TOEIC Part 1 - Vocabulary and Common Patterns

This set covers key vocabulary, action verbs, and passive/active patterns found in TOEIC Part 1 photo descriptions, including human actions and descriptions of objects or environments.

Be adjusting

To change the position of something slightly, such as adjusting glasses.

Be admiring

To look at something with pleasure or respect, such as a photograph or plants.

Be bending over

To lean forward and downward, often over luggage or a table.

Be browsing

Looking at or through items for sale along a display.

Be buttoning

Fastening the buttons of a garment, like the front of a shirt or a coat.

Be carrying

Supporting and moving something from one place to another, such as a jacket over a shoulder or a box.

Be clearing

Removing items from a surface, such as clearing dishes from a table.

Be exchanging

Giving and receiving things of the same kind, such as business cards or documents.

Be filing paperwork

Organizing or submitting documents and records.

Be filling

Making a container full, such as filling a barrel with oil.

Be handing

Passing or giving something to another person by hand, like a key.

Be leaning against

Resting against a surface for support, such as a wall.

Be loading

Placing goods or containers onto a vehicle or equipment, like loading crates onto a truck.

Be arranged

Items placed in a specific order or pattern, such as chairs in a semicircle.

Be covered with

When a surface is hidden by a top layer of something, like a shelf covered with books.

Be occupied

A state where a space or object is being used or filled, such as chairs having people in them.

Be stacked

Items piled neatly one on top of another, such as chairs or backpacks.

Be reflected

An image shown back from a surface, such as a house or trees reflected in the water.

Be being renovated

A building or structure currently undergoing repairs or improvements.

Be being towed

A vehicle being pulled along by another vehicle.

Be being swept

A surface, like a pavement, being cleaned with a broom.

Have been paved

A road or path that has been covered with a hard surface for travel.

Be blooming

The action of flowers opening and growing.

Be crashing

The movement of waves hitting the shore with force.

Applauding the speaker

Clapping hands to show approval or praise for someone presenting.

Assembling

The act of putting parts together, such as assembling shelves or a model ship.

Boarding

The act of getting onto a vehicle, such as a bus or a ship.

Commuting to work

Traveling regularly between one's home and place of employment.

Delivering a presentation

Giving a formal talk or speech to an audience.

Inflating the tires

Filling tires with air to increase their pressure.

Leaning forward

Bending the upper body toward the front, often over a counter.

Mowing a lawn

Cutting the grass on a large area using a machine.

Operating heavy machinery

Controlling and using large, powerful industrial equipment.

Pedaling

Moving a bicycle by pushing the pedals with the feet.

Restocking the shelves

Putting new supplies or goods onto shelves to replace those that have been used or sold.

Strolling

Walking in a slow, relaxed, and leisurely way along a path.

Vacuuming the floor

Cleaning a floor using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt.