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

TOEFL Reading Fill-in-a-Table questions are commonly found in the summary-type questions of the exam. These questions require you to summarize key information from the reading passage and accurately fill it into a table. Mastering this question type is essential, as it can significantly impact your overall TOEFL iBT® score.

Let’s learn how to approach these questions effectively. We will go over important strategies, break down the different types of reading questions, and provide practical examples to help you understand the format and improve your performance.

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

Here are some key tips to help you effectively answer TOEFL Reading iBT Fill-in-a-Table questions and boost your performance: 

Tip 1: Understand the Format
Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL reading section structure, which includes two passages with ten questions each, and a 35-minute time limit. Knowing how to divide your time for each passage ensures you won’t rush through the fill-in-the-table questions. Proper time management is key.

Tip 2: Read the Passage Carefully and Avoid Distractions
When scanning the passage, be cautious of answer choices that might seem correct but contain extra or changed information. The key is to double-check the information and make sure it aligns with the passage's content. Ensure the details match exactly what is provided in the text.

You might find this helpful : TOEFL iBT® Reading Score Calculation: Marking Scheme, Score Interpretation

Tip 3: Don’t Leave Questions Unanswered
TOEFL does not penalize for incorrect answers, so make sure to attempt every question, even if you're uncertain about the answer. Leaving questions blank can negatively impact your score, especially in the fill-in-the-table section, where every answer matters.

Tip 4: Focus on Key Information
Pay attention to the main ideas and significant points of the passage, as fill-in-the-table questions focus on summarizing these details. The table will generally ask for information directly related to the central theme or key facts.

Tip 5: Use the Process of Elimination
If you're unsure of an answer, eliminate clearly incorrect options. This strategy can increase your chances of selecting the correct one, especially when you’re dealing with similar-sounding answers in the fill-in-the-table format.

Tip 6: Stay Organized
Keep track of your time and avoid rushing. Carefully read each passage and refer back to it when filling out the table. Staying organized ensures that you accurately summarize the passage's key points without missing any important details.

Tip 7: Practice Regularly
Consistent practice with TOEFL Reading Fill-in-the-Table questions will help you become more familiar with the format and improve your speed. The more you practice, the better you’ll be at quickly identifying the main points and accurately summarizing them in the table.

Tip 8: Understand the Purpose of the Table
Recognize that the table’s purpose is to summarize the passage's core ideas clearly. This means the answers should directly reflect the passage’s content, and your focus should be on identifying essential details to fit into the table's format.

TOEFL Reading Fill-in-a-Table Question Examples

Here are TOEFL Reading Fill-in-a-Table question examples to help you practice and master the format: 

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: 

Overcome Common TOEFL Reading Section Difficulties with our expert tips and strategies to boost your comprehension and performance on the exam!

Instructions:

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

Answer:

I hope this blog on how to answer TOEFL Reading Fill-in-a-Table questions helps you understand the format and strategies to tackle them effectively. With the tips and examples provided, you'll be able to confidently approach these questions and improve your performance. 

Additional Resoures:

• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion Questions
• How to Improve TOEFL  Reading Skills
• Time Management Tips for TOEFL Reading Section
• Is 25 a Good TOEFL iBT® Reading Score?
• TOEFL iBT® Reading Tips: How to Read Complex & Long Sentences