Reading tool
Reading strategies by question type
The fastest way to lose a Reading band is to read the whole passage carefully first. Each question type needs a specific tactic.
IELTSTOEFL
True / False / Not Given
- Scan for keywords from the statement — not synonyms.
- TRUE = exact paraphrase in the passage. FALSE = the passage says the opposite. NOT GIVEN = the passage simply doesn't mention it.
- Beware quantifiers (all, only, always) — they often flip TRUE to FALSE.
- If you can't find clear evidence either way in 30 seconds, choose NOT GIVEN.
Matching headings
- Read all headings first, then the first and last sentence of each paragraph.
- Eliminate headings whose theme appears nowhere in the passage.
- Watch for paragraphs that look like a heading but only mention it in passing.
Summary completion
- Read the summary first — the gaps are usually nouns or noun phrases.
- Predict the part of speech before scanning.
- Take the EXACT word from the passage (no plural change unless the rubric allows it).
TOEFL Rhetorical Purpose
- Reread the sentence in question + the sentence before AND after.
- Ask: why did the author put this here? (illustrate, contrast, refute, define).
- Eliminate answers that describe the content but not the author's intent.
TOEFL Sentence Simplification
- Identify the main clause vs. the subordinate / descriptive clauses.
- The correct answer keeps the main clause's meaning, even if it drops detail.
- Eliminate options that change cause, contrast, or quantity.
Now apply it
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