I suppose you are one among the preponderance of Filipinos migrating to the U.S.A. for whatever purpose it may serve you (don't forget that my shoe size is 7). Despite umpteen of reasons of going to the U.S. of A., this dream will just remain a dream unless you pass TOEFL-iBT.
What is TOEFL-iBT in the first place? It means Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based Test). This is a test of your communicative competence in English. For most Filipinos, I believe English has never been foreign since it is used as a medium of instruction in classrooms and is actually used as a medium of communication in almost every setting. Yet, the BIG question is that why some test-takers (the Filipino professionals like the Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists) don’t make it the first shot? Is the test really that difficult? Why do they fail? What would help them PASS?
As an English Trainer for quite sometime now, allow me to share my experiences, my ideas, and my expertise to provide you with some of the needed answers to the questions beforehand.
TOEFL-iBT is challenging but not overwhelmingly difficult. I know that some of you would disagree with me. Again, tests are purposely made challenging otherwise it will be called a quiz. Now, if you think it’s hard, ask yourself what you can possibly do to make this test easy. What have you done so far for you to pass the test? Or, you may have already exerted all the best effort you think you could but to no avail – YOU STILL FAIL. It only means that your best wasn’t good enough (now you’re singing…). I can not emphasize anymore that you have what it takes to pass the TOEFL. Go and check it yourself. Here are the six dimensions to an excellent performance in TOEFL-iBT.
First is your PROPER MINDSET. What does your mind tell you? Are you going to fail or are you going to pass? Now, if you keep on thinking that you will fail the test because you are more convinced that your English is not good enough then I suggest that you stop and better think of not taking the TOEFL (and forget about your dream of going to the States). However, if you think you are ready to pass, start bracing your thought that you’re going to make it this time around. Make it sure that everything starts right. You should invite positive energies so you wouldn’t be engorged by the negative thoughts. Stop telling yourself that you will fail because you will most likely. If your mind is set to PASSING the test, believe me, nothing will come so overwhelming and difficult. You do not have to pressure yourself. Go with the flow and do your part. It’s your PERSPECTIVE about the test that matters. If you think it’s difficult then it would be difficult. If you think it’s easy, then it would be easy for you. That simple. Do you want it EASY? Just think it is.
Second is your desirable ATTITUDE. No one wants to fail. Yet, not everyone has the right attitude to free themselves from failure. Positive attitude is very important in every endeavor we undertake. Without it, expect FAILURE. Your discipline comes with the attitude. Remember too that your commitment is badly needed. If it is time to study, make it sure that you study. If it is time to listen to the lecture, do not tinker your phones, or anything that would distract you. If you are really determined to pass, you wouldn’t come in late to the class and you wouldn’t take it second to something. If you think you are just weighed down by the FEAR (means False Expectations Appearing Real, thanks to Dr. Dups) that you have created for yourself, never attempt taking the test. Take TOEFL seriously and it will pay off. But never take it too seriously that it would deprive you of your time to enjoy. Have fun while learning.
Third is your motivation. I believe there is a very good reason why you want to pass TOEFL-iBT. This drive alone should be more than an extrinsic motivation for you to take the necessary action to fulfill your goal. If you do this because you were told to do so, forget it. You should pass the test not because you want to please others but because you want to fulfill your dream. Keep yourself on track with the driving force you have within. Your drive to PASS the test must be your guide along the way. Remember, you need more intrinsic motivation than extrinsic motivation. Without the drive, I am sorry…YOU WON’T MAKE IT.
Fourth is your CONFIDENCE not ARROGANCE. I know that TOEFL is not a test of CONFIDENCE but if you don't have it, you won’t make it. Yet, remember that having too much confidence is just the same as having zilch. It is high time to start believing in yourself. It is good enough that you recognize the fact that you have both your weaknesses and the strengths. For me, it is just proper to admit your weakness but wallowing in it is nothing but destructive. If you think you're not that good enough, be humble enough to seek help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for guidance. Those who are proud and arrogant are the ones who most likely fail in the test. Believe me; I have encountered a lot of them. Believe in what you think you are capable of doing. Trust yourself. Trust your trainer. Trust GOD. I am sure you can do it.
Fifth is CONSTANT CORRECT PRACTICE. I am aware that most test-takers are pressured by this mind-boggling test. For you to pass the test, you don’t need to memorize everything. So, why the need to amass all the TOEFL books in the bookstore and collect all the CDs that your hands could get hold of? Familiarize yourself with the nature and content of the test. Learn specific strategies on how you are going to deal with each task. The result of the test is not guaranteed by the length of time you pore over your books and listening to all the CDs you have. The question is do you constantly do correct practice? If not, I am sorry you are wasting your time, your effort, your money. Sadly, you are depriving yourself of the chances to pass the TOEFL. Again, learn specific strategies useful in addressing questions in the test. Practice if those strategies work which I am sure they do. I have tried them. If you wish to know more of them, come and see me.
Finally is your LANGUAGE SKILL and communicative competence. Take note that for you to pass TOEFL you don’t need to have a perfect command of the English Language. Do not pressure yourself trying to perfect your English. Master the basics of it. Strengthen your foundation. TOEFL doesn’t test how complicated your English is, rather how you use your English in your communication. If you can construct a sentence both in written and spoken English, then you have actually the basic requirement for you to pass the test. Just make it sure that you can speak with clarity and logic. If you think your English is not enough, don't worry because this guidebook will help you develop the skill in answering the questions. However, this module will not discuss grammar in details.
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