The TOEFL Reading section can be challenging, especially if you're not used to reading academic texts in English. However, with the right strategies, you can significantly improve your score. Here are five practical tips to help you succeed:
1. Preview the Passage Before Deep Reading
Before diving into the passage, take 1–2 minutes to skim it. Look for the main idea of each paragraph and note keywords, names, dates, and transitions. This helps you understand the structure of the text and locate information quickly when answering questions.
2. Understand the Question Types
TOEFL Reading includes different question types such as:
- Factual Information
- Inference
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Insertion
- Summary and Categorization
Familiarize yourself with each type and practice them individually. Knowing what the question is asking helps you find answers faster and more accurately.
3. Improve Your Vocabulary Strategically
Focus on academic and high-frequency TOEFL words. Learn common prefixes, suffixes, and roots to guess meanings from context. Also, practice identifying synonyms and paraphrases, as TOEFL often uses them in both questions and answer choices.
4. Practice Time Management
You have about 20 minutes per passage, including answering all the questions. Practice reading quickly but effectively. Avoid spending too much time on one difficult question—mark it and return later if needed. Pacing yourself is key to completing the section on time.
5. Read Actively Every Day
Build a daily habit of reading academic articles, journals, or news reports in English. As you read, ask yourself questions like:
- What’s the main idea?
- What’s the author’s purpose?
- Are there any cause-effect or comparison relationships?
This habit improves your reading speed, comprehension, and confidence.
