The TOEFL iBT Reading section includes academic passages taken from university-level textbooks and scholarly materials. These passages fall into three broad categories:
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Each category represents a unique area of academic study, and understanding the differences between them is key to navigating the Reading section effectively.
Knowing what to expect in terms of passage type can help you anticipate vocabulary, content structure, and the kind of reasoning required to answer questions accurately.
Identifying the type of passage is an essential reading strategy. Each category of passage features distinct characteristics:
Specific vocabulary
Types of supporting details
Logical structure
Author’s tone and purpose
Understanding these features helps test takers adjust their reading strategies in real time, increasing both speed and accuracy.
Natural Science passages deal with topics from the physical and biological sciences. These include fields such as:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Astronomy
Earth Science
Ecology
Paleontology
Geology
How volcanoes form and erupt
The process of photosynthesis
The discovery of black holes
The life cycle of a star
Evolutionary traits in reptiles
Technical vocabulary and scientific terms
Cause-and-effect relationships
Logical, step-by-step explanations
Objective tone
Use of examples and comparisons to explain complex ideas
“The process of speciation occurs when populations of the same species become isolated due to geographical or reproductive barriers. Over time, these populations accumulate genetic differences…”
Focus on structure: Identify how the ideas are organized (process, comparison, cause-effect).
Pay attention to definitions: Scientific terms are often defined or explained in context.
Underline keywords: Look for signal words such as “because,” “as a result,” and “therefore.”
Don’t worry about prior knowledge: Everything you need is in the passage—even if it’s a brand-new topic.
Social Science passages come from fields that study human society and behavior. These include:
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
Economics
Political Science
Education
Archaeology
Cultural rituals in ancient societies
The effects of urbanization on community behavior
How memory works in the human brain
Economic models of trade
Government responses to environmental issues
A mix of objective facts and theoretical analysis
Use of studies or experiments to support claims
Moderate use of technical terms
Descriptive or analytical tone
Discussions of social trends and historical events
“Economic theories from the 19th century, such as classical economics, focus on the belief that markets function best when left alone by government regulations. However, modern economic thought often integrates…”
Understand the argument: Social science texts often present a theory, support it, and contrast it with others.
Look for names and dates: These are usually relevant for detail questions.
Pay attention to experiment design: If a study is mentioned, note its setup and findings.
Clarify comparisons: The passage may compare past vs. present or different theories.
Humanities passages explore human culture, expression, and thought. They may come from:
History
Literature
Philosophy
Art History
Music
Theater
Linguistics
Religious Studies
Symbolism in Renaissance art
The origins of Greek drama
How languages evolve over time
Philosophical theories of ethics
The role of music in cultural identity
Rich, descriptive language
Subjective tone or interpretation
Emphasis on author’s purpose and style
Historical or artistic references
Abstract concepts and ideas
“The Romantic movement in literature emphasized emotion over reason, valuing individual expression as a path to truth. Writers such as Byron and Shelley infused their poetry with themes of longing, rebellion…”
Analyze the tone: Is it descriptive, persuasive, or reflective?
Identify the main idea: Humanities passages often explore complex themes, not just facts.
Interpret metaphors or examples: Figurative language can signal deeper meanings.
Understand author’s intent: Why did the author include this example or phrase?
The topic sentence and first paragraph often signal the field. If you see scientific terminology and natural processes, it’s likely a Natural Science passage. If it discusses society or human behavior, it’s Social Science. If it’s about art, literature, or philosophy, you’re reading a Humanities passage.
Look for key terms that reveal the discipline. For example:
Photosynthesis, gravity, fossil → Natural Science
Culture, economy, behavior, survey → Social Science
Art, symbolism, ethics, narrative → Humanities
Cause-effect and sequential order: Often in science
Arguments and theories: Common in social science
Descriptive and interpretive tone: Found in humanities
No. You may get any combination of two passage types in your test. However, the TOEFL test ensures topic variety to test broad academic comprehension.
That depends on your background. Some students find science passages more technical, while others struggle with the abstract nature of humanities.
You cannot change the order of passages, but you can skip questions within a passage and return to them before time runs out.
The greenhouse effect and climate change
Chemical bonds and molecular structures
The anatomy of mammals
Black holes and gravitational waves
How childhood attachment affects adulthood
The development of democratic systems
Cross-cultural differences in education
Behavioral economics and consumer decisions
The influence of jazz on modern music
Postmodernism in visual art
Symbolism in Shakespeare’s tragedies
Ancient mythology and its modern relevance
While prior knowledge isn’t required, reading broadly across disciplines can help you feel more confident and familiar with academic styles.
Underline or take notes on the main idea, supporting details, and passage structure while practicing.
Adjust your reading approach based on the passage type. Focus more on understanding processes in science, arguments in social science, and interpretation in humanities.
Even if a topic is unfamiliar or difficult, the test provides enough context to find the correct answers.
The TOEFL Reading section includes three main types of academic passages: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Recognizing the passage type helps you adjust your reading strategy.
Natural Science passages are factual and technical.
Social Science passages analyze human behavior and theories.
Humanities passages focus on art, history, and culture, often with subjective or interpretive content.
Use passage structure, key terms, and tone to identify the type quickly.
Practicing with different academic texts builds confidence and improves comprehension.