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Vocabulary Questions

Obviously, good vocabulary skills are important for high levels of reading comprehension. However, what is
even more important is the ability to use contextual clues to figure out the basic meaning of an unfamiliar
word. Even most native English speakers do not know the precise meaning of every word they read.
However, they are able to use contextual clues contained in the reading to help them guess the basic
meaning of the word. The iBT TOEFL will test both of these skills through its vocabulary questions.
Typically, there will be between two and four vocabulary questions per passage, and each question is worth
one point.

>> Identifying the Question
Nearly all vocabulary questions ask you for the meaning of a specific word. However, some vocabulary
questions will occasionally ask you for the meaning a short phrase. Look at the examples below:

The word negligent in the passage is closest in meaning to ...

Based on the information in paragraph 1, the phrase trust fund baby can best be
defined as ...

>> Solving the Question

• Always go back and read the sentence containing the vocabulary term. Even if you know the
vocabulary word, it may be used in a different context than you are familiar with.
• Look for context clues within the sentence. In many situations the sentence will provide important clues
regarding the meaning of the vocabulary word.
• Look for context clues in the surrounding sentences. If the sentence containing the vocabulary term
does not contain useful context clues, the surrounding sentences may.

• Pay close attention to conjunctions and transitional phrases. They can often provide important clues
regarding the meaning of a word.

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