TOEIC® Reading Part 7: Reading Comprehension—How to Tackle Multiple Passages

The TOEIC Reading Part 7 is often considered one of the most challenging parts of the TOEIC exam. In this section, you’ll be required to read single passages or multiple related passages and answer questions about them. The questions test your ability to understand the main ideas, find specific information, and infer meaning from the context. In this post, we’ll explore how to effectively tackle multiple passages and get ready for this important section of the test.

Understanding the Structure of Part 7

Part 7 of the TOEIC Reading Section includes both single passages and multiple passages. For multiple passages, you might need to read two or three related texts—such as emails, advertisements, notices, or even invoices—and then answer questions that require understanding how these texts relate to each other. The key is to understand the purpose of each passage and the connections between them.

Here are some essential strategies to help you master multiple passages in Part 7:

1. Skim the Passages Before Reading the Questions

Start by skimming both passages to understand the main idea and the purpose of each one. You don’t need to read every word at this stage—just focus on getting a sense of what each passage is about. Look for headings, bold text, dates, or any specific details that stand out. This will help you establish a general understanding before diving into the questions.

2. Read the Questions Carefully

Once you have skimmed the passages, read the questions. Understanding the questions first will help guide your reading. Some questions might ask for specific details, while others require you to understand how the two passages are related. Knowing what to look for will save time and make your reading more efficient.

3. Locate Specific Information

For questions that ask about specific information, such as dates, prices, or product details, scan the passages for the relevant keywords. In Part 7, being able to quickly locate information is crucial, especially when dealing with two or three related texts. Make sure to identify where the relevant information is found in each passage, and then carefully read that part to determine the correct answer.

4. Understand the Relationship Between the Passages

Multiple passages are often related in some way—an email may reference an invoice, or a notice might include details that expand on an advertisement. Pay attention to how the passages relate to each other. Understanding the connections is key to answering questions that span multiple texts. For example, if one passage discusses an invoice, and another announces discounts, look for clues that link these two together, like dates or product names.

5. Take Notes or Highlight Key Points

While reading, it may be helpful to jot down a few notes or highlight important points in each passage. Marking details like prices, names, or dates can make it easier to find the information you need when answering questions. This can be especially useful for questions that require comparing or synthesizing information from both passages.

6. Practice Time Management

Reading Part 7 can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple passages. It’s important to keep track of time so that you don’t spend too long on one set of questions and end up rushing through others. Practice pacing yourself during mock tests, setting time limits for each group of questions, and working to stick to those limits.

7. Use Contextual Clues

Sometimes, the exact answer isn’t stated clearly in the text. You may need to use contextual clues to infer the correct answer. For example, a product mentioned in one passage might relate to a special offer in another. Practice using clues within and across passages to connect the dots and come to the right conclusion.

Practice Questions: Let's Dive In!

To help you get familiar with TOEIC Part 7, let’s work through a few practice questions based on two related pieces of content: an invoice to Naomi Sawai from Chiba Luxury Spa and upcoming sales on treatments at the spa.

Questions 147-149 refer to the following invoice and Sales Announcement:

Invoice to Naomi Sawai

Chiba Luxury Spa Invoice

Customer: Naomi Sawai
Date: April 5

Services and Products Purchased:

• Hot Rock Massage Treatment: $120.00
  Relaxing hot rock massage focusing on reducing muscle tension and improving circulation.

• House Brand Moisturizer: $45.00
  A specially formulated moisturizer made with natural ingredients to help keep your skin soft and hydrated.

• House Brand Cleanser: $30.00
  A gentle facial cleanser that removes impurities while preserving natural moisture balance.

Total Amount: $195.00

Payment Method: Credit Card (ending in 1234)

Thank you for visiting Chiba Luxury Spa, Naomi! We hope you enjoyed your experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming sales on your favorite treatments and products!

Special Note: You earned 15 loyalty points with this visit. Collect points for future discounts!

Upcoming Sales Announcement

Chiba Luxury Spa – Special Sales Event

Event Dates: April 10 - April 15

Pamper Yourself for Less!

We are excited to announce fantastic discounts on our most popular treatments and skincare products during our special sales event. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in luxury at a reduced price!

• 20% Off All Massage Treatments:
  Enjoy a relaxing massage at a discounted rate. This includes our famous Hot Rock Massage, Swedish Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage. Whether you want to relieve stress or soothe sore muscles, this offer is perfect for you.

• 15% Off House Brand Skincare Products:
  Keep your skin glowing with our premium house brand products, including moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. All products are crafted to provide the best care for your skin, using natural and high-quality ingredients.

Booking Information:

• Book your appointment between April 10 and April 15 to take advantage of these offers.
• Appointments are limited, so please call (555) 123-4567 or visit our website at www.chibaluxuryspa.com to reserve your spot.

Loyalty Member Bonus:

• Earn double loyalty points for any purchases made during the sales event. Accumulate points and receive discounts on future visits!

Question 147: What services and products did Naomi Sawai purchase during her visit to Chiba Luxury Spa?

A) A facial treatment, a cleanser, and a serum
B) A hot rock massage, a moisturizer, and a cleanser
C) A Swedish massage and a body scrub
D) A manicure and pedicure

Question 148: How much would Naomi save if she books another Hot Rock Massage during the sales event?

A) $10.00
B) $18.00
C) $24.00
D) $30.00

Question 149: If Naomi wants to buy another moisturizer during the sales event, how much would she pay?

A) $36.00
B) $38.25
C) $40.00
D) $42.75

Mastering Part 7 of the TOEIC Reading Section takes time, but with regular practice, you can develop the skills needed to tackle multiple passages confidently. The more you familiarize yourself with different types of texts and practice finding connections between them, the more successful you’ll be on test day. 

Answers

147. Correct Answer: B) A hot rock massage, a moisturizer, and a cleanser

A) A facial treatment, a cleanser, and a serum
There is no mention of a facial treatment or a serum in the invoice, making option A incorrect.

C) A Swedish massage and a body scrub
The invoice specifies that Naomi received a Hot Rock Massage, not a Swedish massage. And there is no mention of a body scrub. Therefore, option C is incorrect.

D) A manicure and pedicure
The invoice does not list a manicure or pedicure among the purchased services, so option D is incorrect.

148. Correct Answer: C) $24.00. The original price of the Hot Rock Massage is $120.00. During the sales event, there is a 20% discount: $120.00 x 0.20 = $24.00. 

A) $10.00
A savings of $10.00 is incorrect because it underestimates the discount amount. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

B) $18.00
The discount on a $120.00 massage is 20%, which equals $24.00, not $18.00. Therefore, option B is incorrect.

D) $30.00
A discount of $30.00 would be 25% of the original price, which is more than the 20% discount mentioned in the sales announcement. Therefore, option D is incorrect.

149. 

Correct Answer: A) $36.00

Explanation: The original price of the moisturizer is $45.00, and during the sales event, there is a 15% discount. To calculate the discounted price: $45.00 x (1 - 0.15) = $45.00 x 0.85 = $36.00. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

B) $38.25
The original price of the moisturizer is $45.00, and the discount is 15%, which results in a final price of $36.00. A price of $38.25 is incorrect because it does not reflect the correct discount percentage. Therefore, option B is incorrect.

C) $40.00
The price of $40.00 would imply a discount of less than 15%. Since the discount is explicitly stated as 15%, option C is incorrect.

D) $42.75
A price of $42.75 would mean a discount of only 5%, which is incorrect based on the 15% discount specified in the sales announcement. Therefore, option D is incorrect.