…’ · ‘What I’d miss most is…’ · ‘I wouldn’t mind as long as…’

Personal · an unpopular change

Describe a change at work or school that people complained about. Were the complaints fair?

Useful: ‘At first, everyone…’ · ‘However, after a while…’ · ‘Looking back, the complaints were…’

会話の例

In the sentence “Each volunteer completes a form”, why is “completes” used?

Each volunteer is a singular subject, so the present-tense verb takes -s.

A nearby plural noun would not change the number of the subject. The completed sentence also fits a routine instruction.

文の形

1
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
“We are ______ to announce that our team will move to the third floor in June.
答えと解説を見る
pleased
Pleased (-ed adjective) describes how the writers feel: we are pleased to announce.
2
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
The new floor is smaller than our current space. ______, we will introduce shared desks.
答えと解説を見る
Therefore
Therefore introduces a result: a smaller floor leads to shared desks. However would show a contrast.
3
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
Each employee ______ a desk the day before through the online system, and lockers are provided for personal items.
答えと解説を見る
books
Each employee is a singular subject, so the present-simple verb takes -s.
4
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
“I understand the need to save space. ______, several of us work with printed documents every day.
答えと解説を見る
However
However introduces a contrast: Daniel accepts the reason, then raises a problem.
5
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
This should help your team ______ documents safe without leaving them on a desk.
答えと解説を見る
keep
Help + person + base verb: help your team keep. The -ing form does not follow help + object.
6
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
Each zone ______ a small table for quick meetings.
答えと解説を見る
has
Each zone is singular, so the verb is has.
7
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
We will review the system after three months, and anyone who has a problem can contact Ravi Kumar, ______ is coordinating the move.
答えと解説を見る
who
Who begins a relative clause about a person. Which is for things, and he would make two sentences without a link.

追加の練習

Read around the gap

In the sentence “Each volunteer completes a form”, why is “completes” used?

Each volunteer is a singular subject, so the present-tense verb takes -s.

A nearby plural noun would not change the number of the subject. The completed sentence also fits a routine instruction.

Complete a library email

To: All library members

Subject: New study-room bookings

Next month, the library [1] a new online booking system for its four study rooms. Once the system is live, rooms can [2] up to two weeks in advance, and each booking can last up to three hours. Instead of [3] the front desk, members simply choose a room and a time on the library website.

Members [4] library cards have expired should renew them at the front desk before making a booking. If you need a room with a large screen, please mention this in the comments box.

Thank you,

Library services team

1
Gap 1: Next month, the library ____ a new online booking system...
答えと解説を見る
will introduce
Next month points to the future, so will introduce is the verb form. The past forms do not fit, and introducing is not a complete verb.
2
Gap 2: Once the system is live, rooms can ____ up to two weeks in advance...
答えと解説を見る
be reserved
Rooms do not reserve anything; people reserve them. After can, the passive be reserved is needed.
3
Gap 3: Instead of ____ the front desk, members simply choose a room...
答えと解説を見る
calling
After a preposition such as of, English uses the -ing form: instead of calling.
4
Gap 4: Members ____ library cards have expired should renew them...
答えと解説を見る
whose
Whose shows possession: it links the members to their cards. Who, whom and which cannot show that the cards belong to the members.

Connect the ideas, not just the sentences

Why does the help-desk sentence come before “Staff at that desk can answer questions”?

It introduces the desk that the following sentence refers to.

Coherence depends on a specific reference link as well as the general topic.

Strategy

Identify the relationship before choosing a connector.
Therefore introduces a result; however introduces a contrast.
A sentence can prepare a reference in the next sentence.
Check both the previous and following sentence.

Relationship models

The lift is unavailable. Therefore, visitors should use the ground-floor meeting room.
The ground-floor room is smaller. However, it has space for everyone attending.
A help desk will open near the entrance. Staff at that desk can answer questions.

Check the bridge on both sides

Would the sentence “The shelves were painted last summer” make the same bridge?

No. It gives background but does not explain how the correct parcel can be found.

A sentence must connect to the specific next idea, not merely mention shelves.

Strategy

Ask what information is missing between the surrounding sentences.
Look for a pronoun or reference that needs an introduction.
A sentence on the same topic may still break the sequence.
After inserting a sentence, read the paragraph continuously.

Complete model

The new pickup shelf is beside reception. Each parcel is stored in a box labelled with its owner’s name. This makes the correct parcel easier to find.

Why the middle sentence works

It explains how the shelf is organised.
This in the next sentence refers to the name-labelled storage method.

