TOEFL Exam Preparation: Balancing Work and Study Commitments - Tips & Strategies

TOEFL or Test of English as a foreign language is a test designed to measure the English language competency level of non native English speakers aspiring to study at university level. This test is accepted as an assessment in various universities and colleges as a part of the admission process. The test is divided into four modules of language assessing reading, listening, writing and speaking capabilities of an individual, hence the TOEFL exam practice test is really essential to achieve the desired scores. TOEFL exam practice tests available online are helpful in clearing the test, however, in this article we shall discuss some ways to balance both work and personal commitments while preparing for the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL: Sample Papers | Preparation Tips | Guide

TOEFL reading section practice tests

Save 10% on your TOEFL through ApplyShop

I have seen many people struggling in preparation, moving from one study center to the other, then not being able to be consistent with the given guidelines of the mentor or regular because of busy work schedules and then finally feeling depressed or dropping down the plan of achieving this little target. Having experienced different scenarios, I could manage to lay down certain smart ways of achieving TOEFL scores while balancing work and life.

Smart ways of achieving high scores

1. Have a focused mind set:

• The very initial step is having a rigid mindset of being diligent and consistent towards your goal and first analyze the test pattern, the type of questions in different modules (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking).

• Now, to check your current level of proficiency, give any free TOEFL exam practice test available online so that you know your weakness.

• Post that prepare and explore some ways of handling each question type. Take one module and practice it till you achieve excellence.

2. Prepare your study plan:

Now that you know your current level of language, select the right module (Reading/ listening/ writing/ speaking) to get started. In this article, We shall first discuss the Speaking module.

Ideal time to prepare for the speaking module should not be more than 15 days and you should engage yourself in activities which help you clear all the 4 questions.

• Join any English speaking group and find a partner who matches with your timeline so that you both can do the TOEFL exam practice together. Anyone available for a maximum of 20 minutes will be of great help.

• Prepare a list of topics on social issues, academics and student life.

• Examples of social issues would be like climate change, global warming, gender discrimination, racism, health care, education.

• Examples of academics could be science and technology, music and art, history, culture and heritage.

• Examples of student life could be like career, employment, problems in developing nations, education system.

• Divide the topics among your partner and start listening authenticated documentaries of 15- 20 minutes or read news papers, authenticated material of the topic published in various books available online or offline which can be discussed with each other in the form of sharing review, view points or the opinion on the same topic.

• The best could one day listening on a particular topic and the next day reading on another topic.

This way, in a short span of time, you will be in a habit of listening, reading and speaking on various topics and will also observe that you have already enhanced your vocabulary on so many topics and there could be a considerable change in your language skills.

3. Regularly check your scores

Now, after 15 days, take a free TOEFL exam practice test available online so that you can evaluate yourself and see the change you have in yourself compared to the first attempt.

After having succeeded in the speaking module, get started with the writing module and always remember that the TOEFL exam is going to assess your logical ways of presenting information in a clear and organized manner. Here is the time you will need to manage time so that you do not disturb your personal or professional front.

• The best way is to be focused and use your professional meetings in the best of manner. Making minutes of meetings is the best way to present information in a logical manner so that every one can understand and follow all that was discussed during the meeting.

• Do not forget to take feedback either from your reporting manager or your colleagues for the MOM prepared and be ready to make changes wherever required.

4. Keep refreshing yourself

• As you need to refresh yourself, you may think of watching a movie that brings joy to you and then write a review of it.

• listen to the review of other people for the same movie using online platforms, then write an email to your friend (the same speaking partner) comparing your review and the review available online for the same movie. This way, you are not just refreshing or relaxing but multitasking in an intelligent manner to reach your goal.

5. Maintain consistency

At this stage, you are now gaining confidence in speaking, expressing your opinions and also developing your reading and listening skills, so preparing for the listening module should not be like a rocket science.

• you are already in the habit of listening to different podcasts and documentaries, now just take some time and find out the transcripts of some of the topics that you hear.

• Hear the same listening material once again and observe the way the speaker transits from the main idea to explaining it further and also showcasing its evidence. Make a note of this style and start using the same in expressing your opinion

• This way you will also develop your observation skills and be able to differentiate different relationships of ideas that the academic context is about.

• After listening, have a general discussion with your friend and share your future predictions on the topic.

• One of the best examples of listening material here could be to listen to a documentary of self-care so that you stay calm, composed and just go with the flow of TOEFL preparation in a positive manner, the predicted future could be to see yourself happy and prosperous.

6. Stay ahead and be well prepared

The last module is the reading and at this stage of TOEFL practice, to stay ahead and be well prepared, stay focused on reading news online or using a newspaper

• Time yourself and read the material and develop the ability to skim

• Read your favorite topics that help you look more impressive in your professional front.

• Do not forget that profession wise you need to be aware of current affairs and personally you need to groom your personality by following the latest trends so do not forget to read stories on people who inspire you and motivate you to achieve your dreams.

In doing all these, give a final practice to all the modules by taking TOEFL practice tests and register yourself for the main exam if you are able to achieve a good score in the TOEFL exam practice test. Do not forget that creating a balance in your work life is a smart way and creating and following ways to succeed will help you achieve your dreams.

All the best!