TOEFL Reading Tips: Top 10 Strategies for You

Overview of TOEFL Reading Section

The first part of the TOEFL exam is the TOEFL reading section, where you have to read two 700-word academic articles and answer questions. Here, you will be given 36 minutes to read the articles and answer 10 questions each.

During the exam, there will be one timer for the whole section. You can navigate freely between both articles and all questions as long as time remains. You can use the arrows to go through the questions one by one or hit the “review” button to jump to any question you want.

You’ll see your “unofficial” TOEFL reading score right after you finish the test, which will be anywhere between 0 and 30 points.

Also Read: TOEFL Writing

10 Tips to Improve TOEFL Reading Section

We have compiled a list of the top ten TOEFL reading tips to help you ace your TOEFL Exam, read the passages faster, and understand better. These tips will help you increase your band score.

Learn the Question Types

One of the first tips for TOEFL reading is to know and learn the different types of questions. Knowing the kind of questions you can get in your exam can make your preparation much more tailored and easier. Here are the most common types:

• Main idea questions– Ask about the overall point of the passage.
• Detail questions– Focus on specific information mentioned.
• Vocabulary questions– Test your understanding of certain words.
• Inference questions– Require you to read between the lines and understand implied meanings.

Once you are familiar with these question types, you will get a better understanding of what you should focus on while reading.

Find Keywords

Our second reading tips for TOEFL is to look for keywords that either define or highlight the details or main idea of the article. Generally, these words are often nouns, verbs, or phrases that emphasize important concepts. So, when you identify keywords, you will be able to locate information quickly and answer questions more efficiently.

Pro Tip: Check for words that are repeated or emphasized, as they often point to key ideas.

Third on our list of tips for TOEFL reading is to practice summarizing the content in your own words. This way, you will be able to capture the main idea and key details of the article while ignoring irrelevant details. Additionally, summarizing will also improve your ability to recall important points when answering questions.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself:

• What is the main point of the passage?
• What details support this idea?

Experiment with Different Strategies

Another one of the best tips for TOEFL reading is to experiment with different strategies. There is no single best strategy that can help you in TOEFL reading, so try to work with different strategies and find one that is best for you. There are also a lot of test-takers who prefer to skim the passage first for an overview, while others prefer to read the questions first to know what information to focus on.

You can also consider these techniques:

• Skim the passage to get a general idea, then read carefully for details.
• Pay attention to the introduction and conclusion to identify the main idea.
• Highlight or underline key points to make it easier to review the passage.

Use a Timer to Practice Reading

If you are struggling with managing your time, you can do your TOEFL preparation using a timer. This will help you track how long it takes you to complete each question. Over time, this will help you develop a rhythm and improve your speed.

Also, keep in mind that some question types take longer than others. So, to help you, here’s a general guide on how much time to spend on each type of question:

• Vocabulary– 60 seconds
• Detail– 60 to 120 seconds (90 seconds is ideal)
• Negative Detail– 120 seconds
• Paraphrasing– 120 seconds
• Sentence Insertion– 120 seconds
• Inference– 90 seconds
• Author’s Purpose– 90 seconds
• Pronoun Reference– 60 seconds
• Summary– 120 seconds
• Organization– 120 seconds

However, if you fail to answer these questions within these time frames, don’t worry. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate answers you will have. One of the pro-TOEFL reading tips for you is to eliminate wrong choices. This can increase your chances of selecting the right answer.

Beware of Modifiers

One of the most common traps in the TOEFL reading section is modifiers. Modifiers are words that either change or limit the meaning of a sentence. These modifiers are generally adjectives or adverbs that alter the main noun or verb, and a small change can completely shift the meaning of a sentence.

Here’s a quick look at how modifiers can change a sentence:

• The bright red car sped down the road
• The man who lives next door is very friendly.
• This event had almost no impact.

As you can see, these modifiers drastically altered the meaning. Most of the time, incorrect answer choices on the TOEFL often use modifiers to confuse test-takers.

Improve Vocabulary

The next on our reading tips for TOEFL is to improve your TOEFL vocabulary. When you have a broader vocabulary, you will be able to understand and answer complex articles easily. Here are a few effective ways to expand your vocabulary:

• Learn Words in Context: Start by paying attention to how new words are used in sentences while reading. When you understand the words in context, you will be able to grasp their meaning and remember them better. This method will teach you how to appropriately use these words in different situations.
• Use Flashcards and Apps: You can also improve your vocabulary by using TOEFL vocabulary flashcards or learning apps. Regularly quiz yourself to strengthen your memory. Many apps offer fun and interactive ways to practice and retain new words.

Read More

Regular reading not only boosts your comprehension and vocabulary but also helps build the stamina required for the TOEFL exam. Here’s how you can incorporate reading into your daily routine:

• Set Daily Goals: Establish small, achievable reading goals to stay consistent. For example, read one academic article or two news editorials daily. Tracking your progress in a journal or app can keep you motivated and help maintain accountability.
• Practice Active Reading: Engage with the text by summarizing paragraphs, identifying main ideas, and highlighting key details. Active reading helps you stay focused and improves your overall understanding of the material.

Improve Time Management Skills

Improving your time management is not just a TOEFL reading tips, but it is also a skill that will help you beyond the TOEFL exam. When you have good time management skills, you will be able to read the passages faster and answer the questions within the given time. Here are some practical strategies to improve your timing:

• Take Timed Practice Tests: One way to improve your time management skills is to take more timed practice tests. These practice tests simulate real exam conditions, which will help you get used to managing the pressure of completing passages and questions within the allotted time.
• Review and Analyze Performance: The next way to improve your time management is to review and analyze your performance. This is another one of the best tips for TOEFL reading, as you will be able to identify areas and errors where you need improvement.

Review Your Mistakes

Last but not least on our list of TOEFL reading tips is reviewing your mistakes. Once you are done with your practice tests, go back and analyze where you went wrong. Did you misinterpret the question? Did you miss an important detail? Identifying and understanding your mistakes can prevent you from repeating them.

Additionally, you can keep a notebook to track your errors and note which types of questions you often struggle with. This way, you’ll know which areas need extra attention during your preparation.

Also Read: TOEFL Writing Samples

Conclusion

In conclusion, improving your TOEFL reading skills takes time, practice, and the right strategies. In our blog above, we have listed some of the most common yet most effective TOEFL reading tips that can help you prepare better for your exam.

Additionally, if you are struggling with your TOEFL preparation or completing your TOEFL Syllabus, you can contact our experts at Gradding.com. With their expert resources, practice materials, and personalized support, you can sharpen your reading skills and boost your overall score.

FAQs

1. How Can I Improve My TOEFL Reading Speed?

To improve your reading speed, you can start by practising skimming and scanning passages. Make sure you focus on understanding the main idea and identifying keywords instead of reading every word in detail.

2. Should I Read the Questions Before or After the Passage?

It depends on what works best for you. Some test-takers prefer reading the questions first to know what to look for, while others read the passage first to get a general idea. Try both methods during practice to see which one helps you more.

3. What’s the Best Way to Remember Key Details from a Passage?

Summarizing the passage in your own words helps you remember key points. You can also take quick notes or underline important information while reading to stay focused.

4. How Often Should I Practice TOEFL Reading?

Try to practice at least 3-4 times a week. Regular practice with different types of passages will help you get familiar with the question patterns and improve your speed and accuracy.