TOEFL Reading & Vocabulary Practice

To analyze something means to examine it closely and in detail.

Significant means important or notable, so it shows that something has real weight or consequence. Example: 'The study found a significant change in results.'

To facilitate something is to make it easier or smoother.

Consequently introduces a result or consequence that follows from what was just stated. Example: 'The road was closed; consequently, traffic moved slowly.'

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation that can be tested.

A comprehensive review covers all or most relevant aspects, so it is broad rather than partial. Example: 'The report provides a comprehensive review of the evidence.'

An alternative is one of the other possible choices available instead of the current option. Example: 'Walking is a healthy alternative to driving.'

Despite introduces a contrast between expectations and reality, showing that something happened anyway. Example: 'Despite the rain, the match continued.'

Therefore introduces a conclusion or result that logically follows from previous information. Example: 'The evidence was clear; therefore, the team changed the plan.'

Moreover adds another point that supports the argument and strengthens what was already said. Example: 'The method is fast; moreover, it is inexpensive.'

For instance signals an example that illustrates the point being made. Example: 'Many animals adapt; for instance, foxes change their habits in cities.'

However introduces a contrasting idea and often appears after a statement it qualifies. Example: 'The plan was simple; however, it was not easy to execute.'

In contrast highlights a difference between two things and helps readers compare them. Example: 'Cats are independent; in contrast, dogs often seek attention.'

As a result introduces the consequence of an action or event.

Approximately means close to a number or amount but not exact.

Substantial means significant in size or amount, so it describes something large enough to matter. Example: 'The project required a substantial investment.'

Methodology is the set of methods used in a study or process.

Criteria are the standards or rules used to judge something.

To interpret is to explain or understand the meaning of something.

Derive means to obtain or develop something from a source.

To eliminate is to remove or get rid of something.

To distribute is to spread or deliver items to people.

To restrict is to limit or control access, keeping something within set boundaries. Example: 'The rules restrict entry to authorized staff.'

To contribute is to add or give something to a shared effort.

To obtain is to get or acquire something, often through effort or a process. Example: 'Students must obtain permission before using the lab.'

To demonstrate is to show or prove something clearly with evidence or action. Example: 'The experiment demonstrates how heat changes the material.'

To occur is to happen or take place at a particular time or location. Example: 'Earthquakes can occur without warning.'

To predict is to state what is expected to happen.

To evaluate is to judge or assess the value or quality of something.

To determine is to decide or discover something with confidence.

To establish a fact is to prove or confirm it.

To generate is to produce or create something, such as energy, data, or ideas. Example: 'Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight.'

To maintain is to keep something in a particular state.

To modify is to make a small change to something.

To prohibit is to formally forbid something by rule or law. Example: 'The policy prohibits smoking inside the building.'

To require is to need or demand something as necessary or compulsory. Example: 'The course requires students to submit two essays.'

To assume is to accept something as true without proof.

To conclude is to reach a decision based on reasoning or evidence.

To consist of something is to be made up of it.

To differ from something is to be different from it.

To refer to something is to mention or direct attention to it.

To result in something is to cause it to happen.

To account for something is to explain why it happened.

According to introduces the source of information and attributes the idea to that source. Example: 'According to the report, sales increased by ten percent.'

Evidence is information used to support a claim, such as data, examples, or observations. Example: 'The fossil is strong evidence for the theory.'

Data are facts or information collected for analysis, often in numerical or recorded form. Example: 'Researchers analyzed data from over 500 surveys.'

A theory is an explanation supported by evidence and reasoning.

A principle is a fundamental rule or idea that guides behavior or reasoning. Example: 'The principle of fairness shapes the policy.'

Function refers to the purpose or role of something in a system or context. Example: 'The function of the heart is to pump blood.'

Impact is the effect that something has on a person, group, or situation. Example: 'The new law had a major impact on small businesses.'

A trend is a general direction in which something is developing.

A factor is something that contributes to a result and helps explain why it happens. Example: 'Cost is an important factor in the decision.'

A process is a series of actions or steps that lead to a particular outcome. Example: 'Learning a language is a gradual process.'

A source is where information or material comes from, such as a book, person, or place. Example: 'The article lists every source used in the research.'

Context is the surrounding material that gives meaning to a word or event. Example: 'Use the context of the sentence to guess the word.'

To imply is to suggest something without stating it directly.

To infer is to reach a conclusion based on evidence.

To paraphrase is to express the same idea in different words.

A summary states the main points without minor details, condensing the text into its essential ideas. Example: 'The abstract provides a brief summary of the study.'

Transitions connect ideas and show relationships between sentences, such as contrast, addition, or cause. Example: 'Words like however and moreover act as transitions.'

Main-idea questions are common in TOEFL Reading and ask for the overall point of a passage. Example: 'Read the first and last paragraphs before choosing.'

Topic sentences often appear early in paragraphs and state the main idea that follows. Example: 'The first sentence usually introduces the paragraph topic.'

TOEFL vocabulary questions usually focus on academic words in context.

However and similar words introduce a contrasting idea and signal a change in direction. Example: 'The results are positive; however, more research is needed.'

Correct choices are often paraphrases rather than exact quotes, so match meaning instead of exact wording. Example: 'Look for the same idea expressed in different words.'

Restating ideas in your own words confirms understanding and helps you check the meaning. Example: 'Summarize each paragraph after reading it.'

Readers should use context clues and keep reading, because later sentences often clarify an unknown word. Example: 'Do not stop at the first difficult word.'

Detail questions test specific facts or information, so scan for names, numbers, and dates. Example: 'Find the exact sentence that supports the answer.'

Facilitate means to make a process easier or smoother. Example: 'The guide facilitates communication between the groups.'

Therefore introduces a result or conclusion that follows logically from the previous statement. Example: 'The test was inconclusive; therefore, it will be repeated.'

To paraphrase is to express an idea in different words.

A hypothesis is a testable proposed explanation that can be supported or rejected by evidence. Example: 'The experiment was designed to test the hypothesis.'

A trend is a general direction of change over time. Example: 'The data show a clear upward trend in temperatures.'

To evaluate is to judge or assess quality using evidence or criteria. Example: 'Teachers evaluate essays based on clarity and organization.'

Analyze means examine in detail, significant means important, facilitate means make easier, and a hypothesis is a proposed explanation.

A consequence is a result, contrast is a difference, an example is an illustration, and addition is an extra point.

Obtain means get, demonstrate means show or prove, evaluate means assess, and maintain means keep.

Interpret means explain meaning, imply means suggest indirectly, infer means conclude from evidence, and summarize means give main points.

Restrict means limit, prohibit means forbid, require means need, and modify means change slightly.

Evidence is proof or facts, data are information, a theory is a well-supported explanation, and a principle is a fundamental rule.