READING SECTION (Negative fact questions)
In the reading section of the test, you will be asked to identify a fact that is NOT included in a longer reading passage. When answering negative fact questions, read ALL the options carefully. The incorrect options will usually paraphrase information in the text. The correct answer will often contain extra information not mentioned in the text, or contradict information in the text.
READING SECTION (Insert text questions)
Review the given sentence and see if there are any words that refer to it in the paragraph. Example:
The French Revolution.
The French Revolution was a crucial moment in the modern history, not only of Euroepe, but of the world.
[1] During this period, French citizens overthrew a centruies old system of government that placed power in the hands of a few and abolished institutions such as absolute monarchy and the feudal system. Like the American Revolution before it, the French Revolution was influenced by the concept of popular sovereignty. [2] This was a belier that the source of a nation’s governmental power lies with its citizens and should benefit its citizens. [3] Although at times it descended into unnecessary violence and chaos, the Revolution played a critical role by showing how modern nations can be shaped by the will of the people.
Look at numbers [1], [2], and [3] that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. Where would the sentence best fit?
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in the late 1790 with the ascent of Napoleon Bonaparte. Answer___
In this case the phrase during this period refers back to a description of the time. Therefore, the correct answer is [1]
Review the given sentence and see if there are any words that refer to it later in the paragraph.
This type of exercise is only used for TOEFL IBT, however it is also a useful tool for any other type of examination.
READING SECTION (Vocabulary strategy I)
When tackling the vocabulary questions in the reading section, try replacing the highlighted word with each of the answer options. Then, try reading the sentence. When you insert the correct answer option, the sentence should be logical and should support the main ideas of the passage.
READING SECTION (Vocabulary strategy II)
Look for words around the hightlighted word to help you identify the meaning. Sometimes a word with a similar meaning can be found later in the same sentence or paragraph. For example:
They forage for food […] while hunting for food.
READING SECTION (Table completion questions)
In order to answer table completioni questions, you must be able to recognize the main ideas of the passage. The correct answers will usually contain reworded information from the passage. Correct statements are usually major ideas from the passage. For this question type, it is possible to earn partial credit depending on how many of the statements you correctly categorize. Out of the seven or nine answer options, there are usually two that do not fit the table. Watch out for answer options that do not fit the categories, include information not mentioned in the passage, contradict the facts from the passage, or include minor details.
Watch ourt for answer options that include information not mentioned in the passage, contradict facts from the passage or are minor details mentioned only briefly in the passage. Familiarize with the category types in the table completion questions. These can be: pros and cons, compare and contrast, cause and effect, theory-suppert, and classification.
This type of exercise is only used for TOEFL IBT, however it is also a useful tool for any other type of examination
READING SECTION (Sentence simplification questions)
The correct answer for a sentence summary question correctly rewords and simplifies the information from the original sentence. It will contain the essential information from the original sentence. Incorrect answers contradict or leave something out from the original sentence. Try paraphrasing the sentence in your own words before reading the answer options.
READING SECTION (Sentence simplification questions)
First, read the sentence and try to paraphrase it. Then read all the options. Eliminate options that are incorrect. In the remaining options, ask yourself these questions:
Is there a contradictory detail?
Is there a change in meaning?
Has any extra information been added?
LISTENING SECTION (Digression)
Take note of expressions that signal a digression from the main topic. Such expressions include: By the way… As a side note… Incidentally… To change the topic…
Espressions for returning to the main topic are: To return to the main topic… To get back to the subject… To resume… To get back to the point… Anyway… Anyhow… At any rate…
LISTENING SECTION (inference questions)
Inference questions ask you to make a judgement based on information that is strongly implied, but not directly stated, in the lecture. Inference questions may be worded as follows:
What does the professor imply about…?
What is probably true about…?
Watch out for incorrect answer options that are true but not supported by information in the lecture, or information that contradicts information in the lecture.
LISTENING SECTION (Purpose questions)
A purpose question asks you the reason that a speaker says or refers to. In order to answer correctly, you must be able to understand why the conversation is taking place and draw a conclusion about the main reason for the conversation. Usually the correct answer will include reworded information from the conversation. Watch out for false clues that are not the real purpose of the converastion!
LISTENING SECTION (connecting content questions)
This type of questions tests your understanding of the relationships between different ideas in text. They may ask you to organize information in different way. It is sometimes presented in the form of a table where you have to check boxes. Take clear notew while you listen, clearly identifying main ideas and details.
This type of exercise is only used for TOEFL IBT, however it is also a useful tool for any other type of examination
LISTENING SECTION (Detail questions)
When you take notes while listening, use symbols to express relationships between different ideas. For example:
-> (so, therefore)
b/c (because)
+ (and)
w. (when or while)
> ( greater than)
< (less than)
b4 (before)
w/o (without)
ex. (example)
= (equal to)
esp. (especially)
LISTENING (Context and key words)
At the beginning of the audio, pay close attention to who the speakers are. This will be announced by the narrator and will help you predict what the conversation could be about. Example:
Narrator: “Listen to part of a conversation between a student and a professor and take notes. Then answer the questions.”
[Conversation between the professor and the student]
Question:
Why does the student visit the professor?
We can infer that it is an office hours conversation. If the conversation is between a student and a professor, topics may inclulde questions about grades, help with assignments, requests for extensions, or clarification of topics discussed in class. The first questions is often a gist-purpose question asking about the purpose of the student’s visit.