Boost Your TOEFL Reading Speed Using Manga and Webtoons

Preparing for the TOEFL Reading section doesn’t always have to mean working through dense academic texts. If you struggle with slow reading or lose focus while studying long passages, manga and webtoons might be the perfect training tool. They’re not only fun and accessible but also help sharpen key reading skills without the burnout.

Manga and webtoons often use real conversations, fast-paced plots, and diverse expressions - exactly the kind of language you need to become more fluent in. These formats also keep your brain engaged visually, helping you process information faster.Even a few pages a day can improve your reading stamina and vocabulary recall. Plus, they mimic natural English structures better than some outdated prep books.

Let’s explore how you can use manga and webtoons to build TOEFL reading speed and comprehension effectively.

Why Manga and Webtoons Help with TOEFL Reading

Here’s why these formats are more than just entertainment for language learners:

1. They Train Your Brain to Read Faster

Reading manga and webtoons involves processing images and short text together, which naturally improves your scanning and skimming skills. Since many TOEFL questions are about locating main ideas or specific details, the habit of reading quickly while following context helps a lot.

2. They Mimic Everyday and Academic English

While not every line of dialogue is formal, many storylines include discussions, arguments, reports, and academic topics—especially in genres like mystery, sci-fi, or historical drama. This introduces you to real-life phrases, transitions, and cause-effect structures that appear in TOEFL Reading.

3. They Expand Vocabulary in Context

Manga and webtoons teach you new words naturally. You don’t just memorise them—you see them in action, understand the tone, and remember their usage. Visual cues also help reinforce word meaning, which supports long-term retention.

4. They Keep You Consistent with Practice

Studying from prep books every day can get tiring. Manga and webtoons break that monotony. Since they’re enjoyable, you’re more likely to stick to daily reading practice—and consistency is key for TOEFL success.

How to Use Manga and Webtoons for TOEFL Prep

Here are simple ways to include these resources in your TOEFL reading routine:

1. Choose the Right Genres and Series

Focus on stories with rich dialogues and complex plots rather than short slapstick comedy. The more narrative and discussion-driven the content, the better it is for building critical reading skills.

Recommended Genres:

• Mystery/Thriller (for cause-effect and inference)
  
  
• Slice of Life (for conversational fluency)
  
  
• Science Fiction (for academic-style language)
  
  
• Historical/Drama (for tone and vocabulary exposure)

2. Use Timed Reading Sessions

Practice reading each chapter in a fixed amount of time. Start by giving yourself 10–15 minutes per chapter, then slowly reduce it. This simulates TOEFL timing and helps you manage reading pressure.

Tip: Use a stopwatch and log your reading time daily.

3. Note Down Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

Keep a journal to record:

• New words
  
  
• Synonyms
  
  
• Expressions for cause and contrast (e.g. “however,” “in return,” “as a result”)
  
  

Revisit these phrases and try using them in writing or speaking practice.

4. Summarise Each Chapter in One Sentence

This simple exercise helps you develop summarising skills—a core TOEFL reading skill. After reading, write a one-line summary of the main idea. Try doing this in under 30 seconds for each chapter.

5. Ask Yourself Inference Questions

To simulate TOEFL-style thinking, ask:

• “What is the author implying here?”
  
  
• “Why did this character say that?”
  
  
• “What might happen next based on this dialogue?”
  
  

These habits train your inference and tone-detection skills.

Suggested Manga and Webtoons for TOEFL Learners

Here’s a list of beginner to intermediate-level series that offer strong language exposure for TOEFL preparation:

Choose 1 or 2 series and stick with them throughout your TOEFL prep. Don’t switch too often—depth matters more than variety.

Combine with TOEFL-Style Practice

Manga and webtoons can’t fully replace TOEFL passages, but they’re excellent supplements. Use them for warm-up reading or post-study relaxation that still builds skills.

Combine them with:

• Weekly practice tests
  
  
• Reading academic articles on similar themes
  
  
• Reviewing your TOEFL reading mistakes using similar expressions you encountered in comics

This way, you balance strategy with engagement.

I hope this blog on boosting TOEFL reading speed using manga and webtoons helped you discover a fun, effective approach to language practice. These visual stories not only improve reading pace and comprehension but also keep your prep routine consistent and enjoyable. Read, learn, and enjoy the process—your TOEFL score will thank you.