Reading Comprehension Test in TOEFL iBT

It's important to note that vocabulary questions in TOEFL don't always ask for the most common meaning of a word. The correct answer is based on how the word is used in the specific context of the passage, so paying close attention to this is crucial.

 Incorrect answer choices might resemble the highlighted word but won't fit the context or may offer a valid definition that doesn't apply to the situation described in the passage. By mastering these techniques, you can handle vocabulary questions more confidently and accurately.

 

Reference Questions

In TOEFL reading sections, reference questions test your ability to identify what a reference word, such as a pronoun or phrase, is referring to in the text. Writers often use reference words like pronouns or possessive adjectives to avoid repeating the same nouns. 

These words typically refer back to something already mentioned, known as the referent. Reference questions ask you to match the highlighted reference word with the correct noun or noun phrase from four given answer choices. 

To answer these questions, first read the sentence that contains the highlighted reference word. Then, look for nouns or noun phrases that come before it, as these are the most likely referents. Ensure that the potential referent matches the reference word in number and gender. 

For example, if the pronoun is "them," the corresponding noun must be plural. If you don't find a good match in the same sentence, check earlier ones. Once you find a likely match, mentally replace the reference word with the noun and see if the sentence still makes sense. If it does, check to see if your choice is listed among the answer options. 

If so, you've likely found the correct answer. If not, eliminate the incorrect options and repeat the process with other choices. Common reference words include subject pronouns like "he" and "they," object pronouns such as "her" and "them," possessive pronouns like "hers" and "his," and demonstrative phrases such as "this" or "those." Remember, the correct noun or noun phrase isn't always the one closest to the reference word and can sometimes be found in earlier sentences. 

Incorrect answers often fail to match the reference word in number or gender, or they don't make sense within the context of the passage. By carefully checking both grammatical agreement and context, you can successfully navigate these types of questions.

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