Introduction to the TOEFL Reading Section

Summary

This video provides an overview of the TOEFL reading section, discussing its timing, content, and strategies for success. The section features academic topics such as history, science, psychology, and more, which may be unfamiliar but are understandable through context. The video emphasizes the importance of time management, with strategies including reading the passage first for better comprehension or tackling questions first for a faster approach. It also outlines the types of questions in the reading section, such as vocabulary, reference, inference, and categorization questions, offering tips for navigating them effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 TOEFL Reading sections feature academic topics like history, science, psychology, art history, and meteorology, similar to college textbook content.
• 😀 You don't need prior knowledge of the topics in the passages; everything you need to understand will be included in the passage itself.
• 😀 Time management is crucial in the TOEFL Reading section, with only 20 minutes per passage, which can be challenging for many students.
• 😀 Focus on the big picture while reading the passage; do not get stuck on small details unless a question specifically asks about them.
• 😀 One recommended strategy is to read the passage first, as it helps to understand the overall structure and main ideas before answering questions.
• 😀 The passage-first strategy works well for students aiming for a lower score (e.g., under 80 or 70) as it improves the chances of scoring easier points.
• 😀 Another strategy is to answer the questions first, which can be faster but is more difficult because it may be hard to grasp the passage’s structure without reading it first.
• 😀 The question-first strategy is better suited for higher-level students who can quickly understand and analyze sentences without much thought.
• 😀 Types of questions you will encounter include detail questions, vocabulary questions, reference questions, inference questions, purpose questions, and paraphrase questions.
• 😀 Special question types include 'Insert Text' questions, which require inserting a sentence into the passage in the correct order, and category or summary questions that test your understanding of the passage's structure and main ideas.

Q & A

What types of topics are covered in the TOEFL reading section?

The TOEFL reading section includes academic topics such as history, science, humanities, psychology, art history, earth science (geology), meteorology, and astronomy.

Do I need prior knowledge of the topics covered in the TOEFL reading section?

No, you do not need prior knowledge of the topics. Everything you need to understand is provided in the passages, and you can deduce the meaning through context.

What is the main challenge students face in the TOEFL reading section?

The main challenge is time management. Students have limited time to read long passages and answer many questions, which can be difficult for many test-takers.

What is the recommended strategy for students aiming for scores under 80 in TOEFL reading?

Students aiming for scores under 80 should consider reading the passage first. This strategy helps in understanding the overall structure and big picture of the passage, which aids in answering general questions.

What is the advantage of reading the passage first in TOEFL reading?

Reading the passage first allows you to grasp the general idea and structure of the text, making it easier to answer big-picture questions. It’s also helpful for students scoring below 80.

What is the risk of reading the passage first in TOEFL reading?

The risk is that it can take too much time, leaving less time to answer the questions. With practice, however, students can learn to read faster and manage their time better.

When is the 'questions first' strategy recommended in TOEFL reading?

The 'questions first' strategy is recommended for students aiming for scores above 80, or for those who already have a strong understanding of reading comprehension and can quickly understand sentence meaning.

What types of questions can be expected in the TOEFL reading section?

The TOEFL reading section includes detail questions, vocabulary questions, reference questions, inference questions, purpose questions, paraphrase questions, insert text questions, summary questions, and category questions.

How do insert text questions work in the TOEFL reading section?

In insert text questions, you are given a sentence and must determine where it fits within the passage. You must decide where to place the sentence to maintain the logical flow of the text.

What is the difference between summary questions and category questions in TOEFL reading?

Summary questions ask for the overall structure or main idea of the passage, while category questions require you to categorize sentences under specific topics, like distinguishing between information about cats and dogs.