Common Challenges in the TOEFL Reading Section and How to Overcome Them

As you practice for your TOEFL Reading test, you will come across different types of questions. For this, you should know that there are some common challenges in the TOEFL Reading section and how to overcome them is something that you must be dealing with this. Hop on, and read this article to learn about the common challenges and tips to tackle them as you prepare for your TOEFL Reading. 

Issue of Time management

For each TOEFL reading passage, you must include the time to read it as well as answer the questions, and both acts must happen under 20 minutes. Most of the candidates find it hard to complete this test within the given time. Hence, to escape from running out of time, consistent and diligent practice under exam conditions is the key to scoring better in your actual TOEFL test. 

How to Overcome this? 

Take a look at the following tricks to tackle the issue of time management in your TOEFL Reading test.

Understand the Structure and Timing

The TOEFL Reading section usually consists of 2 passages around 700 words long with 10 questions each. You’ll have 35 minutes to complete the whole reading test.

We suggest you spend 15 minutes per passage to make sure you have enough time to complete all the questions and have an extra 5 minutes to check the answers.

Also read: TOEFL Speaking Templates for All Speaking Tasks

Consistence Practice

Keep in mind to practice until you reach your goal of completing the test within the given time. In the initial stage, you can extend the practice time to 40 minutes and finish up your passage and please do not exceed more than that. Then, reduce the time limit gradually with each practice attempt, and when you get to 30 minutes, you will have mastered the TOEFL Reading section! 

For Unfamiliar Answers 

If you are unsure about an answer and confused between two, try to read the context once again to come closer to the answer. Even then if you are not sure, skip to the next question and come back at last. Remember, do not spend more time when two answers confuse you. 

Prioritize Question Types 

Know that, questions like vocabulary and factual information are some that can be answered faster than others. You can begin with finishing them first and then move on to harder question types like Inference or Sentence insertion to save time. 

Check out: List of USA Colleges Accepting 100-110 TOEFL iBT® Scores

Missing Out On Keywords

The strict time constraint is one pressurizing thing about the TOEFL Reading test. Reading the passgae, understanding the question asked, and then answering them all under the limited time given is surely a hectic task to perform. 

During this, one of the most common mistakes that the test takers can make is mistaking a negative factual question to be a factual question. This means, you would have overlooked the word 'NOT' or 'EXCEPT' in the given question and you might be looking for the wrong answer. Hence, focusing on key information is important in TOEFL Reading. 

Additionally, while you read a passage you may at times overlook transition words such as 'though', 'however', 'despite' etc. This can happen when attempting to answer a sentence insertion or purpose question. 

How to Overcome this? 

Have a look at the following tricks to tackle the issue of missing out on keywords in your TOEFL Reading test. 

We do understand that the time pressure is there, but try to slow down and do not rush. Carefully look for crucial information given, and also take in to account the instructions given in your TOEFL Reading test. Don’t forget that it could be really helpful to re-read the question once you confirm your answer.

Also Read: Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam

Unfamiliar Words

Tackling unfamiliar words can be one of the biggest problems to almost every TOEFL test taker. Mainly in the TOEFL reading section,  you may come across certain complex words or phrases. Do not worry, we have given you a few steps to solve this issue for you. 

How to Overcome this? 

Take a look at the following tricks to tackle the issue of unfamiliar words in your TOEFL Reading test. 

If a particular word isn’t that important for the context, try to understand the overall meaning. Even then if you don’t understand, skip it; because, completing the entire TOEFL Reading section is more important. Also, some underlined words will have clickable definitions given for you. You can always check them if you want to while performing the test.  

To conclude, preparing for your TOEFL can be a bit of a task, but with the proper strategies and expert guidance, you can easily master it. So, we know that you are now all clear with the 4 common challenges in the TOEFL Reading section and how to overcome them. Begin your preparations and get in touch with our TOEFL experts any time! 

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