In this lesson, you will complete a TOEFL speed reading challenge. Your goal is to read a 350 word passage in 60 seconds. Then, without looking at the passage, complete a 10 question quiz. A score of 60% or higher proves that you have a 350 word per minute reading speed. In addition, successfully completing this challenge proves your readiness to take the TOEFL iBT.
Why is this TOEFL speed reading challenge necessary?
The TOEFL test takes 3 hours, almost half of which you will spend reading passages during the reading, speaking, and writing sections. Having a reading speed of 350 words per minute or higher has many advantages:
- You will get through TOEFL reading passages much faster. That way you can spend more time answering questions. For example, you will be able to read an 800 word TOEFL passage in 2.5 minutes.
- In addition, Reading faster allows you to read more books. For example, you will be able to read 6-7 350 page books in one month.
- Finally, research has proven many times that faster readers have better comprehension than that of slower readers at 100 words per minute.
Take the TOEFL speed reading challenge.
- First, begin the video.
- Second, read the passage only ONE time.
- Third, at 33 seconds into your test, you will read two more short paragraphs.
- Finally, by the end of the 60-second video, you will have read three paragraphs totaling 350 words.
Without reading the passage again, answer the following basic reading comprehension questions.
- Firstly, get a sheet of paper and number it 1-10.
- Secondly, answer all 10 questions without looking at the reading passage.
- Lastly, check your answers to find your reading speed.
1. What is the best title for this reading passage?
A. Ancient Greek traditions
B. Greek’s history of sports
C. Wrestling schools in modern times
D. Ancient Greek Wrestling
2. What is true about wrestling and other ancient Greek sports?
A. No one practices these sports anymore.
B. Ancient Greek sports are no longer part of the Olympics.
C. Most athletes have never heard of ancient Greek sports.
D. They are still practiced today.
3. For what primary reason did the Greeks practice wrestling?
A. To compete with athletes from other cities in their country
B. To showcase their strength and agility
C. To prepare for war
D. To excel in the Olympics
4. What is the Greek name for wrestling school?
A. Maestro
B. Tupino
C. Muchalaco
D. Palaestra
5. Which sport is NOT mentioned as an applicable sport to martial skills?
A. Wrestling
B. Boxing
C. Javelin
D. High jump
6. What do countries far away from Greece think about the sport of wrestling?
A. These countries have not heard about wrestling,
B. It is a useful physical skill to learn.
C. Most countries do not practice the sport anymore.
D. Other geographical areas have NOT learned anything from Greek culture.
7. Where was upright wrestling conducted?
A. Arena
B. Field
C. Canyon
D. House
8. What was the main goal of an upright wrestling contest?
A. To smack someone with a large stick
B. To throw the other opponent on the ground
C. To yell louder than the other opponent
D. To run faster than the other contestant
9. A prone position represents all of the following EXCEPT
A. Hip
B. Back
C. Stomach
D. Shoulder
10. In a wrestling match, what would happen if both contestants fell to the ground at the same time?
A. No one would have an advantage.
B. There would be a decisive victory for one of the participants.
C. The match would immediately cease.
D. The referee would jump for joy.
What do I do after this TOEFL speed reading challenge?
If you scored 60% or higher, then you have the reading proficiency needed to take the TOEFL exam. Therefore, register for the TOEFL exam.
If you scored lower than 60%, you have remedial reading proficiency skills. Consequently, do NOT register for the TOEFL exam. Instead, register for a 3-Month TOEFL Course so that you can improve your vocabulary, reading, and all the other skills needed for you to suceed on the TOEFL exam.
Good luck!
Michael Buckhoff, mbuckhoff@aol.com
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