5 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Taking the TOEFL

*For students taking the test after July 26, 2023, please note that there will be significant changes to the TOEFL iBT, particularly in the writing section. Refer to the official ETS site for more details.

‍

When confronting the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the terrain may seem unfamiliar and treacherous. However, the key to succeeding is not just about the depth of your English knowledge, but also about sidestepping the pitfalls that have tripped up others before you. To ensure you are not caught unaware, we have compiled five common missteps to steer clear of:

‍

1. Not Reading or Listening Carefully

Under the intense pressure of the TOEFL, every minute counts. It is unsurprising that in the urgency of the moment, you might be tempted to skim through the instructions, or the reading or listening passages. However, succumbing to this temptation could cost you dearly.

Keep in mind that the reading and listening sections are not simply a test of comprehension, but also of your attention to detail. For instance, the listening section often includes conversations or lectures filled with various opinions, arguments, or points of view. These complexities can only be unraveled by careful and attentive listening. If you rush through this, you risk missing out on these perspectives, which could limit your understanding and response to the questions.

Strive to allocate your time effectively and pay close attention to the instructions and content provided. Remember, comprehension and precision are equally, if not more, important as speed in the TOEFL.

‍

2. Neglecting Time Management

The TOEFL is a timed test, with strict limits allocated for each of its sections - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This design inherently tests not only your language skills, but also your ability to use your time effectively. A common mistake made by many test-takers is misjudging the pace at which they need to work. They often spend too much time meticulously crafting answers for initial questions, only to realize later that they have to scramble to complete the remaining ones. 

To avoid this pitfall, familiarize yourself with the test format and strategize how to allocate your time for each section. Practicing with timed mock tests can give you a feel for the pace you will need to maintain. This experience will help you gauge how long to spend on reading passages, comprehending listening tasks, formulating your responses in the speaking section, and crafting your essays in the writing section. Your ability to manage time effectively can make a huge difference in your overall performance and score!

‍

3. Memorizing Answers

Although memorizing certain structures or phrases can indeed aid recall, it can restrict your capacity to exhibit genuine comprehension and communication skills - key elements this examination assesses.

Consider the fundamental design of the TOEFL: it gauges your aptitude to navigate various situations and conversations in an English-speaking environment. This objective calls for adaptable language skills and an ability to shift your knowledge to different contexts. Relying predominantly on memorized responses could lead to your answers sounding unnatural and out of place.

Therefore, while memorization can serve as a useful tool, it should not form the nucleus of your test preparation. Instead, prioritize understanding and application by immersing yourself in the language, learning how different concepts are used in context, and practicing responding to different scenarios. This balanced approach will empower you to use the English language dynamically, as it should be, offering you the flexibility to handle unexpected questions or unfamiliar topics effectively.

‍

4. Underestimating the Speaking Section

Widely regarded as a Gordian knot within the TOEFL's structure, the speaking section poses unique challenges that can trip up even the most diligent students. Unlike other sections, it tests your capacity to articulate knowledge on demand, often with little time for contemplation.

A misconception among test-takers is equating strong written English skills with effective spoken English. Yet, the speaking section assesses distinct aspects like pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, in addition to real-time thought processing.

In order to ace this section, practice spoken English regularly, focusing on pronunciation and spontaneity. Engage in debates, storytelling, or explanations of complex concepts to bolster your confidence and skill set. Recording your practice sessions for self-evaluation is also beneficial.

We have a previous article dedicated to strategies and tips for acing the speaking section of the TOEFL which you may find useful as part of your preparation, so be sure to check it out!

‍

5. Ignoring Integrated Tasks

Now, it may be tempting to allocate the lion's share of your preparation time to the independent tasks of the TOEFL. After all, they provide a direct platform to exhibit your command over the language, demanding personal reflections on a variety of subjects. However, it is critical to remember that the TOEFL does not merely test your fluency but also your proficiency in employing English within an academic context.

The integrated tasks, which require you to synthesize information from different sources (often a text and a lecture), carry substantial weight in the test. These tasks gauge your ability to understand, collate, and articulate information from diverse sources, mimicking the very activities you would engage in during a real-life academic setting.

While independent tasks ask for your viewpoint, integrated tasks challenge your comprehension and analytical skills. They involve reading a passage, listening to a recording, and subsequently writing or speaking about what you have assimilated. Therefore, disregarding the significance of these tasks can affect your overall performance adversely.

Ensure that you practice these tasks with as much rigor as the independent ones. Devote time to hone your ability to sift through the salient points in a text or lecture and combine them effectively to create cogent written or spoken responses. By doing so, you not only familiarize yourself with the nature of these tasks but also improve your information processing and synthesizing skills.

By steering clear of these five common missteps, you are setting a firm foundation for success. As you prepare, focus on understanding and application over memorization, hone your time management skills, and balance your practice between all task types. This holistic approach will equip you with the necessary tools to ace the TOEFL. Let these tips serve as your guide, and may your hard work yield the results you aspire for. Good luck!