Reading Speed Strategies for Part 7
Part 7 requires reading a large volume of text under tight time constraints. Success depends on efficient reading strategies, not just vocabulary knowledge.
Rules
- Read the questions before reading the passage to know what to look for.
- Skim the text for main ideas and scan for specific details (dates, names, numbers).
- Don't get stuck on unknown words; use context clues to guess their meaning.
- Pay attention to formatting (headings, bullet points) to locate information quickly.
Examples
"According to the memo, when will the new policy take effect?"
Scan the text specifically for a date or time phrase related to the policy.
"What is indicated about Mr. Smith?"
This is an inference question. Skim the text to find where Mr. Smith is mentioned, then read that section carefully.
"In which of the following positions would the sentence best fit?"
Read the sentence and look for pronouns or transition words that connect to the surrounding context in the passage.
What TOEIC specifically tests
- Reading the entire passage slowly from start to finish before looking at the questions.
- Choosing an answer that is true according to the real world, but not stated in the passage.
- Missing words like 'NOT' or 'EXCEPT' in the question stem.
Common questions
How much time should I spend on each Part 7 question?
Aim for about 1 minute per question. For a passage with 5 questions, spend no more than 5 minutes total on reading and answering.
Should I read double and triple passages differently?
For multiple passages, determine the relationship between them first (e.g., an email and a schedule). Look for information that connects the two texts, as questions often require synthesizing details from both.
More TOEIC topics
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