TOEFL Reading - Strategies
1. You read the entire passage before answering any of the questions. If you are reading at 300 words per minute, it will take you about 2.5 minutes, which will give you plenty of time to answer the questions that follow.2. Look at the first line of each paragraph to get an overall idea of the purpose or main idea of the passage. Jot down on paper 2-3 key words about each paragraph so that you can create a mind map of the passage. Having these notes will prevent you for having to re-read the passage repeatedly.
3. Pay attention to the details that support the main idea. Understanding both the main idea and supporting points will help you to understand the structure. Do not focus too much on the minor details. You can spend more time worrying about them if they appear in some of your reading questions.
4. Make sure you are familiar with the reading directions BEFORE you take the TOEFL exam. That way you do not waste time trying to figure out what to do or how to do it at the beginning of the reading section. As a result, click “Dismiss directions” so that you can immediately focus on the test questions.
Pay attention to how many questions are on the computer screen and how much time you have for answering them.
5. Make sure you are familiar with scrolling down a computer screen when reading passages. Once you start to answer the questions, click “View text” if you need to see the passage again.
Make sure you know how to use “Next,” “Back,” and “Review” icons when you are moving back and forth among the reading questions.
6. Some of the questions are quite easy for you to answer, whereas others are very difficult. Consequently, make sure you answer ALL questions. Try to eliminate incorrect answers, and choose the best answer. If you are unsure, guess and move on. After you have answered all the questions in the entire reading section, if you have time, you can go back to the more difficult questions.
