TOEFL iBT

ReadingStrategies

Overview3-4 Passages 700 Words/Passage1.5 Minutes/Question

Academic Topics – no interest/no knowledge

Active Reading (NOT Close Reading)

What is Active Reading?

Major Tasks:1.Find the Purpose2.Understand the Structure3.State the Main Idea

1. Find the PurposeEach Passage:A. Explains a Topic; B. Resolves an Issue or Finds Solutions; orC. Convinces or PersuadesRead:Introduction – first two sentences;Body - topic sentences; andConclusion – first and last sentence

2. Understand the Structure

Passages Have:A. Introduction

i. ThesisB. Body

i. Support & Opposition Paragraphsii. Direction & Transition Words

C. Conclusion

3. State the Main Idea

Identify the Thesis or PurposeFind the Topic SentencesSkim the PassageLook at Notes

Main Idea should CONNECT ALL IDEAS

Additional Tips

SKIM! Don’t Read.

Trim the Fat!

Trim the Fat

Scientists, using NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, have found a new class of stellar object, miniature stars too small to initiate fusion but large enough to have their own orbiting planets.

Scientists…have found a new…stellar object.