TOEFL 2025 Reading Practice Test with Answers

Introduction to TOEFL 2025 Reading Section

The TOEFL iBT Reading section evaluates a candidate's readiness to study in universities abroad. Students should be able to understand the English language in an academic context. The TOEFL 2025 is streamlined to maintain higher efficiency; hence, students preparing for the exam should use the TOEFL 2025 Reading Practice test.

What’s New in the TOEFL 2025 Reading Format?

Some of the changes in the TOEFL 2025 Reading section are as follows:

• The total time duration of the TOEFL Reading section is reduced to 35 minutes.

• The total number of passages is just 2, with 10 questions in each.

• The digital interface of the TOEFL 2025 Reading section has been improved, which makes it easier to navigate.

Types of Reading Passages and Question Patterns

The basic types of passages in the TOEFL 2025 Reading section are from social science, history, and literature-related topics. Each passage is followed by 10 questions to answer. Some of the types of questions asked in the TOEFL 2025 Reading section are as follows:

• Factual Information

• Negative Factual Information

• Inference Questions

• Vocabulary in Context

• Reference Questions

• Sentence Simplification

• Insert Text

• Summary and Table Completion

Tips to Prepare for the TOEFL Reading Section

Some of the useful tips and tricks for the TOEFL 2025 Reading section that can boost the score are:

• Give yourself enough time to prepare for the TOEFL 2025 Reading section.

• Prepare a study schedule balancing work and life, and practice the TOEFL 2025 reading section for at least 45- 60 minutes.

• Review the mistakes you make while attempting the TOEFL 2025 Reading Practice Test.

• Skimming and Scanning Techniques

Practice skimming and scanning techniques under timed conditions. Remember that you do not have to read the entire passage like a storybook; just read the initial and last lines to understand the central idea of the passage. Read the question statement and look for the scanned keywords in the passage to locate the answers.

• Understanding the Main Idea and Inference

While you try to understand the main idea of the context or passage, ask yourself: What is the author trying to say overall? Then think deeply and try to give a logical conclusion. The best tip that works here is to explore ample academic reading texts written by native English authors or referring to new articles from The NewYork Times or The Economist.

• Managing Time Effectively During the Reading Section

Some of the best tips to manage time for the TOEFL 2025 Reading section are as follows:

• Do not give more than 90 seconds to any question.

• Divide equal time to each passage.

• Perfecting yourself is using the Elimination method.

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TOEFL 2025 Reading Practice Test – Sample Passage

Now, let's practice the 2025 TOEFL reading passage to determine which strategy works best for us. We recommend that you attempt the reading section under timed conditions.

Passage Title: The Rise and Role of Citizen Science in Environmental Research

Over the past two decades, the concept of citizen science—where members of the public actively contribute to scientific research—has gained exceptional traction, especially in the field of environmental studies. Driven by increased access to digital tools and data collection platforms, citizen scientists are now playing an important role in tracking biodiversity, checking climate change, and evaluating pollution levels in urban and rural regions.

The appeal of citizen science lies in its collaborative nature. Scientists often face limitations in manpower, funding, and geographical reach. Volunteers help bridge these gaps by collecting data across wider territories, often over extended periods, thereby enriching datasets that would otherwise be incomplete or localised. Projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count and iNaturalist have demonstrated how crowdsourced data can provide valuable insights into shifting migratory patterns and emerging environmental threats.

However, despite its merits, the methodology of citizen science is not without criticism. Sceptics argue that data collected by untrained individuals may lack precision or consistency. To address these concerns, many projects now include online training modules, data verification processes, and real-time supervision by experts. Additionally, researchers employ statistical tools to filter out anomalies and increase the reliability of the final data sets.

Beyond its scientific utility, citizen science serves a deeper educational and societal purpose. Involving ordinary citizens in research fosters scientific literacy and environmental stewardship. Participants not only learn to observe and record phenomena but also begin to engage critically with issues like habitat destruction and global warming. This participatory approach demystifies science and cultivates a sense of shared responsibility for the planet’s future.

As we move into an era where environmental crises are both global and urgent, the role of citizen scientists is expected to expand further. With innovations in artificial intelligence and mobile-based apps, data accuracy and participation rates are likely to improve. While traditional scientific methods remain necessary, the democratisation of data collection through citizen science represents a powerful synergy between professional expertise and public involvement.

Questions and Answer Key (1–10)

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?
A) To critique traditional science practices
B) To explain the benefits and limitations of citizen science ✅
C) To introduce new artificial intelligence tools and a system for tracking the data.
D) To discuss climate change research in detail, along with migratory conditions.

