TOEFL Reading Practice
(Updated for 2026)
Learn how the new 2026 TOEFL Reading section works, understand the basic question types, and practice simple strategies that help you read faster and answer correctly—even if your vocabulary is not perfect.
📘 Get your TOEFL Speaking Cheat Sheet Free here
⚠️ Important:
If your test is before January 2026:
The format is slightly different, but these strategies still work for both versions.
What Changed in TOEFL Speaking for 2026?
Starting in 2026, the TOEFL Reading section is shorter and faster:
• Total time: 18–27 minutes
• Number of questions: 35–48
• Passages are shorter (about 200 words)
• Mix of academic + daily-life readings
• Format adapts based on performance
This page gives you the basic strategies you need. For full training, examples, and 2026 practice passages, check out my self-guided course.
Overview of TOEFL Reading (2026)
• Time: 18–27 minutes
• Questions: 35–48 total
• Format: Multi-stage adaptive
• Passage Length: ~200 words
• Skills Tested:
– Main idea understanding
– Vocabulary in context
– Recognizing traps
– Inference & summary
The Reggie Rules for Reading
(Short Version)
The Reggie Rules are my simple step-by-step system for answering TOEFL Reading questions without overthinking or guessing.
These rules teach you how to identify the main idea, eliminate trap answers, choose correct vocabulary meanings, and handle inference and summary questions with confidence.
Rules:
• Main Idea → Look for the big picture
• Vocabulary → Pick the closest synonym
• Modifiers → Extreme words = usually wrong
• Why the Author Says This → Answer is normally the sentence before
• Inference → Paraphrased ideas, not guesses
• Summary → Focus on overall theme
👉This page gives you the short overview — the full examples, drills, and score-boosting techniques are inside the free Reading Cheat Sheet and my full course.
1. Main Idea Strategy
• Read the first and last sentence
• Identify topic + main point
2. Vocabulary Strategy
• Choose the closest synonym
• Don’t overthink word choices
3. Modifier Strategy
• Avoid “always / never / only / all”
• Avoid “greatest / the best / the most”
4. Inference Strategy
• Look for paraphrased ideas
• Do NOT guess wildly
Try a Real Reading Question
Read the short passage below and practice using the Reggie Rules — especially the Main Idea and Vocabulary strategies.
Many people believe that daily reading improves long-term memory. Recent studies suggest that regular reading strengthens focus and increases vocabulary skills over time. Readers who practice every day often perform better on academic tasks that require comprehension and analysis. Because of this, teachers frequently encourage students to build daily reading habits.
Q: What is the main point of this passage?
Your task:
• Find the BIG idea, not one small detail
• Ignore extreme or overly specific answer choices
• Look for the sentence that summarizes the author's overall message
👉 Use the Reggie Rules above to choose your answer.
👉 For full explanations, real practice passages, and step-by-step coaching, join my Self-Guided TOEFL Course below.
Need Help Understanding Reading Questions?
Want Step-By-Step Reading Training?
This page gives you a simple start, but your full reading improvement happens inside my Self-Guided TOEFL Course.
Inside the course, you’ll get:
✅ Full Reading Lessons for 2025 + 2026
✅ Question-type strategy videos
✅ Vocabulary training
✅ Practice passages with explanations
✅ All templates + cheat sheets
✅ Full Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening prep
✅ FREE TOEFL Vocabulary eBook included
✅ Self-paced training (like having Reggie with you)
⭐ Best Value
— covers your entire TOEFL preparation from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does this help if my test is still the 2025 version?
Does this help if my test is still the 2025 version?
Is this enough to get a high score?
This page gives you a strong start. However, most students need more practice, correction, and structure. That’s why I also offer a course and coaching.
What should I do first?
First, download the free Reading Cheat Sheet PDF at the top of the page. Then try the practice question and start practicing daily.