Negative Factual Information Questions In TOEFL ® iBT Reading

Negative factual questions ask you to find information that is not true in the passage. These questions include words like, “not”, “expect”, or “least”. In this blog, we will discuss Negative Factual Information Questions. So, quickly let’s get started with the blog. 

For a deeper dive into how the TOEFL Reading section evaluates critical thinking, check out this article: How the TOEFL iBT® Reading Section Evaluates Critical Thinking 

Understanding Reading Passages

Here are the pointers to understand or identify reading passage questions: 

• Look for words like ”NOT” or “EXPECT” in the question as they indicate a negative Factual Information question. 

• The question will ask you to identify the reading passage that is not true or not mentioned in the passage. 

Negative Factual Questions in the TOEFL reading section 

Here’s a brief overview of Negative Factual Questions in the reading section along with examples: 

Question Format: 

• “According to the passage, which of the following is not true of “X”…”

• “In the following passage, the author mentions all the information except…” 

Example Question: 

Laughter is a natural function that helps control emotions. It can reduce feelings of annoyance and is contagious, often leading to a shared experience of joy."

Question: "According to the passage, everything is true about laughter EXCEPT..."

• A) It can help to reduce feelings of irritation.

• B) It can be used as a way to regulate how we feel.

• C) It can magnify the intensity of laughter in others.

• D) It can accompany feelings of jealousy and disgust.

Correct Answer: D) It can accompany feelings of jealousy and disgust. (This statement is not supported by the passage, which focuses on laughter as a positive, emotional regulator.)

 Learn more about common pitfalls and how to overcome them here: Common Challenges in the TOEFL Reading Section and How to Overcome Them 

Strategies for Answering Negative Factual Questions 

For answering negative factual questions, consider these strategies: 

• Read Every Passage Carefully: Read every passage carefully, pick out the main point, and pay close attention to the flow of the passage 

• Skim and Focus on Finding Relevant Information: Skim and Focus on sections of the passage that relate to the questions. 

• Evaluate Each Answer Choice: Evaluate each answer choice carefully, and terminate irrelevant options.  

• Look for disagreement in the statement: The correct answer for negative factual information features contradictions, look for such options. 

• Practice Critical Reading: Indulge in critical reading tasks, and improve your ability to detect factual information. 

This was the guide to negative factual information questions. By understanding the format, practicing sample questions, and implementing these strategies, you can easily tackle these questions. 

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