How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Reading Sentence Simplification Questions

Sentence simplification questions test your ability to understand the main idea of a sentence and choose the option that most effectively simplifies the sentence without changing its meaning. This means selecting the option that expresses the core message in a shorter, clearer way while preserving all essential information. Let’s explore some practical strategies to help you approach TOEFL Reading sentence simplification questions with confidence.

How to Answer TOEFL Reading Sentence Simplification Questions

Here are some expert tips to help you master TOEFL reading sentence simplification questions in TOEFL : 

1. Understand the Question Type

Sentence Simplification questions ask you to identify the one sentence that best simplifies the presented sentence while retaining its meaning from among several options.

Example:
Original sentence: ‘Ray, an adventurous biker, embarked on a solo trip through the mountains, navigating treacherous paths and unpredictable weather, which tested his endurance and resolve.’

Simplified sentence options:
A) Ray biked through the mountains alone.
B) Ray, a biker, faced dangerous conditions on his trip.
C) Ray enjoyed a peaceful bike ride.
D) Ray went on a mountain biking trip.

Answer: The correct answer would be Option B, as it captures the essence of the original sentence: Ray, a biker, faced dangerous conditions on his trip.

2. Identify the Key Information

Pay close attention to the key ideas in the original sentence: What is it really talking about? Consider the subject, action and any important details that should be included.

Example:
Original sentence: ‘Despite the challenges, Ray’s journey was marked by moments of breathtaking beauty and personal achievement.’

Key Information: Ray’s journey, challenges, beauty, and personal achievement.

3. Eliminate Irrelevant Details

Simplification does not mean that vital information is meant to be cut out. However, some detail can be excluded provided that detail does not affect the central meaning of the sentence.

Example:
Original sentence: ‘Ray’s experience included both physical exhaustion and the joy of reaching his destination.’

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Simplified sentence options:
A) Ray felt tired.
B) Ray’s experience was both exhausting and rewarding.
C) Ray reached his destination.
D) Ray experienced physical exhaustion.

Answer: Option B retains both the exhaustion and the reward, which are key details.

4. Choose the Most Concise Option

The best simplification usually means the shortest one, which does not lose the meaning of the original content. Options that are wordy or over-simplify, to the extent that it result in losing necessary information, should be avoided.

Example:
Original sentence: ‘Ray’s solo trip was a testament to his determination and love for adventure.’

Simplified sentence options:
A) Ray showed determination and love for adventure on his solo trip.
B) Ray loves adventure.
C) Ray is determined.
D) Ray took a solo trip.

Answer: Option A is the best because it retains the two main qualities—determination and love for adventure—present in the original sentence.

5. Pay Attention to Modifiers

Modifiers are adjectives and adverbs that provide more information but are not essential to the meaning. Identify which modifiers could be eliminated without altering the essential meaning of the sentence.

Example: 

Original sentence: ‘Ray cautiously navigated the narrow, winding mountain trails that were often shrouded in mist.’

Simplified sentence options: 

A) Ray cautiously navigated the mountain trails.
B) Ray navigated narrow trails.
C) Ray navigated winding mountain trails.
D) Ray navigated the mountain trails. 

Answer: Option D is the best choice as it retains the main idea that Ray navigated mountain trails, while unnecessary details like ‘cautiously’ and ‘shrouded in mist’ are omitted.

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7. Focus on Cause and Effect

When the original sentence contains a cause-and-effect relationship, ensure the simplified sentence maintains the cause-and-effect relationship.

Example: 

Original sentence: ‘Ray’s determination to complete his journey despite numerous obstacles resulted in a deep sense of personal accomplishment.’

 Simplified sentence options: 

A) Ray was determined to complete his journey.
B) Ray’s determination led to a sense of accomplishment.
C) Ray faced numerous obstacles.
D) Ray completed his journey with determination. 

Answer: Option B is the best choice as it maintains the cause (Ray’s determination) and the effect (sense of accomplishment).

8. Practice Regularly

The more you practice the better you will become in identifying as rapidly as possible the underlying core meaning of elaborate sentences and selecting the best simplification.

Remember, the key is to retain the essential meaning while simplifying the sentence. Keep practising, and you’ll find yourself more confident in handling sentence Simplification questions. Good luck with your exam preparation!

Also Read: 

• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion Questions
• How to Improve TOEFL iBT® Reading Skills
• How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Reading Inference Questions
• TOEFL iBT® Reading Tips: How to Read Complex & Long Sentences