Common Mistakes to Avoid in TOEFL Exam Preparation
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is mainly taken by students who want
to study in the Universities of the United States. Some Universities outside the United States
also consider TOEFL as proof of English ability. TOEFL is a suite of more than one exam. The
most popular are TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. Other TOEFL exams are TOEFL ITP (Institutional
Testing Program), TOEFL Junior, and TOEFL Primary. These exams are accessible to students only
through schools.
TOEFL as an exam consists of four levels- reading, writing, speaking, and listening. TOEFL iBT is
the most lengthy exam which lasts for three hours. It tests the student’s English knowledge and
examines if they are ready to study in an English-speaking country.
1. Not understanding the test pattern
Mistake: Some students are not thorough with the different stages of the TOEFL exam.
Correction: Be familiar with all the patterns of questions to prepare accordingly.
2. Setting targets
Mistake: Some students fail to set realistic targets and goals.
Correction: Set achievable targets matching your current English language skills and keep a
larger goal in mind.
3. Lack of practice
Mistake: Many students do not give enough value and time to practice.
Correction: Regular practice not only increases your knowledge but also helps you manage time
and avoid examination anxiety.
4. Time management
Mistake: Many students ignore managing time during their preparation.
Correction: Manage your time effectively to avoid struggling to finish the exam within the
stipulated time.
5. Seeking feedback
Mistake: Many students don’t seek feedback from others.
Correction: Seek feedback from friends, teachers, tutors, and native speakers to improve your
skills.
6. Practice tests
Mistake: Many students don’t take practice tests seriously.
Correction: Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam environment and question
types, and to evaluate your progress.
We hope these tips will help you avoid common mistakes in your TOEFL preparation. Remember,
building confidence comes from diligent preparation and meeting your goals. Good luck!