The paper TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 217 to 677 points, while the computer TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0 to 300 points. There is no passing score on the TOEFL test, but various institutions have their own TOEFL score requirements. | STRUCTURE QUESTIONS Paper and Computer 243 Example from the Paper and Computer TOEFL Tests The results of the current experiment appear to be more consistent than the results of any previous tests. A them B were C they were D were they In this example you should notice the comparison more consistent than and you should also understand that the results of the current experiment is being compared with the results of any previous tests. Because the results of any previous tests is the subject only a verb is needed the best answer to this question is therefore answer B . We know that it is possible for a subject and a verb to be inverted after a comparison and in this case the subject the results of any previous tests comes after the verb were. The following chart lists the sentence patterns used with comparisons INVERTED SUBJECTS AND VERBS WITH COMPARISONS The subject and verb may invert after a comparison. The following structures are both possible. s V comparison S V We were more prepared than the other performers were. s V Q comparison V S We were more prepared than were the other performers. NOTE A subject-verb inversion after a comparison sounds rather formal. EXERCISE 19 Each of the following sentences contains a comparison. Circle the comparisons. Look at the clauses that follow and underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct C or incorrect I . C 1. This candidate has received more votes than has any other candidate in previous years. I 2. Obviously we were much more impressed with the performance than did the other members of the audience. 3. The film that we saw last night at the festival was far better than any of the other films. 4. The vegetables at the market this morning were far fresher than were those at the market yesterday. 5. I am afraid that is the condition of these tires as bad as the condition of the others. 244 STRUCTURE 6. We firmly believed that our team could achieve a much faster time than any
