Are you planning to join an English-speaking team as a student or an employee?
Do you think your English skills can handle it? There is a way to check it through the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or, shortly, TOEFL. Accepted by about 11,000 universities across 130 countries, this test demonstrates the benchmark of communication skills required for studying or working in English-speaking environments by assessing reading, listening, speaking, and writing capabilities. However, navigating the preparation process can be challenging, especially when balancing other commitments. This is where Saima, an AI-powered tool, becomes an invaluable companion, guiding TOEFL learners on their journey from the basics to the advanced level.
Understanding the TOEFL Exam
There are two types of TOEFL: TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and TOEFL Essentials. The first one evaluates non-native English speakers' abilities to use and understand English at the university level. Meanwhile, the second one focuses on language skills for non-academic purposes. The internet-based test is the most commonly taken exam that covers four sections:
Reading: The test taker is offered 2 multiple-focus passages, each of 700 words, and 35 minutes to read the texts and demonstrate comprehension by answering 10 questions. This assignment measures the ability to understand and analyze academic content.
Listening: At this stage, students listen to 3 discussion-like lectures and 2 conversations, 2-3 minutes each, followed by 5-6 questions for each passage. This assesses learners’ attention span and understanding of lectures and conversations in English through audio tasks.
Speaking: Includes 4 tasks: 1 independent task to express an opinion on a random topic, and 3 integrated tasks based on what was read and heard. Here the student demonstrates the ability to speak English clearly and coherently.
Writing: The last stage consists of 2 written tasks (20 and 10 minutes each) where the test takers need to write an essay in their own words a) based on listening/reading and b) based on a provided question/prompt. This assignment evaluates the ability to express ideas effectively through writing.
Each section is rated on a scale of 30, which leads to a possible total score of 0 to 120. To get a competitive TOEFL score, it’s essential to not only demonstrate strong language skills but also to understand the test format well and manage your time effectively.
Common Challenges for TOEFL Test-Takers
Preparing for the TOEFL isn’t just about learning English but mastering specific skills under pressure. Many test-takers go through some common struggles that can cause frustration during the personalized learning journey, and as the mother of a teenager who has recently won this TOEFL battle, I know it firsthand. Let’s break down these challenges.
1. Time Management: There’s Never Enough Time!
The TOEFL isn’t just about what you know; it’s about how fast you can apply it. Each section is strictly timed, and that’s where many people struggle. For example, in the Speaking section, you get only 15 seconds to prepare an answer and 45 seconds to respond. That’s barely enough time to think, let alone structure a full answer!
In the Reading section, test-takers have to read long, complex passages and answer questions quickly. If you’re a slow reader, keeping up with the pace can feel impossible. Research shows that the average reading speed for native English speakers is 200-250 words per minute, while non-native speakers read at slower rates due to such factors as language proficiency or familiarity with the content. Provided that TOEFL passages are often 700+ words long, you have to move fast!
2. Listening to Fast English: "Wait, What Did They Just Say?"
The listening section is tricky because the conversations and lectures are spoken at a natural pace, meaning speakers don’t slow down just because you’re a learner. Plus, you can only hear each recording once—there are no replays!
Another challenge? Speakers often use idioms, informal phrases, and even accents. If you’re used to textbook English, hearing something like “Let’s call it a day” instead of “Let’s stop working” might throw you off. Studies show that non-native speakers need 25% more time than native speakers to process spoken English, making this section one of the toughest.
3. Speaking Under Pressure: “Uh… I Need a Second…”
For many test-takers, the Speaking section is the most stressful. Why? Because you have to speak into a microphone, and your responses are recorded and graded by AI and human raters. This means:
You don’t get any human reaction to help guide your speech.
You must organize your thoughts very quickly.
You might worry about pronunciation or making mistakes.
4. Writing: More Than Just Grammar
The Writing section is challenging because it involves not only knowledge of English but also suggests structuring a strong argument by comparing ideas and writing a well-organized essay.
A lot of test-takers underestimate this section, focusing only on grammar. But TOEFL graders look at coherence, organization, and argument strength just as much as grammar and vocabulary.
5. Test Anxiety: The Silent Score Killer
Even students who are fluent in English can score poorly due to test anxiety. The pressure of a high-stakes exam can cause:
Racing thoughts and forgetting answers.
Poor time management because of nervousness.
Lack of focus during long sections.
