Introduction: The Power of Process of Elimination
When it comes to the TOEFL reading section, time is of the essence. That’s where the process of elimination comes in. By systematically ruling out incorrect answer choices, you not only increase your chances of selecting the right one but also save precious time. Today, I’ll be sharing 10 tried-and-tested tips to help you master this technique.
1. Start with the Easiest
As you begin tackling the questions, don’t go in order. Start with the ones that seem easiest to you. This way, you can quickly eliminate incorrect options and build your confidence for the tougher ones.
2. Watch for Extreme Language
In TOEFL reading, extreme language like ‘always,’ ‘never,’ or ‘completely’ is often a red flag. If an answer choice contains such words, it’s likely incorrect. Cross it off!
3. Look for Contradictions
Sometimes, an answer choice may directly contradict information in the passage. Even if it seems plausible, it’s incorrect. The process of elimination helps you spot these contradictions.
4. Be Wary of ‘Out of Scope’ Choices
TOEFL questions are designed to test your comprehension of the passage, not your general knowledge. If an answer choice seems unrelated to the passage, it’s probably incorrect.
5. Use Context Clues
The surrounding words or sentences in the passage can often provide hints about the correct answer. Pay attention to these context clues.
6. Compare Similar Choices
Sometimes, two answer choices may seem almost identical. In such cases, carefully analyze the subtle differences. One of them is likely to be the correct option.
7. Prioritize Evidence-Based Questions
TOEFL questions that ask for specific evidence from the passage are often easier to answer. Start with these, as the evidence is right there in front of you.
8. Don’t Overthink
The correct answer is usually the most straightforward one. Don’t overanalyze or read too much into the options. Trust your instincts.
9. Review Your Eliminations
After selecting an answer, quickly review the choices you eliminated. This ensures you didn’t eliminate the correct option by mistake.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like any skill, the process of elimination improves with practice. Set aside dedicated study time for TOEFL reading practice questions to hone your skills.