Have you ever wondered what makes a great TOEFL exam preparation? It is without a doubt giving as many TOEFL Mock Test as one can to simulate real test conditions. But how can you ace the mock test itself for better preparation? While there is much TOEFL advice that focuses on taking the test and reviewing the errors. Some unique strategies can make your mock tests more impactful and help you achieve a 100+ TOEFL score. Want to know about them? Read this article below!

Target Specific Question Types

The first tip is to target specific question types instead of focusing on the entire TOEFL section. The best way to do this is by using segmented practice sets and drilling down on a specific skill or question type that you are struggling with the most.

To give you an example, most students struggle with the “interface” question in the reading section. So you can try to do 10-15 of only that type in a single focused session.

Elevate Your Performance with Advanced Techniques

Another great way to improve your performance in the TOEFL mock test is by:

1. Record your speaking with a purpose: You can try to develop “rhetorical self-awareness” by recording your responses for the speaking section. You can then compare them with high-scoring responses. Make sure that you pay attention to your pacing, the use of different transition words, and the overall structure.
2. You can also use AI for targeted feedback: To improve your performance, you can also use many platforms that provide AI-powered feedback. These can help you in understanding your weakness in fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and even the structure of your response.

Simulate Test Day Conditions and Distractions

The only way you can truly improve your performance on the actual test day is by giving your TOEFL mock test as if it were the real one. When you simulate the test day conditions, you prepare yourself for the pressure, timing, and distractions you might face during the test day.

To do this, you can try to take the test in a controlled environment. Some place that has background distractions, like a coffee shop or library. Additionally, you can also try to stick strictly to the official timing. This even includes the 10-minute mid-exam break.

Follow Deep Analysis

Besides a rigorous TOEFL test preparation, it is really important that you also track your performance and preparation. But how can you do that? You can try to:

1. Use a Journal: Once you are done giving a mock test, make sure not to just review the incorrect response. Try to write them down in a journal with details regarding your emotional and strategic choices.
2. Review by Question Types: During your review, don’t just focus on one section. Instead, try to break down the analysis further and categorise your errors. You do this by question types, such as "Inference Questions" in Reading or "Transition Word Signals" in Listening.

Building Skills and Performance

The next strategy is to use techniques that can help you improve both your performance and skills. Some uncommon ones include:

1. Developing Listening and Speaking Templates: In the integrated tasks of the TOEFL mock test, you can try to use simple templates that can help in structuring your notes and responses. For example, to follow a flow of conversation in your notes regarding the student and the teacher, you can use simple “S” and “T”.
2. Reading Academic Content Out Loud: One of the best ways you can improve your fluency in the speaking section is by reading academic articles, sample essays, or even mock test passages out loud. This will help your voice and brain to handle complex language.

Mindset and Long-Term Preparation

And lastly, work on your mindset and develop strategies for long-term preparation. How to do this? Take a look below:

1. Improve Your Strategy: While many test takers pay attention to developing their strategy for preparation, they forget to focus on the strategy itself. Following strategies that don’t work for you can do more harm than good.
2. Track your Progress Visually: Try to create a simple spreadsheet to track your score for different sections of multiple mock tests. This will help you to visualise your progress and see the kind of improvement you have been making. Similarly, if your progress is stagnating, then change your strategies and tactics to address the main issues.

Conclusion

Summing up, achieving your dream TOEFL score takes more than just taking multiple TOEFL mock tests. It is about how you take the tests and how you use their results to come up with an effective strategy. So if you are someone who has hit a block and feels like your current efforts are not translating to higher scores. It is time to change your strategies for TOEFL test preparation, instead of following the same routine. Additionally, you can also take Gradding’s online classes to get tailored strategies and study material for effective exam preparation.