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TOEIC Link Part 5: prerequisite versus perquisite

Prerequisite is a noun meaning something required in advance as a condition; perquisite is a noun meaning a benefit or perk that comes with a job. They share a Latin root and a similar shape but sit on opposite sides of a transaction — one is a demand made before, the other a reward given alongside. Part 5 uses the pair to check whether you read the sentence for who owes what.

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TOEIC Link Part 5: prerequisite versus perquisite

Prerequisite and perquisite look alike and both descend from the Latin quaerere, "to seek," but they name opposite things in a workplace sentence. Prerequisite is a condition that must be satisfied before something can happen; perquisite is a benefit or privilege that comes with a position — the word we usually shorten to perk. Because the two nouns share a spine of letters, Part 5 can slot the wrong one into a blank and reward a reader who processes only the shape. For another pair separated by a single sound, see elicit versus illicit.

The core rule: required before versus granted alongside

  • prerequisite (noun) = something required in advance as a condition for what follows. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for the program. / Board approval is a prerequisite to closing the deal.
  • perquisite (noun) = a benefit or privilege attached to a job, beyond salary. A company car is one perquisite of the role. / Free parking is among the perquisites offered to managers.

The clue is the direction of the transaction. A prerequisite is something you must supply first — a hurdle placed ahead of the outcome. A perquisite is something the job supplies to you — a reward that rides along with the position.

Why Part 5 likes this pair

Both words are nouns, so the grammatical slot alone will not decide the answer. The surrounding meaning does — whether the sentence is describing a condition to be met or a benefit being received.

Two years of relevant experience is a __ for the senior analyst position.

The blank names a condition that must be met before qualifying, so the answer is prerequisite.

A generous relocation package is a valued __ of the overseas assignment.

Here the blank names a benefit that comes with the assignment, so perquisite is required.

Spotting the clue in the structure

Ask whether the sentence is stating a demand or listing a reward:

  • The word means a condition required beforehand and often pairs with for or to → choose prerequisite (a prerequisite for admission, a prerequisite to promotion).
  • The word means a benefit that accompanies a role and often pairs with of → choose perquisite (a perquisite of the job, executive perquisites).

A quick test settles most items: if you could swap in requirement or precondition, you want prerequisite; if you could swap in perk or fringe benefit, you want perquisite. For another pair where meaning rather than spelling decides the answer, see principal versus principle.

Quick self-check

  1. Completing the safety course is a __ for operating the equipment. (prerequisite — required beforehand)
  2. Access to the executive lounge is a __ reserved for directors. (perquisite — a job benefit)

Takeaway

If the blank names a condition that must be satisfied in advance, you need prerequisite. If it names a benefit that comes with a position, you need perquisite. Decide whether the sentence is placing a hurdle before the outcome or handing over a reward alongside it, and two near-identical nouns stop competing. For a related pair decided by grammatical role, see eminent versus imminent.