Samples of TOEFL iBT® Reading Sentence Simplification Questions

The TOEFL Reading Section includes Sentence Simplification questions that test your ability to identify the most accurate paraphrase of a given sentence. These questions assess your understanding of complex sentence structures and how well you can break them down into simpler, clearer statements while retaining the original meaning. The correct answer should maintain the essential information without altering the sentence's intent or excluding critical details.

Samples of TOEFL Reading Sentence Simplification Questions

Here are some samples of TOEFL Reading sentence simplification questions to help you understand how to rephrase complex sentences effectively: 

Sample 1

Original Sentence:
Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night is often interpreted as a reflection of his emotional turmoil, with swirling patterns representing his inner struggles and bold colors conveying intense feelings.

Simplified Options:
A) Starry Night is a famous painting that features swirling patterns and bright colors.
B) Many believe Starry Night represents van Gogh’s emotional struggles through its patterns and colors.
C) The swirling patterns and bold colors in Starry Night create a strong artistic impression.
D) Vincent van Gogh used unique artistic techniques in Starry Night to depict the night sky.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Option B captures the main idea by maintaining the connection between van Gogh’s emotions and his artistic choices.

Sample 2

Original Sentence:
John, who has always loved trekking, decided to go on a solo hiking trip across the Appalachian Trail to challenge himself and embrace solitude.

Simplified Options:
A) John enjoys trekking and went on a solo hike for a new experience.
B) John embarked on a solo hike because he wanted to test his limits and enjoy solitude.
C) Trekking has always been John’s passion, and he wanted to travel alone.
D) John went on a solo adventure to discover his love for hiking.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Option B correctly simplifies the original sentence while keeping the purpose of John’s solo hike.

Sample 3

Original Sentence:
Art museums around the world preserve masterpieces not only for their aesthetic value but also to provide historical and cultural context to future generations.

Simplified Options:
A) Art museums collect artworks to help future generations understand history and culture.
B) Masterpieces are displayed in art museums for their beauty.
C) Art museums preserve artwork mainly for their cultural significance.
D) Future generations visit art museums to see historical paintings.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Option A correctly retains both ideas—preservation and historical significance—while simplifying the sentence.

Sample 4

Original Sentence:
Although many artists struggle financially during their lifetimes, their work often gains immense recognition and value posthumously, as seen in the case of Vincent van Gogh.

Simplified Options:
A) Artists sometimes become famous only after their death, like Vincent van Gogh.
B) Many artists face financial hardships but their works gain value later.
C) Vincent van Gogh struggled financially, but his art became valuable after he died.
D) Many artists remain unknown until they receive recognition for their work.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Option B maintains the main ideas—financial struggles and posthumous recognition—without adding unnecessary details.

Sample 5

Original Sentence:
Solo riding has gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts, as it offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and an escape from daily routines.

Simplified Options:
A) Adventure lovers enjoy solo riding as a way to challenge themselves.
B) Many people choose solo riding to experience self-discovery and personal growth.
C) Solo riding is a popular activity for escaping from daily life.
D) Self-discovery and personal growth are key reasons for solo riding’s popularity.

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Option D keeps the core idea of the original sentence—why solo riding is popular—while making it more concise.

Sample 6

Original Sentence:
The development of electric vehicles has been driven by the need for sustainable alternatives to traditional fuel-powered transportation, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Simplified Options:
A) Electric vehicles are being developed to reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions.
B) The main reason for electric vehicle development is their technological advancement.
C) Reducing carbon emissions has always been the only goal of electric vehicle development.
D) The production of electric vehicles is based on modern engineering innovations.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Option A captures the essence of the original sentence, focusing on sustainability and reduced fossil fuel use.

Sample 7

Original Sentence:
Marie Curie’s pioneering research on radioactivity not only earned her two Nobel Prizes but also laid the foundation for future advancements in medical treatments and nuclear physics.

Simplified Options:
A) Marie Curie’s work in radioactivity led to major scientific discoveries and medical advancements.
B) Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes for her work, which influenced modern science.
C) The discovery of radioactivity by Marie Curie changed physics.
D) Marie Curie’s research was important for medical science and nuclear energy.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Option A preserves both key points—her Nobel Prizes and contributions to medicine and physics.

Sample 8

Original Sentence:
The Great Wall of China, originally built to protect against invasions, has now become a globally recognized symbol of China's rich history and architectural prowess.

Simplified Options:
A) The Great Wall of China was built for defense and is now a cultural symbol.
B) The Great Wall of China is famous for its impressive architecture.
C) China’s history is represented by its ancient structures, like the Great Wall.
D) The Great Wall was built to protect China and remains a military site.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Option A keeps both key ideas—the defensive purpose and its modern symbolic status.

Sample 9

Original Sentence:
Social media platforms have transformed the way people communicate, allowing for real-time interactions across vast distances and reshaping global connectivity.

Simplified Options:
A) Social media enables instant global communication and connectivity.
B) People use social media to share information and entertainment.
C) Social media changed how businesses advertise their products.
D) Online interactions have become more frequent due to social media.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Option A effectively simplifies the main idea—real-time communication and global connectivity.

Sentence Simplification questions in TOEFL Reading require careful analysis of sentence structures to identify the most precise and meaningful paraphrase. Practicing with such examples will help you improve your reading comprehension and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer on test day. Keep practicing and refining your ability to simplify complex ideas while maintaining their essence!

Additional Resources:

• TOEFL  Reading Tips: How to Read Complex & Long Sentences
• Is 25 a Good TOEFL Reading Score?
• How to Answer TOEFL Exam Reading Fill in a Table Questions
• Time Management Tips for TOEFL Reading Section
• Common TOEFL Reading Section Difficulties
• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion Questions