The TOEFL Reading section is designed to assess test-takers’ ability to understand and analyze academic texts in English. While there may be variations among different exams, here are a few ways in which the TOEFL Reading section differs from other exams:

1. Content Focus: The TOEFL Reading section primarily focuses on academic content, including passages from various disciplines such as social sciences, natural sciences, arts, and humanities. The texts are typically similar to those encountered in university settings. Other exams may cover a broader range of topics or focus more on general knowledge.
2. Question Types: The TOEFL Reading section includes a variety of question types that evaluate different reading skills. These can include multiple-choice questions, summary completion, sentence insertion, vocabulary inference, and more. The questions often require test-takers to understand the main ideas, make inferences, identify supporting details, and analyze the organization and purpose of the text.
3. Length and Complexity: TOEFL Reading passages are typically longer compared to many other exams. They can range from 700 to 1,000 words or more. Additionally, the texts often contain complex sentence structures, specialized vocabulary, and academic jargon. Test-takers need to develop strategies to efficiently comprehend and navigate these dense texts within the given time constraints.
4. Integrated Skills: The TOEFL Reading section is designed to assess integrated skills, particularly the ability to combine reading and listening comprehension. Some questions require test-takers to read a passage and then listen to a related lecture or conversation before answering the questions. This integrated format aims to simulate real-world academic situations. It is not directly a reading section, but it belongs to the realm of speaking and writing, still, it requires your reading skills to answer the task.
5. Time Management: Time management is crucial in the TOEFL Reading section. Test-takers must read and comprehend the passages within a limited time frame while also answering the associated questions. The ability to skim for main ideas, scan for specific information, and employ effective time-saving techniques is essential to complete the section successfully.
6. Scoring and Score Reporting: TOEFL uses a unique scoring system, and the Reading section contributes to the overall TOEFL score. The raw score in the Reading section is converted to a scaled score between 0 and 30. Additionally, the score report includes detailed information about the test-taker’s performance, such as proficiency levels in reading skills and feedback on strengths and weaknesses.

While there may be similarities in reading comprehension skills assessed across different exams, the specific format, content focus, and scoring methods differentiate the TOEFL Reading section from other examinations. Understanding these differences and practicing with TOEFL-specific materials can help individuals prepare effectively and perform well in this section.

Practicing reading skills for the TOEFL exam is crucial for achieving a high score. Here are some strategies to help you effectively practice reading for the TOEFL:

1. Read a variety of materials: Engage with different types of reading materials, such as news articles, academic papers, essays, and editorials. This will expose you to various writing styles and help you become familiar with different topics.
2. Time yourself: Mimic the actual test conditions by setting a timer and giving yourself a specific amount of time to complete a reading passage. This will help you improve your reading speed and manage your time effectively during the exam.
3. Take notes: Develop a note-taking system that works for you. Summarize key points, main ideas, and supporting details while reading. This will enhance your understanding of the passage and make it easier to answer questions afterward.
4. Practice skimming and scanning: Learn to skim the passage quickly to get a general idea of the content and scan for specific information. Skimming helps you grasp the main idea, while scanning helps you locate specific details or keywords.
5. Focus on vocabulary: Build your vocabulary by studying and reviewing academic words and phrases commonly found in TOEFL reading passages. This will help you understand the passage better and answer vocabulary-related questions accurately.
6. Analyze question types: Familiarize yourself with different question types, such as main idea, detail, inference, vocabulary, and reference questions. Understand the requirements of each question type to effectively locate and identify the relevant information in the passage.
7. Practice active reading: Engage actively with the passage by asking yourself questions, making predictions, and connecting ideas. This will improve your comprehension and critical thinking skills.
8. Practice with official TOEFL materials: Utilize official TOEFL practice tests and reading passages to simulate the actual exam experience. This will help you become accustomed to the test format, question types, and difficulty level.
9. Review your answers: After completing a reading passage and answering the questions, review your answers and analyze any mistakes. Understand why you chose the incorrect option and learn from it.
10. Seek feedback: If possible, have a native English speaker or an experienced TOEFL tutor review your practice essays and provide feedback on your reading comprehension. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Remember to practice regularly and be consistent in your efforts. By incorporating these strategies into your TOEFL reading practice, you can enhance your reading skills and perform better on the exam.