Ultimate Guide to Mastering the New TOEFL iBT® Reading Test

1. Understanding the TOEFL Reading Structure

In 2023, the TOEFL underwent a revision, which included eliminating extra test questions, reducing the number of reading passages and questions, and modifying the writing section into a discussion-based format.

The TOEFL Reading test now consists of two academic passages, each with 10 questions. Topics cover history, science, art, and more. Each passage is approximately 700 words long, and test-takers must complete the section within 35 minutes. The revised version no longer includes experimental questions.

The TOEFL Reading section includes ten question types:

• Vocabulary Questions: Choose a synonym for a given word or phrase.
• Rhetorical Questions: Identify the purpose of a specific piece of information in the passage.
• Inference Questions: Infer an answer based on the passage’s content.
• Factual Information Questions: Identify specific facts, details, or definitions.
• Negative Factual Information Questions: Identify the incorrect statement among the options.
• Sentence Simplification Questions: Choose the best summary of a sentence.
• Insert Text Questions: Determine where a given sentence should be inserted in a passage.
• Prose Summary Questions: Select multiple-choice answers summarizing the passage.
• Reference Questions: Identify what a pronoun or reference refers to in the passage.
• Fill Table Questions: Correctly categorize information in a table.

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2. Mastering Key Reading Strategies

• Understand the Title: The title often provides clues about the passage’s topic. Understanding it beforehand can help you quickly grasp the main idea.
• Skim First and Last Sentences of Paragraphs: The first and last sentences usually contain key ideas. Scanning them first can enhance reading efficiency.
• Use Keywords to Locate Answers: Identify keywords in the question and locate them in the passage to find answers more efficiently.
• Recognize Synonyms and Paraphrasing: The test frequently uses synonyms and reworded expressions, so develop sensitivity to different ways ideas are expressed.
• Understand Before Answering: Ensure you comprehend the relevant sentence before selecting an answer; avoid merely matching words between the passage and options.

3. Common Question Types and Strategies

• Vocabulary Questions: Use context to infer word meanings rather than relying solely on memorization. Organize unfamiliar academic vocabulary by category for better retention.
• Insert Text Questions: Identify logical connections between sentences, such as pronouns like “This,” which must refer to something mentioned earlier.
• Prose Summary Questions: Choose sentences that summarize the passage’s main ideas and eliminate irrelevant details.

4. Build Reading Habits and Practice with TPO

• Read academic English daily to improve vocabulary and comprehension of complex sentences.
• Regularly practice with TPO (TOEFL Practice Online) tests to analyze mistakes and enhance speed and accuracy.

5. Stay Calm and Manage Time Wisely

• Allocate around 17 minutes per passage to ensure enough time for all questions.
• If a question is too difficult, move on and return to it later.

6. TOEFL Reading Practice Questions

Here are some sample TOEFL Reading question types, along with answers and explanations:

Vocabulary Questions

Question: The word “deteriorate” in the passage is closest in meaning to: A. improve
B. break down
C. calculate
D. discover

Answer: B. break down
Explanation: “Deteriorate” means to worsen or decay, making “break down” the closest synonym.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

Question: Why does the author mention “the expansion of trade routes” in paragraph 3? A. To argue that they led to cultural exchanges
B. To introduce the main cause of economic growth
C. To refute earlier claims about trade limitations
D. To highlight their impact on regional power shifts

Answer: A. To argue that they led to cultural exchanges
Explanation: The passage mentions trade route expansion to illustrate how it facilitated cultural exchange.

(Additional sample questions omitted for brevity.)

7. Essential TOEFL Reading Vocabulary

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