Hello guys!
I took my first TOEFL test a couple of years back and now since my score has expired, I had to take it again today.
1st experienceLet me describe a little about my first experience. It wasn't particularly great, but I wasn't unhappy with my score. Trust me, I had very little to absolutely no idea about the test when I reached the test center. I did watch a few YouTube videos about the test and the kind of questions but that was just the night before the test. I sincerely recommend you all to NEVER make that mistake on your TOEFL or on any test for that matter. While waiting outside the testing area, I asked a fellow test taker about the test and the kind of questions I'll come across (you can imagine the look, which was full of shock and disbelief, this person would have given me
).
My scores- Reading 26/30
Listening 24/30
Speaking 28/30
Writing 28/30
I was not absolutely disappointed with my score, but it did make me reflect on my time management skills. I was totally absorbed into other important things going on in my academic life that time (not making an excuse though). I urge you guys to prepare for atleast a week or two depending on your language proficiency. It is not the hardest test ever but it isn't something that you should underestimate either.
Things which I think helped me get these scores WITHOUT any preparation:
1).
Reading I have been an avid reader since a long time and I believe that helps. I did not have a great reading score which could also be because of me freaking out too much during the test. Since I hadn't practiced at all, I felt the passages were humongous and my attention span for some reason was very small while taking the test.
2). Listening to news/watching TV series or interviews- These did help a little for the listening section, but overall I was disheartened to realize that I had a very poor listening ability
.
3). Flair for writing- I have always liked writing and so I felt practicing along these years did help. Also, if you like reading fiction or non-fiction, you do get an idea about writing as well.
Second experience I moved to the US a couple of years back and I took my test in Texas today. Although I didn't repeat my mistake of going unprepared, I didn't really prepare too well either. Part of the reason being school, TA responsibilities and juggling other things simultaneously. I practiced quite well for the reading section and consequently, felt confident while attempting that section. I mainly practiced from the ETS
official guide, but the actual passages were a little more in depth and had complex ideas when compared to the practice material.
The listening material did not go entirely bad but I didn't feel I was doing great either
On the speaking portion, I expect to get a full score. I do feel a little nervous about it because I think I got too overwhelmed with some stuff this morning and couldn't take my best self along. Nevertheless, it cannot be bad either- I did speak for the entire length of allotted time. My ideas were organized with proper pauses and flowed clearly.
The writing portion was very satisfying and I am anticipating a high score if not full. On the first task, I remember writing succinctly as well as covering all information on the reading passage and in the lecture. I did fall short of a few words before finishing 300 words though
.
The second writing task flew pretty smoothly. I remember writing 355 words and I was satisfied with my response.
It is quite apparent that I am totally freaking out about my score now. I do wish to see a significant improvement on the scores though. Let me know what you guys think and if you have any questions for me.
Good luck!