TOEFL iBT Reading flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Collocation

A familiar word partnership, such as make a decision or heavy rain, that helps predict which word fits a blank.

Context clue

Information in nearby words or sentences that suggests the meaning or grammatical form of an incomplete word.

Word class

The grammatical category of a word, such as noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, which determines what can fill a blank.

Prefix

A letter group added to the start of a base word that changes meaning, as un- turns clear into not clear.

Suffix

A letter group added to the end of a base word that often changes its word class, such as -tion making a noun.

Subject-verb agreement

The rule that a verb matches its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb form.

Verb tense

The form of a verb that shows when an action happens, such as past, present, or future.

Transition word

A connecting word or phrase, such as however or therefore, that signals the relationship between ideas.

Singular vs plural

The distinction between one item and more than one, often shown by endings like -s and by matching verb forms.

Derivation

Forming a new word by adding affixes to a base, as helpful comes from help plus -ful.

Sentence coherence

The logical connection among ideas in a sentence, which helps narrow which word completes an incomplete item.

Notice

A short public message that gives information, rules, or warnings to a particular group of readers.

Schedule

A list showing times and dates for events, classes, or services, often used to answer when or where questions.

Inference in daily texts

A conclusion based on details in a short practical text rather than stated directly, such as why a store is closed.

Purpose of a text

The reason a writer produces a message, such as to inform, request, advertise, warn, or confirm.

Audience

The intended readers of a text, whose needs and knowledge shape how much explanation the writer includes.

Scanning

Quickly looking through a text for specific information, such as a date, price, name, or room number.

Paraphrase

A restatement of meaning in different words; correct answers often paraphrase rather than copy the original wording.

Conditional statement

A sentence stating that something happens only if a condition is met, often marked by if, unless, or provided that.

Negation

A word or structure that denies a statement, such as not, never, or no longer, which can reverse the meaning.

Deadline

The latest time or date by which something must be done, often a key detail in notices and emails.

Fee

Money charged for a service or event; daily-life texts often state whether it is required or waived.

Main idea

The central point of a passage, broader than any single detail and supported by the text as a whole.

Supporting detail

A fact, example, or reason in a passage that explains or proves the main idea.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage but not stated directly; it must be logically supported.

Vocabulary in context

The meaning of a word as used in a specific passage, which may differ from its most common dictionary meaning.

Rhetorical purpose

The reason an author includes a particular sentence or detail, such as to illustrate, contrast, or concede a point.

Sentence simplification

A task requiring selection of a sentence that keeps the essential meaning of a complex original sentence without adding or losing key information.

Pronoun reference

The noun or phrase that a pronoun such as it or they points to in the surrounding text.

Prose summary

A task asking for selection of the main ideas of a passage, excluding minor details and unsupported claims.

Negative factual question

A question asking which option is NOT stated or true according to the passage; three options are supported.

Transition logic

The relationship signaled by connectors such as contrast, cause, addition, or example, which helps predict passage structure.