The contents of this page expatiates the details in TOEFL reading and test structure. Read on for more details on the same.

TOEFL Reading Test Structure

Listening is the workshop which levers us to learn a language. Human Brain is a master in listening, aping, and then absorbing, to produce the product it had listened to. Also language is the hub of communication. And communication is the first need to develop our ideas and meet our needs. That’s why brain ties up with the language as a primary step for communication. Everyone can speak their native language with ease because they have been learning it from the time they were born. But when it comes to a foreign language like English, massive listening and reading is a must so that non-native speakers can speak English as a native English speaker. TOEFL is projected towards measuring the quality of English of non-native English speakers. There comes the need of acute reading and listening skills.

The reason for the designing the reading test structure is apparent from the facts presented so far. This section in TOEFL test also serves multiple purposes like testing the speed, level of understanding, etc. The detail on TOEFL reading test structure is elaborated below to give a clear picture of what does this section contains.

Complete TOEFL Reading Test Structure

Reading section in iBT (Internet based TOEFL) consists of 3-5 passages. The time allotted for this section ranges from 60 to 100 minutes. Each passage is followed by 12 to 14 questions. The length of each paragraph is approximately 700 words. There are certain set of skills required for reading test structure. They are:

  • Speed and Accuracy - The information will be given through some key facts in the passage. The passage should be read and analyzed to identify the information hidden in the key facts, providing that it should be done in a fast pace.
  • Basic Understanding – Logical reasoning is a must to understand the basic facts and details, references esp. the pronoun references, main ideas, illations (inference) and the purpose or substance of the passage.
  • Relating the Cause and Ideas – After basic understanding of substance in the passage, there should be a comparison of key facts. Only when you understand the key facts shall you comprehend the cause of the passage. Then only can you construct an appropriate argument, which would help to relate key facts, and ideas. So it becomes easier to trace, how those ideas serve the purpose of the passage.
  • Infer from the author’s view point – The concluding statements may not be given in the passage. They will be implied or expressed indirectly in between the passages. Therefore the conclusion should be inferred from the author’s point of view.

After reading the passage students are asked to answer the questions related to the passage. Those questions are of the types given below:

  • Main Idea Questions, Key Facts Questions, and Paraphrase Questions - It gives the main idea or the central idea of a paragraph. The overall picture or idea of the passage is the content of main idea questions.
  • Reference Questions (pronoun reference questions) and Structure Questions - In this type of question students will be asked to insert a new sentence that would suit the main purpose of the passage. The rule of this question is to find a suitable position in the passage to insert the new sentence.
  • Except/Least questions (looking for facts that do not support the passage) and Reading to learn questions - In this category important idea should be selected and categorized.
  • Inference questions – This is the place where students have to find the conclusion that is expressed indirectly, anywhere in the passage. This could be done only when a student observes the passage from the author’s point of view.

These is the reading structure that is applicable for both PBT (Paper based TOEFL) and iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) too. The only difference between an iBT and PBT reading section is the timing. A student is given 55 minutes to complete PBT reading test.

Reading is an art and it can be fun when it is done in any form like reading books, reading a newspaper etc. The beauty of this art is apparent only when it is followed with heart and soul. When it is given a focus, the art of reading becomes not only a fun, but also turns into a skill which includes rise of logical thoughts, ideas, and your point of view towards them etc. By the time a student goes through the TOEFL reading structure, his reading skills would have improved.


More in TOEFL

  • Identification Documents for TOEFL Registration

    TOEFL tests the proficiency of a person in Standard English. Please go through the details on the identification documents for TOEFL registration.

  • TOEFL FAQs

    TOEFL FAQs gives answers for commonly asked questions that are concerned with TOEFL test structure, fee structure, scoring range, TOEFL syllabus and other information on TOEFL. It may be defined as an aspect to widen your knowledge base about TOEFL.

  • TOEFL Writing Test Structure

    The purpose of writing section in TOEFL is to test the ability of a student to write Standard English in an academic environment. The tasks in TOEFL writing test structure is elaborated in this page.

  • TOEFL Speaking Test Structure

    This page presents the facts about TOEFL Speaking Test Structure. This information will be obliging for the test takers who want to know everything about the speaking section TOEFL.

  • Internet Based TOEFL Vs Paper Based TOEFL

    This article highlights the differences between internet Based TOEFL Vs Paper based TOEFL. Read on to know the differences between the available formats of the test.

