How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Exam Reading Fill-in-a-Table Questions

The fill-in-the-table questions are part of the reading section of the TOEFL iBT® exam, specifically found in the summary-type questions. Knowing how to answer these questions is crucial and can significantly impact your overall score. These questions require you to summarize the key information from the given reading passage and accurately fill it in a table.

In this blog, we will examine the fill-in-a-table questions of the TOEFL test, their types, and tips to answer them. 

3 Tips to Answer TOEFL Reading Fill-in-a-Table Questions 

Here are 3 tips that you need to follow to answer TOEFL iBT Reading Fill-in-aTable Questions: 

Tip 1: Get Your Head Round the Format 

Understand the format of the TOEFL iBT reading section and prepare accordingly. The overall reading section has 2 reading passages, with 10 questions each, along with a time limit of 35 minutes. Learn how to divide your time to attempt all the questions. 

Tip 2: Scan the Passage Carefully and Avoid Distractions

Distractions are when all the answer choices from the passage are correct, but they are presented as incorrect or include new information. Consider scanning the passage carefully and checking that the information is in the passage or there is any additional or changed information. 

Tip 3: Don’t Leave any Question Unattempted Due to Lack of Time 

As mentioned above, TOEFL has a designated time limit for each section, and most of the time many test takers end up not attempting many questions. As TOEFL does not practice negative marking, leave no question unattempted. 

Also Read: TOEFL Reading Section Myths and Misconceptions 

Types of TOEFL Reading Questions 

Here is the format of the TOEFL iBT reading Questions. By understanding the format you will have a better grasp of the TOEFL iBT reading section. 

Factual Information Question 

Factual Information Questions are direct questions asked to you about certain facts from the passage and you need to find the answer to them.  

Inference Questions 

Inference Questions are designed to comprehend a paragraph, draw a logical conclusion, and provide a summary based on that comprehension.

Summary Questions 

Fill in a table of questions that form a part of the summary questions. Under such questions, the candidates need to summarise the paragraph to get the answer. 

Detail Questions 

Detail questions are similar to factual questions. The test taker has to locate specific information within the passage by simultaneously focusing on minor details. 

Vocabulary Question 

Vocabulary Questions are designed to test your knowledge and vocabulary of the English Language.

Negative Factual Question 

Under Negative Factual Questions, you need to identify information that is not true according to the passage. 

Author’s Purpose Questions 

The goal of Author’s Purpose Questions is to ask you to define the author's intent behind the passage. These questions test your ability to understand the author's point of view. 

TOEFL Reading Fill-in-a-Table Question Examples

Here is an example of the TOEFL iBT Fill-in-a-Table Question: 

The Evolution of Bird Migration

Bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon with deep evolutionary roots. The migration patterns of birds have evolved over millions of years, primarily driven by changes in climate, food availability, and breeding needs. During the Pleistocene epoch, for example, many species adapted to the shifting ice ages by migrating to more hospitable regions. In the present day, migration patterns continue to be influenced by environmental changes, though human activities such as deforestation and urbanisation have also played a significant role.

Modern bird migration is generally categorised into three main types: latitudinal migration, altitudinal migration, and partial migration. Latitudinal migration involves moving between different latitudes, usually from north to south, to escape harsh winters or to find food. Altitudinal migration occurs when birds move up and down in elevation, typically in mountainous regions, to adapt to seasonal changes. Partial migration involves only a portion of a species moving to different locations while the rest of the population remains in place. 

Table: 

Also Read: What to Do If You Can't Understand a TOEFL Reading Passage

Instructions:

Fill in the table with the correct descriptions based on the information provided in the passage.

Answer:

In conclusion, the key takeaways to always remember while answering fill-a-table questions are carefully reading the passages, managing time efficiently, and not leaving any questions unattempted.

Also Read:  

• How to Answer TOEFL Listening Detail Questions 
• How to approach TOEFL iBT® Reading Summary Questions 
• How to Score 30/30 on the TOEFL iBT® Listening?