TOEFL

Problems Faced by Students in TOEFL Test and How to Overcome Them

Few overseas students are admitted to the universities of their dreams, despite the fact that many of them wish to study in the United States. Well, there are a lot of things that make it difficult to pursue education here. One of these is receiving a low score on a TOEFL or other similar standardized English language assessment test.

Many non-native English speakers find it difficult to achieve the minimal score required for admission to their top-choice US university. Many students experience numerous challenges while taking the TOEFL, and in their panic, they make mistakes that cause them to fail the test or receive low marks.

Spelling Errors and Limited Vocabulary

Students frequently make spelling mistakes in the writing portion. It is reasonable that such problems would arise for a non-native speaker of the language. Be at ease, though! By carefully reviewing your test before submitting it, you can prevent them. Another piece of advice is to use their synonyms rather than words whose spelling you’re not sure of. You must have a strong vocabulary for it. And this gets us to the second issue: finding the appropriate words!

The lexicographer and media personality Susie Dent estimates that the average adult English speaker has a passive vocabulary of roughly 40,000 words and an active vocabulary of about 20.000 words. Comparatively speaking, the average vocabulary of English language learners is smaller than that of native speakers. You must learn as many words as you can before the test date in order to close this enormous gap.

In order to increase your vocabulary, you should study at least 10 new words each day. In order to locate unfamiliar words and understand their definitions, utilize a dictionary, read books, articles, and periodicals, and skim through posts on social media. Additionally, use such words frequently in speech and writing to aid in improved memorization.

Always use appropriate language when writing on the test’s writing portion. Nevertheless, being able to understand unfamiliar vocabulary is helpful in both the reading and listening sections and will help you communicate clearly.

Inadequate time management   

It can be difficult to finish the TOEFL test in time, particularly the writing portion of the exam. Therefore, developing the ability to manage time is crucial to earning a high grade.

Many students spend a lot of time attempting to figure out the solution to one particular question. However, they are unaware, and that is where they go wrong! Spending too much time on any one question will take up your time and keep you from responding to the ones you already know the answers to.

It’s important to use your time properly. You must plan how much time you will devote to each question in advance. No matter how simple, detailed, or complex the question is, set a time limit and stick to it. And only finish the test early if you need to go back and answer a particular question.

Additionally, whether you are living in student housing in Austin, Texas, or New York, time management is a crucial life skill that will come in handy for you while you are here. You’ll discover how to strike a good balance between your demanding educational schedule, part-time work, your hobbies, and household duties.

Pronunciation difficulties 

Non-native speakers of the English language frequently pronounce words incorrectly. While having a foreign accent won’t be a problem, saying a word improperly can significantly impact the outcome of your speaking test.

The fact that English is not your native language means that you will inevitably have pronunciation issues. However, it does not follow that you cannot work on your pronunciation. How then can it be fixed? By repetition and repetition! Remember to check the pronunciation of any new words you learn. In ordinary conversation with your family and friends, use that particular word.

You can even practice your speech with native speakers if you know any of them or if you have friends who live in the US, such as in student housing in Chicago, Houston, etc. You will learn the pronunciation more naturally because they can help you pronounce a word correctly.

Defeating Hard Questions     

Despite your best efforts, there is always a chance that you won’t know everything on the test. Students may leave questions unanswered at this point.

You must attempt every question because there is no negative grading on TOEFL exams. You never know; maybe your chances are good and you mark some of the right answers! Therefore, never make the mistake of ignoring the challenging questions; instead, provide some sort of response!

Not paying attention               

There is no denying that each of us has a short attention span. And occasionally, it becomes challenging to focus our attention throughout. During the reading, speaking, and listening parts, it happens to students rather regularly; many of them even express their boredom or feelings of sleepiness. But keep in mind that your dream of attending your preferred US university is only a matter of time, and you must overcome your emotions to achieve it.

Therefore, by putting the following advice into practice, you can improve your concentration.

Watch the news, lengthy podcasts, or even inspiring talks on YouTube.
Consider taking notes while your listening test is being recorded. It aids in keeping in mind the details you need to convey information clearly.You must comprehend everything said to you during the test before you can react.

