
TOEFL Reading: Strategies for Multiple Choice and Summary Completion
Article Level: C2
Explanation: This article offers advanced strategies for mastering TOEFL reading tasks, focusing on multiple choice and summary completion. It guides readers in improving inference, synthesis, and academic reading skills essential for top exam performance and academic success.
Read more: TOEFL Reading: Strategies for Multiple Choice and Summary CompletionCommonly Used Words from the Article
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Inference /ˈɪnfərəns/ (noun): A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning.
The author doesn’t state it directly, but we can make an inference from the context.
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Synthesis /ˈsɪnθəsɪs/ (noun): The combination of ideas to form a coherent whole.
Summary completion questions require the synthesis of main ideas.
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Distractor /dɪˈstræktə/ (noun): An incorrect option in a multiple choice question designed to mislead.
Test-takers must learn to recognise and reject distractors.
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Macro-level /ˈmækrəʊ ˌlɛvəl/ (adjective): Relating to the big picture or overall structure.
Summary tasks focus on macro-level understanding.
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Skimming /ˈskɪmɪŋ/ (noun): Quickly reading a text to get the general idea.
Skimming the passage before reading the questions helps with orientation.
Audio File of the Article

TOEFL Reading: Strategies for Multiple Choice and Summary Completion
Mastering the reading section of the TOEFL exam is a significant step towards academic success at international universities. Among the various question types, multiple choice and summary completion questions are particularly challenging. These tasks assess not only reading comprehension but also critical thinking, vocabulary range, and the ability to synthesise information across complex texts.
Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions in TOEFL reading passages often contain distractors—options that are grammatically or thematically plausible but ultimately incorrect. To tackle them effectively, candidates must engage in strategic reading. This involves skimming the passage first to understand its structure and main idea, followed by scanning for keywords related to the question.
Equally important is distinguishing between factual and inferred information. Many questions ask what the author implies rather than states directly. Therefore, developing skills in making inferences is essential. One method is to identify contextual clues—such as tone, contrast words (e.g., “although”, “however”), and cause-effect indicators.
Techniques for Summary Completion
Summary completion questions test your ability to extract essential points from the passage and select the most suitable ideas to complete a summary. Unlike multiple choice items, these questions focus on macro-level comprehension—how well you understand the passage as a whole.
To excel in this area, look for topic sentences, repeated themes, and concluding remarks. Avoid being distracted by minor details or examples. Instead, aim to identify the author’s key arguments or findings.
Using a process of elimination is also vital. Eliminate options that introduce new information not mentioned in the text, as TOEFL summaries must remain faithful to the source material.
Reading Academic Texts Effectively
Given that TOEFL passages are often adapted from academic sources, becoming familiar with academic structures, tone, and vocabulary can greatly enhance performance. Read articles from reputable journals or university websites and practise summarising them in your own words.
In conclusion, excelling in TOEFL reading requires more than just understanding words. It demands analytical reading, inference skills, and the ability to grasp complex arguments—skills that will serve you well throughout your academic career.

Grammar Notes
Focus: Subordination and Complex Sentence Structures
Example from the article:
“Unlike multiple choice items, these questions focus on macro-level comprehension—how well you understand the passage as a whole.”
Here, subordination is used to contrast ideas effectively. C2 writing often includes complex sentence structures to show nuanced relationships.
Mini-Lesson:
Subordination allows writers to connect ideas of unequal importance. Words like “although”, “because”, and “while” introduce subordinate clauses that support the main idea. Mastering these structures enables clearer, more logical writing.
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Five Questions Based on the Article
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Why are distractors particularly effective in multiple choice questions?
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How can contrast words aid in making inferences?
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What distinguishes summary completion from identifying supporting details?
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Why is a macro-level understanding important in TOEFL summary tasks?
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How can exposure to academic texts improve TOEFL reading performance?
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