Complete an equipment-loan message

Subject: Lunchtime equipment loans

We are trialling a lunchtime loan service for the community workshop. [1] They can collect items during their lunch break instead of arriving early in the morning. The cupboard will be open from twelve to two on weekdays.

Please return all equipment before the end of the following working day. [2] This helps the next user find everything quickly. If an item is damaged, leave it with the coordinator rather than putting it back in a storage box.

During the first week, a helper will usually be near the cupboard. [3] A coordinator will read the logbook at the end of each day and contact anyone who has left their name. We will review the service after a month.

1
Gap 1: Which sentence supplies a clear referent for They?
答えと解説を見る
The trial is intended for staff who cannot visit before work.
They in the next sentence refers naturally to the staff introduced in D. The other options do not introduce people who can collect items.
2
Gap 2: Which sentence explains how returns help the next user find items?
答えと解説を見る
Place each item in the box with its matching picture label.
Matching items to labelled boxes gives a clear locating method, which This refers to in the next sentence.
3
Gap 3: Which sentence fits after the helper sentence and introduces the logbook mentioned next?
答えと解説を見る
If no one is available, write your question in the logbook beside the cupboard.
C gives a clear action for times when no helper is there and introduces the logbook that the coordinator reads in the next sentence. The other sentences are on topic, but none of them mentions a logbook.

Write a clear procedure

Choose a service

Borrowing a presentation kit, returning library materials, or collecting stored event supplies.
Choose who uses the service, where items go, and how to get help.

Write a connected procedure

Introduce the users before writing they.
Explain a practical method before referring to it with this.
Name a help route before referring to that route again.
Write a complete procedure, not isolated sentence fragments.

Write an induction message

Choose the programme

A repair café, community kitchen, or local history archive.
Decide what each new volunteer must do before attending.
Choose what the organisers provide and who can answer questions.

Your email

Write a short subject line and one or two paragraphs.
Include a routine with each volunteer, a useful help + person + verb structure, and a clear who-reference if appropriate.
Check the complete message rather than isolated words.

Linking and agreement in the thread

1
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
“We are ______ to announce that our team will move to the third floor in June.
答えと解説を見る
pleased
Pleased (-ed adjective) describes how the writers feel: we are pleased to announce.
2
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
The new floor is smaller than our current space. ______, we will introduce shared desks.
答えと解説を見る
Therefore
Therefore introduces a result: a smaller floor leads to shared desks. However would show a contrast.
3
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
Each employee ______ a desk the day before through the online system, and lockers are provided for personal items.
答えと解説を見る
books
Each employee is a singular subject, so the present-simple verb takes -s.
4
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
“I understand the need to save space. ______, several of us work with printed documents every day.
答えと解説を見る
However
However introduces a contrast: Daniel accepts the reason, then raises a problem.
5
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
This should help your team ______ documents safe without leaving them on a desk.
答えと解説を見る
keep
Help + person + base verb: help your team keep. The -ing form does not follow help + object.
6
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
Each zone ______ a small table for quick meetings.
答えと解説を見る
has
Each zone is singular, so the verb is has.
7
Choose the words that complete the sentence from the text.
We will review the system after three months, and anyone who has a problem can contact Ravi Kumar, ______ is coordinating the move.
答えと解説を見る
who
Who begins a relative clause about a person. Which is for things, and he would make two sentences without a link.

この単元を学ぶ

どの方法で学びますか？

アカウントをお持ちですか？

無料アカウントで1つの単元をずっと開いておけます。

Part 6はどんな問題？

Part 6には空欄が四つずつある文書が四つあり、各空欄に選択肢が四つあります。Part 6だけの制限時間はなく、75分のReadingセクションでPart 5、6、7をすべて解きます。空欄で問われるのは、動詞の形や品詞、語彙、つなぎ言葉、そして文全体です。まず各文書にざっと目を通し、誰が誰に何のために書いているかをつかみましょう。

文脈で解く文法：時制、能動態・受動態、一致

手がかりは一文離れたところにあることがあります。ある図書館のメールは“Next month, the library will introduce a new online booking system.”で始まります。“next month”がなくても、次の文“Once the system is live…”から、システムがまだ始まっていないことがわかるので、“introduced”は入りません。ほかにも次の点を確かめましょう。

能動か受動か：部屋が自分で予約することはできないので、受動態が合います。“rooms can be reserved up to two weeks in advance”
前置詞のあとは-ing形：“Instead of calling the front desk, members simply choose a room and a time.”
“each”のあとは単数の動詞：“Each volunteer completes a form.”
“help”＋人＋動詞の原形：“This should help your team keep documents safe.”

