Reading Comprehension Test in TOEFL iBT

Preview the questions before you start reading so you can concentrate on finding the answers as you go through the passage. Prioritize content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) and skip over less essential function words like prepositions, articles, and conjunctions, which can slow you down. 

Avoid subvocalization, which is the habit of saying the words silently to yourself as you read. This can significantly reduce your reading speed and comprehension. Adjust your reading speed based on the material---skim through general sections and slow down for more detailed reading when answering specific questions. Avoid re-reading sections unnecessarily. To maintain focus, use your mouse or finger to guide your eyes down the page, preventing you from losing your place. 

Minimize reading along the margins by imagining two vertical lines an inch inside the text's edges, using your peripheral vision to capture words at the line ends.  Practice speed reading with easier material, gradually applying different techniques to find what works best for you. Keep track of your reading pace, aiming for 250 to 350 words per minute, which is typical for university-level reading. 

With regular practice, you'll improve both your speed and comprehension. In the TOEFL reading section, vocabulary questions test your ability to match the meaning of a highlighted word or phrase with one of four given options.

 These words often come from academic word lists or are rare, low-frequency terms. To succeed with these questions, it's important to build a solid understanding of academic vocabulary and practice using context clues to predict the meaning of unfamiliar words.

 

Vocabulary Questions

When answering vocabulary questions, begin by identifying the part of speech of the highlighted word---whether it is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. Understanding its grammatical role will help clarify its function in the sentence. 

Next, analyze the immediate context by looking at the words directly before and after the term. This analysis will often provide clues, such as how the word interacts with verbs or modifiers, to help you infer its meaning. 

Consider the larger context as well. Check for transitions, reference words, or even synonyms in the surrounding sentences that might offer additional insight into the word's meaning. Once you've gathered enough clues, make an educated guess and compare it to the four answer choices. 

If possible, eliminate one or two options that seem incorrect, making it easier to narrow down your final choice. If the word is unfamiliar, try breaking it down into recognizable parts---such as prefixes, suffixes, or roots---that may resemble words you already know. Finally, replace the highlighted word with the option you believe is correct and see if it makes sense in the passage's context.