  • TOEFL Preparation Books and Material

    The article below gives a detailed list of TOEFL Preparation Books. Having proper study materials is very important for preparation. Read on to know the best study materials and guides available for TOEFL.

  • TOEFL Strategies for Listening Section

    This page contains information and tips on TOEFL strategies for listening section. Each strategy in listening section is detailed, to show how to answer each question within the given time.

  • Checklist and Test Day Essentials For TOEFL

    This article portrays the checklist of test day essentials for TOEFL. The importance of having a checklist is explained in a detailed manner along with the key points. Read on to know the easy tips for the test day.

  • TOEFL General Tips

    This article elucidates some of the most successful TOEFL general tips for preparing for the exam. These tips are handy and very necessary for succeeding in the test. Check out the various tips in this page to crack TOEFL.

  • TOEFL Strategies For Speaking Section

    This article states the important TOEFL Strategies For Speaking Section. Read on to know the detailed information on various tips and strategies useful for speaking section in TOEFL.

  • TOEFL Advantages

    This article describes the TOEFL advantages. It is very important to know the benefits of the test before you plan to take it. Read below to know the key points on how TOEFL can be advantageous.

  • Paper Based TOEFL

    TOEFL is a test for English as a foreign language. It is offered in paper based format only in few test centers. Read on for more to know the steps to register for paper based TOEFL and to score in the test.

  • How To Prepare For TOEFL

    TOEFL aims at measuring the ability of non native English speakers who desire to study in English speaking countries. Here are some guidelines and easy tips on how to prepare for TOEFL. Read on to know more about TOEFL preparation.

  • Next Generation TOEFL

    The purpose of next generation TOEFL is to show its evolutionary history and to provide tips on how to prepare for the next generation TOEFL which is nothing but internet based TOEFL (iBT) test. Further details are expatiated in this page.

  • TOEFL Speaking Syllabus

    This page contains the complete information on TOEFL speaking syllabus. Browse through the article to know the different sections in the speaking section of TOEFL.

  • TOEFL Writing Syllabus

    The contents of this page contains detailed information on the structure of TOEFL writing syllabus. Read on more to know each and every section in TOEFL writing syllabus.

  • TOEFL Listening Syllabus

    The main purpose of TOEFL listening syllabus is to help candidates in their preparation for listening test. The complete details in each part of the test are given in detail in this article.

  • TOEFL Reading Syllabus

    The contents of this page gives a complete structure of TOEFL reading syllabus. Every section of TOEFL reading syllabus is elaborated in detail in this page.

  • Internet Based TOEFL

    This page describes the key points about internet based TOEFL. Read on to know about the facts of internet based TOEFL which is preferred by millions of candidates vying for studies abroad.

  • Top Institutions And Programs That Accept TOEFL Scores

    This article highlights on who accepts TOEFL score. TOEFL is an international level test and it is important to know the best top list of universities that accept TOEFL score. Read on to know the details.

  • TOEFL Reading Practice Questions

    Practice questions in reading section proposes to provide tips for those who take up the test, and to get familiar with the types of questions and how to answer them within the given time. Read on for more details on TOEFL Practice Questions.

  • TOEFL Listening Practice Questions

    Listening skills are important to take up TOEFL tests. TOEFL listening practice questions provides tips on how to understand the subject matter and a detailed picture on the types of listening questions in TOEFL.

  • How To Score High in TOEFL

    This page explores few important key points on how to score high in TOEFL/ Test of English as a Foreign Language.

  • Eligibility Criteria for Disabled TOEFL Test Takers

    This article provides detailsed information on eligibility criteria for disabled TOEFL Test Takers. Read on to know the key points and provisions made for disabled test takers in TOEFL.

  • Identification Proof for TOEFL Test Takers with Disabilities

    This article elaborates on the important identification proof for TOEFL test takers with disabilities. Browse through the article to know the detailed information on the documents required for TOEFL test takers with disabilities.

  • TOEFL Reading Sample Questions

    The objective of TOEFL reading sample questions is to provide an idea on the types of questions in the reading section of the test. Along with the questions there are also directions on how to answer which are also elaborated in this article.

  • TOEFL Writing Sample Questions

    This article consists of sample questions for TOEFL Writing section and it also provides tips on how to answer these questions. For more details on TOEFL writing sample questions check over this page.

  • TOEFL Listening Sample Questions

    TOEFL listening sample questions will help in providing a real time experience in listening test section. The main purpose of this document is to give guidelines on how to answer all the questions in listening section.


Top