A study found that test anxiety is a significant concern, especially in the scope of self-regulated learning among EFL students, which directly affects performance. In other words, even if you know the material, stress can be your biggest enemy.
Why Traditional TOEFL Prep Falls Short
Often traditional TOEFL preparation methods don’t bring the desired results because attending classes or using standard study materials may not address individual learning needs. These approaches often lack personalization, as they fail to offer real-time feedback that identifies the specific strengths and weaknesses of the learner. Another essential reason for inefficiency is the lack of engagement, which leads to decreased retention in terms of passive learning.
The TOEFL study plan suggests consistent practice, especially for mastering speaking skills, which is only possible in a flexible environment that goes beyond the conventional approach. The good news is that modern education trends integrate technology and offer various AI-powered solutions. For example, SpeechRater can evaluate spontaneous speech and generate detailed reports highlighting the areas for improvement, such as fluency, grammar, and topic development.
TOEFL Basics for Beginners
Starting your TOEFL preparation can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can build confidence and improve your score. Here are some essential tips for beginners:
1. Plan ahead: Unlike traditional institution exams, where 2-3 days of cramming can be enough, TOEFL preparation should ideally start at least 3-4 months in advance. Use this time to build strong vocabulary, improve comprehension, and refine your test-taking strategies.
2. Explore the test inside out: Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format, scoring system, and syllabus to understand how each section works and approach the test with a clear strategy.
3. Take practice tests regularly: Practice tests will help you identify weak areas, improve time management, and reduce test-day anxiety. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
4. Expand Your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for both speaking and writing. Use new words naturally in complex and simple sentences to achieve fluency.
5. Use reliable study materials: Stick to official TOEFL study resources from ETS, the test maker. These materials reflect the actual exam format and provide accurate practice questions to enhance your preparation.
6. Know the Score Requirements: Each university has a TOEFL cutoff score. Check the score requirements for your target universities and set a realistic goal.
Progressing and Mastering Advanced TOEFL Preparation with Saima
As I have mentioned above, today’s technological capabilities can make a huge contribution to the learning curve. After building a strong foundation, the next step is refining your skills to achieve a high TOEFL score. At this stage, Saima AI can help you sharpen your listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities with AI-powered features designed for efficiency and focus.
Fine-Tuning Your Listening and Comprehension Skills
Listening is one of the trickiest parts of the TOEFL, especially when speakers talk fast, use informal phrases, or have different accents. Saima’s Video Speed Controller dynamically adjusts playback speed on any practical video material of TOEFL, enhancing your understanding of complex topics or speeding through irrelevant content.
Another challenge is distracting pauses and filler words in conversations. Saima’s Silence Skipping feature removes unnecessary gaps, helping you stay engaged and process information more efficiently. This means less wasted time and sharper focus—both crucial for handling the Listening section.
Our Voice Boost technology amplifies audio so that even soft-spoken lectures become crystal clear, training your ear to understand English at a natural pace, making the TOEFL Listening section feel much easier.
Did you know there is a dedicated YouTube channel where you can find over 80 updated videos to master your TOEFL preparation? Watch those tutorials with the Saima extension to elevate your academic outcomes!
Strengthening Speaking and Note-Taking for Higher Scores
As you progress, you’ll need to structure clear and confident responses in the Speaking section. With Saima’s Collaborative Note-Taking feature, you can take down key points while watching practice videos, thus organizing your thoughts quickly and sharing or reviewing them with peers or the instructor. This interactive approach boosts fluency and confidence.
Saima AI: Your Ultimate TOEFL Study Buddy
Since Saima's launch, both TOEFL learners and instructors have provided positive feedback, indicating that the AI-driven tool's exceptional features make it a valuable study buddy for students. It can:
Enhance Comprehension: With the AI-driven video speed controller, users find their optimal words-per-minute rate, improving understanding and retention.
Boost Productivity: Features like 'Skip Silence' and 'Voice Booster' ensure efficient learning sessions, maximizing study time.
Facilitate Collaboration: Shared note-taking and dedicated workspaces promote teamwork, allowing users to learn from each other and stay motivated.
Conclusion
A TOEFL journey isn’t just about learning English. It requires patience and dedication to handle pressure, as well as improved speed to manage the time limitations. With effective tools like Saima AI, learners feel support at every stage, from building foundational skills to mastering advanced concepts. By boosting comprehension and confidence, Saima transforms TOEFL preparation into a manageable and rewarding experience. Ready to elevate your TOEFL preparation? Get Saima Free!