“who”“whose”“which”の使い分け

関係詞は、節をすぐ前の名詞に結びつけます。代名詞も確かめましょう。下の例では、“them”は会員ではなくカードを指します。日本語には関係代名詞がなく、「図書館カードの期限が切れた会員」のように説明を名詞の前に置きます。そのため、所有を表す“whose”は特に注意して確認しましょう。

人には“who”：“Contact the coordinator, who will reply.”
所有には“whose”＋名詞：“Members whose library cards have expired should renew them at the front desk.”
物には“which”：“The booking system, which opens next month, shows every available room.”

つなぎ言葉：まず関係を言葉にする

選択肢を見る前に、二つの文がどんな関係かを言ってみましょう。たいてい複数の選択肢が文法的には成り立ち、決め手は意味だけです。“therefore”“however”“as a result”は普通、新しい文の頭に置かれてコンマが続きます。一方、“although”は一つの文の中で二つの節をつなぎます。日本語の「そのため」「しかし」と「〜けれども」の違いに近いと考えるとわかりやすいでしょう。

結果（“therefore”“as a result”）：“The printer room will be redecorated next week. As a result, the printers will move to the post room.”
対比（“however”“on the other hand”）：“The post room is further from most desks. On the other hand, it is open for longer.”
一つの文の中（“although”）：“Although the ground-floor room is smaller, it has space for everyone.”

文挿入問題：前後の両方を確かめる

前の文と後ろの文のあいだに何が足りないかを考え、次の文の中で、先に紹介されている必要がある語を探しましょう。“they”“this”“there”、または初めて出てくる名詞についた“the”です。日本語には冠詞がないため、“the”がすでに出たものを指す合図だと見落としがちです。話題が合っている文でも、流れを切ってしまうことがあります。備品の貸し出しについてのメールから：

前：“We are trialling a lunchtime loan service for the community workshop.” 後ろ：“They can collect items during their lunch break…”
正解：“The trial is intended for staff who cannot visit before work.” “they”が指す人たちを紹介しています。
不正解：“The cupboard contains a range of hand tools.” 話題は合っていますが、工具が物を受け取ることはできません。
あとに出てくる文：“A coordinator will read the logbook at the end of each day.” “the logbook”は、先に登場している必要があります。“If no one is available, write your question in the logbook beside the cupboard.”

自分に合った方法でこの単元を学ぶ

書くときも話すときも同じつながりを使う

職場での一時的な変更について、短いお知らせを書いてみましょう。理由を一つ、“therefore”で結果を一つ、“however”で不便な点を一つ入れ、担当者は言及する前に紹介します。TOEIC Writingのメール問題でも同じ確認が役立ちます。

次に1分間、職場や学校で人々が不満を言った変更について話してみましょう。その不満は正当でしたか？使える表現：“At first, everyone…”, “However, after a while…”, “Looking back, the complaints were…”。

Part 6でよくある間違い

失点の多くは、次の四つの習慣から生まれます。

空欄のある文だけを見て答えること。手がかりは次の文にあることが多いです。
かしこまって聞こえるかどうかでつなぎ言葉を選ぶこと。
“however”の前をコンマだけでつなぐこと：“The room is smaller, however it has better light.” ピリオドかセミコロンを使いましょう。
話題は合っていても、“they”や“this”が指すものを示さない文を入れること。

20分のPart 6ルーティン

毎日の短い練習で習慣になります。

8分：時間を計り、辞書なしでPart 6の文書を二つ解く。
5分：手がかりに下線を引き、空欄のある文の前・中・後ろのどこにあったかをメモする。
4分：つなぎ言葉を同じ意味の別の語に置き換え、句読点を確認する。
3分：最後の文が“they”“this”“the”で前の内容を指す3文を書く。

次のステップ

手がかりがどこにあったかを言えるようになったら、Part 7に進みましょう。まずはお知らせ、広告、チャットなどの一つの文書、次に互いに関連する複数の文書です。

よくある質問

TOEIC Reading Part 6は何問ですか？

16問です。空欄が四つずつある短い文書が四つで、75分のReadingセクションの中で解きます。

TOEIC Part 6の文挿入問題はどう解けばいいですか？

次の文の中から“they”や“this”のように前を指す語を探し、それを紹介している選択肢を選びましょう。話題が同じだけの文は、たいてい不正解です。

“therefore”と“however”の違いは何ですか？

“therefore”は前の文の結果を、“however”は前の文との対比を導きます。どちらも普通は新しい文の頭に置かれ、コンマが続きます。

次の練習を探す

FlalingoはTOEICを運営する団体と提携しておらず、これらの団体から推奨を受けていません。