Skill
Answer Stated Detail Questions Correctly
No description
Stated detail questions test your ability to find information that is directly presented in the passage. Unlike inference or implied detail questions, these items do not require interpretation or logical reasoning. Instead, the correct answer is explicitly mentioned in the text—often in paraphrased form.
These questions typically ask about facts, descriptions, data, or specific points mentioned by the author. The wording of the answer choices may differ from the exact wording in the passage, but the meaning should match.
Stated detail questions commonly begin with phrases such as:
- According to the passage…
- The passage states that…
- Which of the following is true…?
- The author mentions that…
For the TOEFL ITP, the answers are almost always found in the same order as the passage, which makes scanning highly effective.
How to Approach Stated Detail Questions
- Identify a key word or phrase in the question (a name, date, term, or concept).
- Scan the passage to locate where this key word or idea appears.
- Read the surrounding sentence(s) carefully to fully understand the stated information.
- Eliminate incorrect choices, especially those that:
- contradict the passage
- mention irrelevant information
- sound logical but are not actually stated
- Select the option that matches the information exactly, even if the wording is different.
Example
Passage
The Amazon rainforest produces approximately 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. It is often called the “lungs of the Earth” because of its vital role in maintaining atmospheric balance.
Question
According to the passage, why is the Amazon rainforest called the “lungs of the Earth”?
Answer Choices
A. It contains the world’s largest animal species.
B. It produces a significant portion of the planet’s oxygen.
C. It is the oldest rainforest on Earth.
D. It absorbs most of the world’s carbon emissions.
Correct Answer: B
The passage directly states that the Amazon produces about 20% of the world's oxygen, which is why it is called the “lungs of the Earth.”
Exercise
Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:
Practice Exercises
PASSAGE 1 (Questions 1–3)
Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They provide shelter for thousands of marine species and protect coastal regions from strong waves and storms. Despite their importance, coral reefs are highly vulnerable to rising sea temperatures, which can cause coral bleaching and eventual reef destruction.
1. According to the passage, what is one function of coral reefs?
A. They increase sea temperatures.
B. They provide protection for coastlines.
C. They reduce the number of marine species.
D. They prevent coral bleaching.
2. The passage states that coral reefs are vulnerable to:
A. strong waves
B. marine species
C. rising ocean temperatures
D. coastal storms
3. According to the passage, coral bleaching can lead to:
A. reef destruction
B. warmer coastal regions
C. increased biodiversity
D. lower sea levels
PASSAGE 2 (Questions 4–6)
The telescope invented by Galileo in the early 17th century allowed scientists to observe celestial bodies in far greater detail than ever before. With this new instrument, Galileo discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter, observed the phases of Venus, and gathered evidence supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system.
4. The passage indicates that Galileo’s telescope enabled scientists to:
A. measure the distance to the sun
B. observe planets without magnification
C. study celestial objects more closely
D. build spacecraft for exploration
5. According to the passage, which discovery was made using Galileo’s telescope?
A. The rings of Saturn
B. The moons of Jupiter
C. The asteroid belt
D. The rotation of the sun
6. What does the passage state that Galileo provided evidence for?
A. The existence of other galaxies
B. The heliocentric model
C. The expansion of the universe
D. The Big Bang theory
Related quizzes
No quizzes yet
There are no quizzes for this skill yet. Generate a custom exercise tailored to it.