Test-taking Strategies: The Case of TOEFL Reading

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the exploration of test-taking strategies readers use in the reading component of the TOEFL. By means of verbal reports and observation, this study explores how the two types of readers respond to multiple choice tests and use test taking strategies. The results yielded that average readers used significantly fewer strategies than did good readers, which contradicts the 1991 study by Anderson that found both types of readers use the same number of strategies. However, the results support Anderson’s claim that good readers can manage their strategies better than average readers.

Keywords: Reading proficiency, Test strategies, TOEFL.