How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Reading Factual Information Questions

Factual information questions in TOEFL Reading require you to identify and select details or facts directly stated in the passage. These questions assess your ability to pick out specific information from the text that answers the question directly and correctly. Let’s explore some practical strategies to help you approach TOEFL Reading factual information questions with confidence.

How to Answer TOEFL Reading Factual Information Questions

Here are some expert tips to help you master factual information questions in TOEFL reading :

1. Understand the Question Type

Factual information questions are those kinds of questions that ask for details or facts within the passage that corresponds to the question. You should be able to read the correct answer directly from the text; hence, you have to read the passage carefully to find that information.

Example:
Passage: ‘Sara, an artist, visited the art museum for the first time. She admired the Renaissance paintings, particularly those by Leonardo da Vinci.’

Question: What did Sara admire during her visit to the museum?
Answer Choices:
A) Modern sculptures
B) Ancient artifacts
C) Renaissance paintings
D) Contemporary art

Answer: The correct answer is C) Renaissance paintings, as it directly matches the information provided in the passage.

2. Scan for Keywords

First, identify keywords in the question and scan the passage for those or synonyms of those. When you find the place where those words occur, that is likely to be where you will find your answer.

Example:
Passage: ‘Sara’s visit to the museum included a guided tour where she learned about various art movements, including Impressionism.’

Question: What did Sara learn about during the guided tour?
Answer Choices:
A) Renaissance art
B) Impressionism
C) Modern sculptures
D) Baroque art

Answer: The correct answer is B) Impressionism, as it is mentioned in the passage.

3. Eliminate Incorrect Answers

Read each answer choice carefully and eliminate the choices that do not match the details provided in the passage. Only one answer will reflect factual information in the text.

Example:
Passage: ‘Sara’s favourite painting was the Mona Lisa, which she found captivating due to its mysterious expression.’

Question: What was Sara’s favourite painting?
Answer Choices:
A) The Last Supper
B) Starry Night
C) The Mona Lisa
D) The Scream

Answer: The correct answer is C) The Mona Lisa. All other choices do not match the information in the passage.

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4. Look for Direct Statements

Factual information questions are always based on direct statements in the passage. Take time to find the exact sentence or phrase that answers your question.

Example:
Passage: ‘During her visit, Sara learned that the museum houses the largest collection of Renaissance art in the country.’

Question: What did Sara learn about the museum?
Answer Choices:
A) It has a small collection of Renaissance art.
B) It has the largest collection of Renaissance art in the country.
C) It only displays modern art.
D) It is the oldest museum in the country.

Answer: The correct answer is B) It has the largest collection of Renaissance art in the country, as this is directly stated in the passage.

5. Verify Your Answer

After choosing the correct answer, refer again to the passage to double-check that your choice actually matches the information provided.This step helps ensure accuracy and reduces the chances of making mistakes.

Example:
Passage: ‘Sara admired the vibrant colours used in the Renaissance paintings, particularly in works by Raphael.’

Question: What did Sara admire about Raphael’s works?
Answer Choices:
A) The use of vibrant colours
B) The depiction of modern life
C) The abstract forms
D) The dark tones

Answer: The correct answer is A) The use of vibrant colours, as it is directly mentioned in the passage.

6. Pay Attention to Numbers and Dates

Pay closer attention when you come across numbers, dates, or quantities in the passage. Factual information questions most of the time concern such facts; sometimes asking you just to recall them, other times to compare.

Example:
Passage: ‘Sara visited the art museum on July 5th and spent 3 hours exploring the exhibits.’

Question: On which date did Sara visit the museum?

Answer Choices:
A) June 15th
B) July 5th
C) August 1st
D) July 15th

Correct Answer: B) July 5th

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7. Watch Out for Paraphrasing

The passage may use paraphrased information instead of exact wording from the question, so you have to understand the core meaning, rather than look for identical phrasing.

Example:
Passage: ‘Sara, an artist herself, admired the Renaissance paintings for their intricate details.’

Question: What did Sara think of the Renaissance paintings?

Answer Choices:
A) Sara disliked the Renaissance paintings.
B) Sara was indifferent to Renaissance paintings.
C) Sara appreciated the detailed nature of Renaissance art.
D) Sara found the Renaissance paintings too simplistic.

Correct Answer:
C) Sara appreciated the detailed nature of Renaissance art.

8. Practice Regularly

The more you practice factual information questions, the better you'll become at finding key details quickly and selecting the right answer. Take practice passages to sharpen your skills.

By using these strategies and regularly reviewing your performance, you'll build the skills needed to confidently tackle TOEFL Reading Factual Information Questions. Good luck with your exam preparation!

Also Read: 

• How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Reading Inference Questions
• TOEFL iBT® Reading Tips: How to Read Complex & Long Sentences
• TOEFL Test Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare
• Top 5 Tips to Master English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT®
• TOEFL iBT® Reading Score Calculation: Marking Scheme, Score Interpretation