델타스 NG 토플(Delta's NG Toefl Reading Sections)--Referents

델타스 NG 토플--Referents

 

4. Look at some examples of pronouns and referents. The referent for each highlighted word is shown in italics.

 

Because she was essentially a realist. Willa Cather made human nature the subject of her novels.

 

The refraction of light by the moonstone's internal layers gives it a milky sheen.

 

Although songbirds have no commercial value, they freely give us their music.

 

Driving while intoxicated is illegal, but this is not the only reason to avoid drinking and driving.

 

The tallest peak of the Rockies is twice as high as that of the Appalachians.

 

The thyroid gland, which is part of the endocrine system, regulates the body's metabolic rate.

 

Three common herbs are effective remedies for a sore throat: angelica, sage, and vervain; all are available in health food sores.

 

Electromagnetism is the relationship between electricity and magnetism; either can be used to produce the other.

 

Most daisies are perennials, but some bloom for only one or two seasons.

 

Only two elements are liquids at normal temperatures; one is mercury and the other is bromine.

 

5. The referent questions most commonly seen on the TOEFL ask you to locate the referent of a pronoun. However, sometimes you must identify the referent of a specified term or phrase. Look at the highlighted phrase in the following passage:

 

Like the gray and fox squirrels, the Eastern chipmunk often feeds on acorns and hickory nuts. Essentially a ground species, this pert rodent does not hesitate to climb large oak trees when the acorns are ripe.

 

This pert rodent refers to the Eastern chipmunk, which is the subject of the previous sentence.

 

6. The meaning of the sentence can help you answer referent questions. The function of the pronoun or referring word--for example, whether it is a subject or object--can help you find the correct referent. Grammatical structures are often clues that point to the identity of referents. Sentence structure, logic and common sense can help you locate referents.

 

You can check your answer by putting it I the sentence in place of the pronoun or referring word. If the sentence still makes sense according to the passage, your answer is correct.