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.
Interactive practice lab
Turn Reading strategies by question type into active practice.
Short activities built directly from this reading tool. Drag, decide, match, and recall until the language becomes usable.
0/1
modes done
75
XP per mode
Complete a mode to earn XP and lock in the skill.
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Active recall
Explain it before you reveal it
Say the rule in your own words first. Then reveal the reference and rate your recall honestly.
True / False / Not Given
What is the key idea in point 1?
Reference library
Study the examples, then replay the activity.
Use the full reference below when an answer in the practice lab feels uncertain.
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 Read an Academic Passage
- Reread the target sentence plus the sentence before and after.
- Ask whether the item is testing meaning, detail, function, or inference.
- Eliminate answers that mention true details but do not answer the exact question.
TOEFL Complete the Words
- Use grammar first: decide whether the blank needs a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
- Check surrounding prefixes, suffixes, and collocations before choosing.
- Eliminate options that fit the spelling but not the sentence meaning.
Editorial details and primary sources
By FluentMock Editorial Team · Published 2026-06-13 · Updated 2026-06-28 · Official sources checked
- IELTS test format — IELTS
- IELTS scoring in detail — IELTS
- TOEFL iBT score breakdown — ETS
- TOEFL iBT test content — ETS
Now apply it
Try a free practice section that uses this skill.
Reading tools land in our Reading drills, Speaking tools shine in our Speaking practice, and so on. Open any exam and pick a section.
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