A TIP FOR THE READING SECTION
Hi everyone! I know many of you have read my book on the reading, “Mastering the Reading Section for the TOEFL IBT.” Today, I want to add something to my thoughts there (without publishing a whole new book!)
I hope this tip helps you in your reading journey.
Here is the tip: Ask yourself, what topic are they discussing near the keyword?
Here is an example:
RATTLESNAKES
Rattlesnakes, belonging to the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, are highly specialized venomous reptiles native to the Americas. These pit vipers possess unique heat-sensing organs located between their eyes and nostrils, allowing them to detect warm-blooded prey with precision, even in complete darkness. The signature feature of rattlesnakes, their rattle, is made of interlocking keratin segments at the tip of the tail, which produce a distinct buzzing sound when vibrated. This serves as a warning mechanism to potential threats. Rattlesnakes primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, subduing their prey with hemotoxic venom that disrupts blood clotting and damages tissue. While their venom can be lethal to humans, rattlesnakes typically avoid confrontation and strike only when provoked. As ectothermic animals, they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun during cooler hours. Rattlesnakes play a critical role in controlling rodent populations in their ecosystems, making them an integral component of ecological balance.
What can be inferred about ectothermic animals?
A. They have a slow metabolism
B. They are venomous
C. They cannot produce heat
D. They can only survive in temperate climates
Look for the key words, “ectothermic animals.” If you skim quickly you can find these words in the second to last sentence.
Read it carefully. It says, “As ectothermic animals, they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun during cooler hours.”
Notice what the TOPIC is. They are talking about the heat that ectothermic animals rely on. If we look at the options, the only one that discusses heat is C. In this case, the answer is C.
Let’s try another example.
DARWIN’S FINCHES
Between 1831 and 1836, Charles Darwin embarked on a global voyage, during which he studied a wide variety of animals across different continents and islands. While on the Galápagos Islands, Darwin observed finches with distinct beak shapes, noting their resemblance to a species of finch found on mainland South America. He discovered that the finches on the islands exhibited a range of beak sizes and forms, with only subtle variations separating the most similar species. This led him to hypothesize that the island finches had evolved from a common ancestor from the mainland, gradually adapting to different environmental conditions. In 1860, Darwin reflected on his observations, suggesting that the diversity of beak structures in this closely related group of birds implied that an original species had diversified to meet various ecological needs in the archipelago. Finches with beak shapes that were better suited to accessing and eating the food on a particular island had a survival advantage. For instance, finches with stronger, thicker beaks were more efficient at cracking large, hard seeds, while those with longer, thinner beaks were better at catching insects
What can be inferred about the beak structures of finches?
A. They change depending on the type of food available on each island
B. They are larger and stronger than the beaks of birds on the mainland
C. They are related to the climactic conditions on the island
D. They changed dramatically after the birds left the mainland
You probably guessed that the answer is A. That’s because the topic the author is talking about near the key words “beak shapes” which is the SAME as “beak structures” is the food: the author mentions cracking seeds and catching insects. Since the author is talking about the food these birds consume, it’s logical that the ANSWER will discuss the food they eat.
Although TOEFL passages and questions are harder than this, you can still use this tip to help you get questions right. If you have any questions, reach out to me.
Thanks for reading this, and I hope this tip helps in the future!
Hi everyone! I know many of you have read my book on the reading, “Mastering the Reading Section for the TOEFL IBT.” Today, I want to add something to my thoughts there (without publishing a whole new book!)
I hope this tip helps you in your reading journey.
Here is the tip: Ask yourself, what topic are they discussing near the keyword?
Here is an example:
RATTLESNAKES
Rattlesnakes, belonging to the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, are highly specialized venomous reptiles native to the Americas. These pit vipers possess unique heat-sensing organs located between their eyes and nostrils, allowing them to detect warm-blooded prey with precision, even in complete darkness. The signature feature of rattlesnakes, their rattle, is made of interlocking keratin segments at the tip of the tail, which produce a distinct buzzing sound when vibrated. This serves as a warning mechanism to potential threats. Rattlesnakes primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, subduing their prey with hemotoxic venom that disrupts blood clotting and damages tissue. While their venom can be lethal to humans, rattlesnakes typically avoid confrontation and strike only when provoked. As ectothermic animals, they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun during cooler hours. Rattlesnakes play a critical role in controlling rodent populations in their ecosystems, making them an integral component of ecological balance.
What can be inferred about ectothermic animals?
A. They have a slow metabolism
B. They are venomous
C. They cannot produce heat
D. They can only survive in temperate climates
Look for the key words, “ectothermic animals.” If you skim quickly you can find these words in the second to last sentence.
Read it carefully. It says, “As ectothermic animals, they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun during cooler hours.”
Notice what the TOPIC is. They are talking about the heat that ectothermic animals rely on. If we look at the options, the only one that discusses heat is C. In this case, the answer is C.
Let’s try another example.
DARWIN’S FINCHES
Between 1831 and 1836, Charles Darwin embarked on a global voyage, during which he studied a wide variety of animals across different continents and islands. While on the Galápagos Islands, Darwin observed finches with distinct beak shapes, noting their resemblance to a species of finch found on mainland South America. He discovered that the finches on the islands exhibited a range of beak sizes and forms, with only subtle variations separating the most similar species. This led him to hypothesize that the island finches had evolved from a common ancestor from the mainland, gradually adapting to different environmental conditions. In 1860, Darwin reflected on his observations, suggesting that the diversity of beak structures in this closely related group of birds implied that an original species had diversified to meet various ecological needs in the archipelago. Finches with beak shapes that were better suited to accessing and eating the food on a particular island had a survival advantage. For instance, finches with stronger, thicker beaks were more efficient at cracking large, hard seeds, while those with longer, thinner beaks were better at catching insects
What can be inferred about the beak structures of finches?
A. They change depending on the type of food available on each island
B. They are larger and stronger than the beaks of birds on the mainland
C. They are related to the climactic conditions on the island
D. They changed dramatically after the birds left the mainland
You probably guessed that the answer is A. That’s because the topic the author is talking about near the key words “beak shapes” which is the SAME as “beak structures” is the food: the author mentions cracking seeds and catching insects. Since the author is talking about the food these birds consume, it’s logical that the ANSWER will discuss the food they eat.
Although TOEFL passages and questions are harder than this, you can still use this tip to help you get questions right. If you have any questions, reach out to me.
Thanks for reading this, and I hope this tip helps in the future!
