TOEFL reading test | Tips and tricks revealed

It is normal to feel intimidated by the TOEFL reading test. The pressure to do well is at an all-time high as you receive one opportunity to pass it. Standard questions will feel complex when the examiner stares down at you. It appears like all eyes are on you while you give your responses during the TOEFL reading section. 

Are you feeling any of the above? If yes, you are experiencing all symptoms of having to appear for the TOEFL reading test. It will wreck your nerves. You should, however, be assured that the TOEFL reading test is no monster. It is one of the most straightforward English tests you can ever attempt. It will become easy for you to win the TOEFL reading test. 

This blog will serve as your go-to guide for anything relating to the TOEFL reading test. 

An overview

• TOEFL comprises multiple tests. The first one is the reading test. The English language exam will test your ability to grasp university or professional-level information. 
• You will receive 60 minutes to attempt answers to all the questions mentioned in four passages. Each passage is expected to be a minimum of 700 words. They will consist of 12 to 14 questions. 
• The questions under the TOEFL reading test will be university or professional level. 

What type of questions to expect? 

There are three types of questions you can expect for the TOEFL reading test,

Type #1 

Standard multiple choice questions

• When you come across the standard multiple choice questions, you will realize that you have attempted such questions many times before.
• You will receive four options for each question. You are required to choose one correct option from the four provided. 
• The questions under this type of TOEFL reading test will be related to a passage or specific phrases mentioned.

Type #2 

Sample questions

• Sample questions will be specific to the details mentioned in the passage. 
• You will be asked to interpret the information and answer the questions about the story. 
• This is very much like comprehension but is oral in nature. 

Type #3

Subjective responses

• You will be asked a vague and random question under this test.
• You will be required to make up your answer on the spot and say it out to the examiner. 
• The test timings are limited. You may receive 3-5 minutes to respond to each question.

How can I score the maximum on the TOEFL reading test?

There is a list of simple tips and tricks you can use while responding to the TOEFL reading test that will help you score the maximum,

• Double-check all options

When multiple choice questions are involved, one can get carried away and choose the easy one. You are in such a hurry on the test day that you may not even bother double-checking the options available. This is believed to be one of the main ways students lose marks. Sometimes the TOEFL reading test may include trick questions. Hence it is always advisable to double-check your options before moving on to the next.

• Note any piece of instances

It is common practice for TOEFL to include evidence in the passages if the answers are accurate. It may not be in your face or be mentioned immediately after the answer you are after. Good focus will help you figure out where the evidence is. Evidence is communicated through statistics, personal experiences, and other examples. Continue skimming through the passage until you discover the instances for the TOEFL reading test. 

• Read carefully 

It may appear that we are providing you with obvious advice. However, that is not the case. You will be surprised how many students just scan through the questions in overconfidence. It is tempting to simply skim through the options because you are running out of time. However, one should avoid doing this. There is no place for unfocused, casual attempts in the TOEFL reading test. 

• Avoid being tricked by details

What tends to happen during the TOEFL reading test is that when one is paying full attention to all small details, minor facts end up tricking. For example, when they ask you about the main ideas of a particular passage, avoid getting lost in small details. Usually, the answer to such questions is the obvious one. The key to success is to master the difference between the two. 

• Take your own time

Yes, you must avoid wasting time while attempting the TOEFL reading test because timing is restricted. At the same time, you do want to provide accurate responses. Taking an appropriate amount of time to contemplate is allowed. Refrain from being in a panic state while attempting the responses because it may make you appear under-confident. This can be a huge red flag for them and may avoid providing you with a good TOEFL reading score. 

Key takeaways

• The TOEFL reading test may appear daunting. However, with the appropriate guidance and practice, you can crack it.
• Practicing through regular reading and conversing in English is one of the many ways you will strengthen your responses on the day of your exam. 
• There are various TOEFL reading practice exercises available online that you can refer to while practicing for the exam. 
• Double-check your responses before providing them to ensure you have not missed out on details or been tricked by fine details. 

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FAQ’s 

1. Why should we attempt the TOEFL test?

If you wish to pursue studies or work abroad, you will be required to attempt the TOEFL test. It is an acceptable English language test to gauge your ability to understand university-level information.

2. What is in the TOEFL reading section?

The reading section will include four passages which are 700 words long each. You will have 60 minutes to respond to roughly 10 to 12 questions per passage. 

3. What are the types of questions in the TOEFL reading test?

You will face standard multiple choice questions, sample queries, or subjective questions during your TOEFL reading test.