Options for online TOEFL test preparation

Taking the TOEFL online

It has been possible to successfully study for the TOEFL totally online in recent years. The majority of the main test preparation companies now provide a variety of online learning choices, including preparation classes, private tutoring, and practice exams. The majority of the benefits of in-person education are also present in online TOEFL learning plans, including structure for extracurricular study and real-time interaction with instructors and classmates. By eliminating the need for transportation expenses, online learning also saves students money. Additionally, online learning is more time-effective. However, there are certain drawbacks to using the internet to study for the TOEFL. First, the caliber and dependability of their internet service are fully relied upon by students. Second, some students could find it simpler to excuse skipping an online class, which is plainly bad for TOEFL preparation. The advantages of in-person learning, such as quicker access to and interaction with instructors and other students, are not available with online training.

ETS Website

 For students taking the TOEFL, the ETS website is a helpful online resource. A list of possible test dates and locations, an explanation of TOEFL acceptance for various reasons, guidelines for students with impairments, and TOEFL norms and procedures are just a few of the crucial general information items that can be found on the ETS website. ETS offers free TOEFL webinars in six languages, free sample tests, a free six-week online TOEFL prep course, and an online store with a range of TOEFL study resources. On topics ranging from test registration to test scoring, a FAQ section provides answers to frequently asked inquiries from test-takers. Numerous research studies on the TOEFL are archived on the ETS website, many of which are open to the public. The easiest way to register for the exam is through the ETS website, which test-takers are recommended to use. Score reports can be viewed online as well. All students taking the TOEFL should become familiar with the resources on the ETS website, which will make the registration and test preparation processes much simpler.

Other online TOEFL resources

Numerous university websites include sections dedicated to TOEFL preparation. These websites frequently include resources for TOEFL preparation, such as available TOEFL instruction in the university community or suggestions for TOEFL study, in addition to score requirements for specific schools and/or departments, score data, and other crucial information for international students. The TOEFL is frequently the subject of educational internet articles written by test prep companies, covering everything from study tips to the TOEFL’s place in university applications. Even though it’s always a good idea to use caution online, competent educators frequently have credibility when it comes to TOEFL and related topics.

Other Online Resources Relevant to TOEFL Prep

Test takers can benefit from research studies on the TOEFL, and many of these studies are freely accessible online. The development, history, and criteria of the TOEFL are only a few of the subjects covered in ETS publications that can aid students in comprehending the rationale behind the test. Students trying to assess their TOEFL strengths and compare their performance to the group may find it useful to consult ETS data on TOEFL scores by area, gender, and degree level. ETS’s materials are useful for various purposes; however, it is evident that they are not an objective source for the TOEFL. A substantial corpus of independent research has also been conducted on the TOEFL, evaluating its bias, predictive validity, relationships with various aspects of academic performance, and other factors.

Analyzing online TOEFL

preparation Although there are many TOEFL “teachers” with exceedingly questionable credentials, online methods of TOEFL preparation can be very efficient. When assessing online TOEFL learning plans, the instructor ought to come first. Does this person have a good background in academia and TOEFL-focused teaching experience? Students are recommended to search elsewhere if this question is answered “no” or if the potential teacher exhibits any ambiguity regarding his or her credentials. Students should inquire about the resources utilized in the course as well. What year were the novels released? Who wrote these, and when? The usage of outdated materials is minimal, and it is possible that textbook authors who lack subject-matter expertise are disseminating false information. What is the provider’s reputation, to finish? There are many reliable test preparation companies, but there are also businesses that make exaggerated assurances or promises, and you should stay away from the latter. Students who choose their online TOEFL preparation programs carelessly risk losing time and money.

Overview of Unofficial TOEFL Prep 
Unofficial TOEFL prep books (authored by authors other than ETS) are widely available. These books could (or might not) be trustworthy resources for test preparation and practice questions. The fact that some major publishing houses have published TOEFL books written by staff writers who have no experience teaching or studying for exams is certainly not advertised by the publisher or seller. It would be wise for students interested in using unauthorized TOEFL books for practice and study to stick with those produced by respectable academic presses or test preparation companies, which are led by qualified educators if not TOEFL experts. While such books should never be utilized in place of the Official Guide, supplementary TOEFL volumes might be beneficial for studying because they provide a variety of viewpoints and practice questions, provided the reader has solid grounds for believing the writers.

Types of Unauthorized TOEFL Study Guides:
Unofficial TOEFL study guides may focus on a particular skill set or section of the examination, or they may cover the full exam. Respected publishers in the former category include Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press, two names that are well-known among educators. The latter includes manuals on vocabulary, grammar, or writing techniques. Additionally, TOEFL instructors can organize and deliver TOEFL content in the classroom with the use of instructor’s manuals for TOEFL teaching. Independent reviewers frequently give these books good marks for skill development, testing methodologies, and answer explanations, but they frequently also critique the practice exams that may be included because they are frequently not held in the same esteem as official ETS materials.