2. According to the passage, what is one reason citizen science has become more popular recently?
A) Scientists are abandoning formal research
B) Environmental laws now require public participation
C) Digital tools have made participation easier. ✅
D) Governments have made it compulsory

3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of citizen science?
A) Broader data collection
B) Lower research costs
C) Better laboratory testing ✅
D) Increased scientific literacy

4. The author highlights iNaturalist and The Great Backyard Bird Count to...
A) Provide examples of well-known citizen science projects. ✅
B) Suggest paid opportunities for scientists
C) List failed initiatives in data science
D) Highlight political support for environmental laws

5. What does the word “sceptics” in paragraph 3 most nearly mean?
A) Researchers
B) Believers
C) Critics ✅
D) Volunteers

6. What measures have been taken to ensure data quality in citizen science?
A) All data is collected only in laboratories
B) Participants must be professional researchers in the respective field
C) Data is filtered using statistical tools and expert review ✅
D) Only adults are allowed to participate

7. What can be inferred about the author's attitude toward citizen science?
A) Mostly supportive, with recognition of its limitations ✅
B) Strongly opposed
C) Completely indifferent
D) Fully critical of all forms of data crowdsourcing

8. According to the passage, how does citizen science promote environmental responsibility?
A) By allowing people to avoid real research, as they are not experts
B) By encouraging political and economic activism
C) By making participants aware of ecological issues ✅
D) By limiting public access to scientific knowledge and statistics gained via research.

9. What is the tone of the passage?
A) Humorous
B) Analytical ✅
C) Aggressive
D) Sarcastic

10. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A) Citizen science is dangerous and unreliable
B) Citizen science replaces the need for expert scientists
C) Citizen science is a collaborative approach that complements traditional science ✅
D) Citizen science is only useful in rural areas

Explanation for Each Answer

Must Practice:

How to Evaluate Your TOEFL Reading Practice Test Performance

It is absolutely important to evaluate your TOEFL reading practice test performance to work on all mistakes you have made and to modulate your study schedule in a way that can meet the requirements to mitigate weaknesses and acquire conceptual knowledge.

Understanding the Scoring Criteria

The TOEFL scoring range is from 0-30 and showcases your ability to understand the academic contexts and vocabulary, identify main ideas, and infer the author's purpose.

According to ETS performance descriptors:

• 24–30: Advanced – You can handle dense academic texts with ease.

• 18–23: High-Intermediate – You understand most ideas but may miss nuances.

• 4–17: Low-Intermediate – You grasp basic ideas but struggle with complexity

Identifying Weak Areas for Improvement

Some of the best ways to identify your weaknesses are as follows:

• Compare your TOEFL 2025 Reading practice test score with your target score and analyse how much you still need to improve.

• Identify the kinds of questions that are going wrong regularly.

• Check if the attempted question went wrong due to time management or a lack of conceptual skills.

Expert Tips to Score High on the TOEFL Reading

Some of the expert tips that will help you score high in the TOEFL 2025 reading section are as follows:

• Read native English newspapers like The New York Times and The Boston Times

• Practice daily with short passages from science/history/art/literature.

• Underline transition words (however, moreover, although) and understand the different ways of their usage.

• Summarize every passage you read in 1 sentence

• Track your mistakes and question types, work on gaining conceptual knowledge, and overcoming weaknesses.

Practice with Academic Reading Materials

Practising with academic reading content will help you gain rich vocabulary words. You will be able to understand the main idea and style of the language. Some of the useful resources are as follows:

• Academic English books written by native authors.

• National Geographic articles.

• Scientific journals are published in authenticated channels.

Build Vocabulary for Academic Contexts

The best way to build vocabulary and ace the TOEFL 2025 Reading section is as follows:

1. Make your English Vocabulary journal.

2. Write all new words you read or come across.

3. Write the meaning and synonyms of the new word you have written.

4. Make sentences with the words to retain them.

5. Start using the new words in your daily language.

Read Strategically, Not Line-by-Line

Remember that in the TOEFL reading section, you do not have to read word-for-word to understand every bit of it. The aim is to be able to answer the questions asked. You have to practice and prepare different strategies to attempt the different types of questions asked in the reading section. Read the information for its meaning and understand the ways to predict information and make educated guesses.

Recommended Resources for TOEFL 2025 Reading Preparation

Studying abroad or settling abroad is a dream journey; do not risk your preparation by using local material. Prepare only from the authenticated material from registered study abroad portals and the official body of TOEFL.

1. Official TOEFL Guides and ETS Practice Tests

• TOEFL iBT Official Guide (ETS)

• TOEFL Practice Online (TPO)

• TOEFL Go! Official App

2. Top TOEFL Reading Practice Websites and Apps

• TOEFL Bank

• Khan Academy (for background reading)

Conclusion

Remember that you have set a high aim of seeking admission to renowned universities or settling in different countries. Preparation for the TOEFL 2025 is just a starting point. Your optimistic nature will lead to successful endeavours. Regular Practice Is the Key to Reading Success. Maintaining consistency will help in acing the TOEFL 2025 easily. Regularly attempt the TOEFL 2025 reading practice test and work on your weaknesses so that you do not repeat your mistakes and become successful in achieving high TOEFL scores. Combine Strategy with Practice to Ace the TOEFL Reading SectionWith consistent effort, daily practice, and smart strategies, students can confidently face the TOEFL 2025 reading section and open doors to global education opportunities.

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About the Author:

Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalised instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.