TOEIC Part 7 (reading comprehension): format, traps and strategy

Overview

What it assesses

Documents (emails, articles, notices, message chains) — single or grouped (2–3) — followed by comprehension, inference and cross-referencing questions.

Format and flow

Single texts then multiple (linked passages). 54 questions in total — the part where people most often run out of time.

Common traps

• Reading everything in detail before looking at the questions;
• Questions that require cross-referencing two documents;
• Inferences ("suggested", "most likely").

Strategy

• Read the questions, then scan for the info (targeted reading);
• Identify the document type and its purpose;
• Manage time: never get stuck on a single question.

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