Toefl Review Manhattan Books
The TOEFL Integrated Study Guide: Turbocharge Your TOEFL is available at Manhattan Review. This book, written by Dr. Joern Meissner, a seasoned teacher and the creator of Manhattan Review, offers a review of grammar, preparation strategies for each TOEFL section, a structure for essay writing, vocabulary lists, and tips on accent reduction for higher speaking section scores. Since 1999, Manhattan Review has provided TOEFL preparation classes to students all around the world, effectively preparing thousands of them for the exam.

Additional Reading to Improve TOEFL Scores
Reading a variety of academic and general-interest periodicals every day will help TOEFL test takers develop their skills. Newspapers, journals, and college textbooks all contribute to the development of crucial reading comprehension abilities that are required for both TOEFL success and academic success in higher education. Speaking passages aloud can aid in the development of accurate pronunciation, which is a prerequisite for effective spoken English. Even a short amount of time per day spent reading this kind of literature can result in noticeable changes.

Using Books to Prepare for the TOEFL
The best way to think of TOEFL books is as a component of a larger learning process. Books written by authors with extensive teaching and test preparation expertise offer knowledgeable advice, tools for extracurricular study, and practical tips for TOEFL preparation. These books, however, do not, by themselves, make up thorough TOEFL study strategies. Professional TOEFL teachers can help students navigate the extensive study schedule, give specific feedback, respond to queries, and develop confidence through positive reinforcement to help them get the best score results almost always.

iBT TOEFL self-study
The majority of knowledgeable educators do not advise TOEFL self-study, which is described as getting ready for the test without a teacher’s help. Although most TOEFL prep books are well-organized and offer a wealth of useful information, one problem is that self-study is overly dependent on proactive learning and organizing skills, which test-takers are unlikely to possess. Students taking the TOEFL are also preparing for a test in a foreign language, which presents its own set of challenges. Another issue is that independent TOEFL students must function as their own graders, which can result in inaccurate assessments and exaggeratedly positive perceptions of TOEFL abilities. The test-taker who teaches themselves must fulfill the tasks of both student and instructor, and these two positions are frequently incompatible, much like the lawyer who represents himself and has a fool for a client. No scientific studies have yet shown that self-study is an efficient way to be ready for the TOEFL, thus any claims of success are, at best, anecdotal.

You might need to take the TOEFL exam if you’re an overseas student hoping to enroll in an institution in an English-speaking nation. The official name of the examination is the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL. It evaluates your proficiency in speaking and understanding English by looking at your reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills in the language. The test is utilized by institutions to make sure students can move on and achieve on their chosen course in a nation where the curriculum is taught in English. All of these skills are ones you’ll need to complete your academic studies.

Who must take the TOEFL exam?
Over 27 million people worldwide have taken the TOEFL test to gauge their level of proficiency in English. Students who want to study abroad frequently take the test, as do scholarship applicants, people asking for visas to study or work abroad, and others learning English who want to measure their progress. You may find out if you need to take the TOEFL there, along with the minimal grade needed to apply for the course, so keep an eye out for them when researching requirements for university courses.

English language evaluations for international students

Why take the TOEFL exam?
More than 130 countries’ educational institutions and governmental organizations take TOEFL results into account when evaluating applicants for certain jobs or courses. Some courses may demand a minimum TOEFL score for admission, allowing you to enroll in the course in addition to meeting the other requirements. Depending on the school and the course, the minimum score requirements can range from 61 to 100.

Your TOEFL test score is only good for two years; beyond that point, it is no longer kept on file. As a result, you will need to retake the test if you want to apply to study abroad. If the score is a necessity, you must take the exam as soon as possible. However, even if you are just enrolled in a course that lasts a year, your TOEFL score may still be useful in enhancing your employment prospects abroad.

