Identifying Key Points in a TOEFL
Reading Passage

Why are key points important?

Key pointsImportant pieces of information or arguments that are crucial to understanding the main ideas of a passage.
are important because they help you understand the main idea of the reading passage. When you are answering questions about the passage, you need to be able to identify the main ideaThe central or most important concept that the passage is about.
and supporting details in order to select the correct answer. Key points are usually found in the introduction and conclusion of the passage, as well as in topic sentences throughout the passage.

How do you identify key points?

To identify key points in a TOEFL reading passage, look for the main idea or thesis statement in the introduction or conclusion. The main idea is often stated explicitly in these sections, and it can also be inferred from the supporting details. Supporting details are usually found in the body of the passage, and they provide evidence and examples to support the main idea. Look for topic sentences in each paragraph that summarize the main point of that paragraph.

What were the key points in the previous reading passage?

The key points in the previous reading passage were:

1. The automobile was a revolutionary invention.
2. Cities and towns adapted by building new infrastructureBasic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society, such as roads and buildings.
   like highways and parking garages.
3. Cars are an integral part of modern society.

These key points were important because they helped you understand the main idea of the passage, which was that the automobile changed the way people lived and worked, and that cars are now an important part of modern society. By identifying these key points, you can answer questions about the passage more accurately and efficiently.

Now that you understand the importance of identifying key points, you can apply this strategy when you take the TOEFL exam. Remember to look for the main idea in the introduction or conclusion, and to identify supporting details throughout the passage.