The TOEFL Reading section tests how well you understand university-level English texts. If you’re planning to study abroad, getting a good score in this section is important. Here are 10 simple tips to help you do better in the reading section.
1. Know the Format
The TOEFL Reading section has 3 or 4 passages. Each passage comes with about 10 questions. You will get around 54 to 72 minutes to complete it. So, time management is very important.
2. Skim the Passage First
Don’t try to read every word at first. Quickly look through the passage to get a general idea. Focus on the first sentence of each paragraph to understand the main topic.
3. Scan for Keywords
If a question asks about a specific detail, like a date or name, scan the passage to find that word. You don’t need to re-read the whole passage for every question.
4. Build Your Vocabulary
The TOEFL Reading section uses academic words. Try to learn common academic vocabulary. You can use vocabulary apps like Quizlet or websites like memorize to learn new words.
5. Understand the Question Types
Here are some common types of questions in the TOEFL Reading section:
- Vocabulary meaning
- Factual information
- Inference (guessing based on information)
- Author’s purpose
- Insert a sentence
- Summary questions
If you practice each question type, it will be easier to understand what the test is asking.
6. Don’t Read Word by Word
Reading every word slowly will waste your time. Try to read quickly and focus on the important parts, like topic sentences and repeated ideas.
7. Eliminate Wrong Answers
If you don’t know the correct answer, try to remove the ones that are clearly wrong. This increases your chance of picking the right answer.
8. Use a Timer During Practice
Train yourself to manage time. Try to spend around 18 minutes on each passage. That gives you about 3–5 minutes to read and 13–15 minutes to answer the questions.
9. Take Notes
You can underline or write short notes as you read. This helps you remember where key information is, so you don’t waste time searching again.
10. Practice with Real Passages
Use real TOEFL practice tests or read academic articles online. Some good websites are:
- ETS TOEFL official site
- National Geographic
- Scientific American
These sites have the same kind of writing you’ll see on the TOEFL.
Final Advice
The reading section is all about practice and strategy. Don’t panic. Improve your vocabulary, read smart, and answer confidently. With daily practice, you can increase your TOEFL reading score.