It is crucial to conduct in-depth research and be ready for the many components of the test if it is one of the admissions requirements. The various components of each test are listed below:

TOEFL iBT online test
a reading phase lasting between 54 and 72 minutes that consists of passages to read and 30 to 40 questions to answer
a listening segment lasting 51–57 minutes, during which you must respond to 28–39 questions about quick lectures or class topics.
a 17-minute speaking segment that consists of 4 spoken exercises
a 50-minute writing assignment that consists of two activities
TOEFL Basics Exam
The four components of the TOEFL Essentials exam, which includes a personal video statement that is not evaluated, take about 1.5 hours to complete.

a 30-45 question listening segment that lasts between 21 and 34 minutes
A reading segment with a duration of 22–33 minutes and a 30-45 question count
A 24- to 30-minute writing part with 14 to 18 questions and 2 tasks
a 13-minute speaking segment with 3 activities and a total of 19 required responses
2 questions in a 5-minute personal video statement that is not part of the test and is not graded

How to Read TOEFL iBT Scores
The TOEFL iBT test has a score range of 0 to 30 for each section. Each score range is divided into four or five competence levels to make it easier for you to evaluate a test taker’s abilities.

Proficiency Level Skill

Reading:

Proficient (24–30)
(18-23) High-Intermediate
4–17 Low Intermediate
Below (0–3) Low-Intermediate

Listening:

Proficient (22–30)
(17–21) High-Intermediate
9–16 Low Intermediate
Low-Intermediate (0–8) or lower

Speaking:

Proficient (25-30)
20–24 High-Intermediate
16–19 Low Intermediate
Basic (10-15)
Subbasic (0-9)

Writing:

Proficient (24–30)
(17-23) High-Intermediate
13–16 Low Intermediate
Basic (7-12)
Under Basic (0–6)

Summary of TOEFL Preparation Options

The Need to Prepare for the TOEFL
The TOEFL is intended to be a thorough evaluation of non-native speakers’ English language proficiency. Test-takers must demonstrate their ability to combine their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills into effective English communication in addition to their proficiency in each of these individual areas in order to receive satisfactory results. The activities on each component of the TOEFL must be prepared for by students who are required to take the test, and adequate performance nearly usually results from rigorous preparation. Without the targeted skill improvement that professional methods of preparation typically offer, even individuals with a reasonable command of the English language can struggle on the TOEFL. If students are otherwise qualified applicants, full admission is granted in exchange for passing TOEFL results. For overseas students with test results below the minimal requirements, some universities offer provisional admission; however, this admission is typically subject to costly and time-consuming language requirements. In the end, thorough TOEFL preparation helps students save both time and money.

Various Techniques for TOEFL Preparation
There are many choices available to students getting ready for the TOEFL, including prep classes, private tutoring, books, videos, and online resources. Group training with a single instructor is a hallmark of prep courses. The key benefit of using this preparation strategy is a qualified instructor and a cogent approach to the TOEFL topic. The variety of viewpoints offered by the class of TOEFL students is another advantage of the education. While private TOEFL coaching typically costs more than group classes, it lets students to focus solely on their individual TOEFL shortcomings (as opposed to the more broad topics required by group situations). Faster growth than is probably possible in a class with many pupils is frequently the outcome of the focused character of individual education. Test takers should carefully check potential instructors for relevant teaching credentials and expertise as the qualities of TOEFL teachers might be wildly uneven. Finally, employing books, videos, and online resources, students might conceivably self-study for the TOEFL. This form of learning typically results in subpar grades, partly because it lacks the structure and accountability that a skilled teacher would normally provide.

Preparation for PBT
Most students no longer take the TOEFL PBT, hence the great majority of preparation tools and resources are designed for the iBT. Thus, PBT study options are somewhat constrained. There are still many PBT manuals and books available, but PBT preparation courses are few (because to the infrequency of PBT administrations, it is not profitable for the majority of test preparation companies to provide PBT classes). Individual instruction that is suited to the PBT is most likely the best choice for students taking the exam.

Setting Objectives for TOEFL Study
International students are reminded to keep in mind the TOEFL’s principal goal, which is to make sure they possess the English language skills required to succeed in their university studies. Obviously, a “passing” grade is the immediate objective, but students who lack enough language proficiency are likely to have difficulty in college courses. Therefore, knowledgeable and experienced TOEFL educators advise setting score goals of 100 for the overall test and 25 for each of the four portions. Students who score at this level on the TOEFL can be sure that they are proficient in academic English and that practically all degree programs will accept their scores. Many degree programs can be found online with low TOEFL requirements due to a lack of funding for tuition, and many of these schools accept lower scores (in some cases significantly lower). Independent of the exact institutional TOEFL norms, inadequate language abilities pose several challenges for international students.

