Here are some effective tips to help you succeed on the TOEFL Reading section:
1. Skim the Passage First
- Before reading the passage in detail, quickly skim it to get a general sense of the topic. Look at the title, the first and last sentences of each paragraph, and any highlighted words or subheadings. This will help you understand the main idea and structure of the passage.
2. Focus on the Main Idea
- Each passage has a central idea or argument. Identifying this will help you answer most questions correctly. Pay special attention to the first and last sentences of the passage, as these often summarize the main point.
3. Identify Keywords and Key Phrases
- As you read, underline or mentally note important keywords (names, dates, concepts, etc.). This will help you locate the information quickly when answering questions.
4. Understand Question Types
- TOEFL Reading questions typically include:
- Factual Information: Questions about specific details in the passage.
- Inference: Questions that ask you to deduce meaning based on the information.
- Vocabulary: Questions about the meaning of words in context.
- Reference: Questions that ask what a pronoun or word refers to.
- Function: Questions about why the author includes a certain detail.
- Summary: Questions that ask about the overall message or theme of the passage.
5. Practice Time Management
- You have about 20 minutes per passage (there are 3 or 4 passages). Spend roughly 3-4 minutes reading each passage, and then use the remaining time to answer the questions. Don’t spend too much time on any one question; if you’re stuck, move on and come back to it later if needed.
6. Answer Questions in Order
- The questions typically follow the order of the information in the passage. So, try to answer them sequentially, using the text to guide you. When you're unsure about an answer, go back to the specific part of the passage to double-check.
7. Use the Process of Elimination
- Eliminate answers that are clearly wrong to improve your chances of selecting the correct one. Often, one or two choices can be ruled out immediately.
8. Don’t Overthink Vocabulary Questions
- When answering vocabulary questions, focus on the meaning of the word in the specific context of the passage. Often, you can figure out the answer by looking at the surrounding sentences and words.
9. Look for Transition Words
- Words like "however," "therefore," "for example," "on the other hand," etc., indicate important shifts or relationships between ideas. They often signal the organization of the passage and can help you understand the author's argument or perspective.
10. Practice Regularly
- The more you practice, the more familiar you’ll become with the types of questions and the way information is presented. Regular reading practice will also help you improve your reading speed and comprehension.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll improve your performance on the TOEFL Reading section.