10 TOEFL iBT® Reading Question Types with Samples

The TOEFL Reading section evaluates your ability to comprehend academic texts. The questions are divided into ten different types, such as Detail, Vocabulary and Inference, each focusing on a specific skill. This guide will help you understand these TOEFL Reading iBT question types, illustrated with examples to improve your reading comprehension.

10 TOEFL Reading Question Types with Samples 

Here are the ten TOEFL Reading question types, each presented with an example to aid your preparation:

1. Factual Information (Detail) Question:

These questions test your ability to identify specific details or facts explicitly stated in the passage.

Example Passage: Tom and Jack visit a library to find their favourite books. Tom heads to the mystery section, while Jack searches for science fiction

Question: Where does Tom go in the library?

A. Science fiction section
B. Mystery section
C. History section
D. Children's section

Answer: B. Mystery section

2. Negative Factual Information Question

These are questions that require you to answer for something not mentioned in the passage. They usually contain certain words such as ‘not’ or ‘except’.

Example Passage: Tom prefers mystery novels because they keep him engaged, while Jack enjoys the creativity of science fiction.

Question: According to the passage, which of the following is not a reason Jack enjoys science fiction?

A. Creativity
B. Engagement
C. Imagination
D. Innovation

• Answer: B. Engagement

3. Inference Question

Inference questions require you to make logical guesses based on what information is provided, even if it is not stated directly.

Example Passage: After finding their books, Tom and Jack settle in a quiet corner of the library to read, completely absorbed in their choices.

Question: What can be inferred about Tom and Jack’s feelings toward reading?

A. They find reading boring.
B. They are indifferent to reading.
C. They enjoy reading.
D. They dislike the library.

• Answer: C. They enjoy reading.

4. Rhetorical Purpose Question

These questions test your ability to assess an author's intention for mentioning certain details or to evaluate how a particular statement contributes to the overall passage.

Example Passage: ‘Tom believes that mystery novels sharpen his problem-solving skills.’

Question: Why does the author mention Tom’s belief about mystery novels?

A. To explain why Tom likes to read
B. To show the impact of mystery novels on Tom
C. To compare Tom's preferences with Jack's
D. To suggest a strategy for solving problems

• Answer: B. To show the impact of mystery novels on Tom

5. Vocabulary Question

Vocabulary questions test knowledge of the meaning of a particular word or phrase as used in the passage.

Example Passage: Jack was intrigued by the ‘unprecedented’ storyline of the science fiction novel he picked up.

Question: What does ‘unprecedented’ most likely mean?

A. Predictable
B. Unusual
C. Boring
D. Common

• Answer: B. Unusual

6. Sentence Simplification Question 

These questions ask you to identify a sentence that best combines two or more sentences from the passage into a single coherent sentence.

Example Passage: ‘Despite the complexity of the plot, Tom managed to follow the twists and turns of the mystery novel with ease.’

Question: Which of the following best represents the meaning of the sentence above?

A. The plot was straightforward, and Tom had no trouble understanding it.
B. The mystery novel was easy to understand despite its complex plot.
C. Tom struggled to understand the complex plot of the mystery novel.
D. The plot was simple, but Tom found it confusing.

• Answer: B. The mystery novel was easy to understand despite its complex plot.

7. Sentence Insertion

These are questions that test your ability to identify the most logical place to insert a new sentence within a passage.

Example Passage: ‘Tom and Jack walked into the library. [Insert Sentence] They each found a book and sat down to read.’

Question: Where would the following sentence best fit? ‘The library was quiet, filled with the faint rustling of pages.’

A. Before ‘Tom and Jack walked into the library.’
B. After ‘Tom and Jack walked into the library.’
C. Before ‘They each found a book and sat down to read.’
D. After ‘They each found a book and sat down to read.’

Answer: B. After ‘Tom and Jack walked into the library.’

Check out: How to Improve TOEFL iBT® Reading Skills

8. Prose Summary Question

Prose summary questions ask you to identify the one choice that best summarizes the major ideas of the passage. You are usually given six choices, from which you are to select three correct ones.

Example Passage: ‘Tom enjoys reading mystery novels because they challenge his mind, while Jack prefers science fiction for its imaginative possibilities. Both find reading to be a fulfilling activity.’

Question: Which of the following sentences best summarizes the passage? (Choose 3)

A. Tom and Jack both enjoy reading.
B. Tom prefers mystery novels.
C. Jack finds science fiction boring.
D. Reading is a rewarding activity for Tom and Jack.
E. Tom and Jack dislike reading.
F. Jack enjoys science fiction.

• Answers: A. Tom and Jack both enjoy reading.
  B. Tom prefers mystery novels.
  F. Jack enjoys science fiction.

9. Fill in a Table Question

These questions require you to summarize information from the passage in table format, matching the details provided to the correct category.

Example Passage: Tom appreciates the logical structure of mystery novels, while Jack is drawn to the imaginative plots of science fiction.

Question: Complete the following table based on the passage:

Answers: Tom: A. Logical structure, Jack: B. Imaginative plots

10. Reference Question 

Reference questions are those that ask you to identify what a particular word or phrase refers to in the text.

Example Passage: ‘Tom and Jack both found books that suited their tastes. Tom’s choice was a thrilling mystery, while Jack’s pick was a futuristic science fiction novel.’

Question: What does the word ‘choice’ in the passage refer to?

1. The library
   B. The books
   C. Tom’s preference
   D. Jack’s preference

• Answer: B. The books

By familiarizing yourself with these ten TOEFL Reading question types and practising with examples, you can approach the reading section with greater confidence. Keep refining your skills, and best of luck on your TOEFL iBT® exam!

Also Read: 

• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion Questions
• Common TOEFL Reading Section Difficulties
• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Inference Questions
• 10 Tips to Improve TOEFL Reading Speed and Comprehension
• TOEFL iBT® Reading Score Calculation: Marking Scheme, Score Interpretation