How to Pick the Best TOEFL Prep Students’ own learning styles, as well as their academic strengths and shortcomings, should be taken into account. While some students like the group contact of the classroom, others learn better in one-on-one settings. The mode of delivery can also be important, and both on-site and online group classes and private tuition are frequently offered. For students who struggle with discipline, the former may be the ideal option because it offers a higher level of accountability. Although the latter is considerably more practical, it calls for greater student accountability. In any situation, it is imperative to thoroughly evaluate potential teachers’ credentials. Simply put, students who are taught by unqualified teachers perform poorly.

Scores for the TOEFL exam

The TOEFL iBT, computer adaptation, and supposition
Students taking the TOEFL iBT can maximize their marks if they are aware of a few crucial details regarding how the test is conducted. The iBT is not computer adaptive, in contrast to many of the standardized tests used by colleges in English-speaking nations. The exercises are chosen before the test starts, and a test-taker’s responses have no bearing on any of the other questions. However, there can be some variation in the difficulty level of the questions, and this variation can be a factor in the conversion of a raw score to sectional scores. Therefore, there are no additional penalties for giving the wrong response, and there is no need for students to become fixated on a particular topic. Additionally, test-takers should keep in mind that it is advisable to guess on multiple-choice questions if they are unsure of the solutions because the results for these sections are solely focused on correct responses and points are not removed for incorrect answers. Even a wholly arbitrary guess has a probability of working.

Scoring Guide for the Speaking Section
Speaking and writing scores on the TOEFL iBT are determined by human graders. On a scale of 0 to 4, the ETS scoring rubric rates each of the speaking tasks. The independent and integrated activities have different rubrics, although both include general descriptions of each grading level that are quite similar. The highest task rating of 4 indicates that a test-taker’s response “fulfills the demands of the task, with at most minor lapses of completeness.” Responses that “address the task appropriately, but may fall short of being fully developed” receive a score of 3. With a score of 2, responses are “connected to the task,” but they are also “missing some relevant information” and “contain inaccuracies.” A 1 indicates that a response is “limited in content or coherence” and “only minimally connected to the task.” Only responses that are “unrelated to the topic” or blank responses from students receive a score of 0. Students will not be substantially penalized for pronunciation errors or accents unless these things undermine the coherence of the responses, as ETS graders are primarily concerned with the efficacy of responses. The final sectional score (0 to 30) is calculated as the average of all task ratings.

Rubric for Integrating Writing Assessment
For both the independent and integrated writing assignments on the iBT’s writing component, essays are scored using separate rubrics, both on a scale from 0 to 5. Students will receive the highest score of 5 on integrated essays, which ask them to synthesize material from readings and lectures, if they “successfully select the important information” and “coherently and accurately present this information.” A test-taker who obtains a score of 4 on the integrated essay is “generally good” at achieving the aforementioned requirements, although the essay may have “minor omissions, vagueness, or imprecision of content.” A level 3 essay has “some important information” and “some relevant connections,” but it omits crucial information and commits a lot of mistakes. Level 2 essays utilize inadequate language to “obscure” links or “misrepresent” important reading and lecture themes. Test-takers who “merely copy sentences from the reading” or exhibit exceptionally poor language usage will earn a score of 0, while essays with “little or no meaningful or relevant content” will receive a score of 1.

Independent Writing Evaluation Scale
A separate set of evaluation criteria is required because the independent task on the writing portion of the iBT is based on the expressing of personal thoughts and preferences. The top essays will be given a score of 5, and they will be distinguished by “effectively addressing the topic and task,” good “development and organization,” “unity, progression, and coherence,” and “consistent facility in the use of language.” Essays that generally match the requirements above but include “occasional redundancy, digression, or unclear connections” and “minor errors in structure, word form, or use of idiomatic language” are given a score of 4. An essay at this level contains “somewhat developed explanations,” yet “connection of ideas may be occasionally obscured.” The characteristics of a level 2 essay are “limited development,” “inadequate organization,” and “insufficient explanations,” but a level 1 essay is “seriously flawed” due to “disorganization,” “underdevelopment,” and “little or no detail.” Similar to the integrated writing rubric, essays that are completely non-responsive receive a score of 0. On both iBT essays, eRater automated scoring technology, which assesses specific linguistic elements, supplements human grading. The final sectional score, which ranges from 0 to 30, is calculated by averaging all essay ratings.

Writing and Speaking Sections Score Reporting: Comments
General observations regarding the normal performance of test-takers at the relevant score level are included in TOEFL iBT score reports. These remarks do not refer specifically to the essays or spoken responses submitted by the individual student; rather, they point out the reported score’s shared qualities and faults.