Do you Want to Reduce Errors in TOEFL Listening?
Hello, this is TestGlider, the No.1 AI English test tutor, proven by 720,000 global users. Are you studying hard to prepare for the TOEFL but still finding yourself making mistakes in the listening section? TOEFL listening is more than just hearing—it’s about grasping core ideas and understanding detailed information accurately. With recent updates to the TOEFL exam, question types have become more diverse, including questions on subtle details from lectures and conversations and the flow of information. As recordings have gotten longer, the test demands even higher levels of focus and information processing. If your scores aren’t improving despite repeated practice, it’s time to check for common mistakes in the listening section. To achieve a high score, avoiding some typical TOEFL listening errors is crucial. Today, we’ll explore the top 5 mistakes TOEFL test-takers make in the listening section and provide useful tips to improve your performance!
Top 5 TOEFL Listening Mistakes to Avoid!
1. Taking Too Detailed Notes
Many students make the mistake of jotting down too many details during the listening section, which can cause them to miss important information.
Overly detailed note-taking can distract you from accurately understanding and remembering the content.
TOEFL Listening Tip: Record Key Points Briefly.
Focus on grasping the overall content. For example, summarize the main topic of a lecture or the core events of a conversation in a few words. If the lecture uses complex academic terms, note the essential concepts and then structure the information. Instead of writing everything down, focus on ‘commonalities and differences of two main subjects’ or ‘contradictions to the reading material.’ This way, you’ll capture critical information without missing key details.
If you know various types of TOEFL listening questions, then you can efficiently take the notes!
How about following the link below and get some information about 8 types of questions in TOEFL listening section?
2. Obsessing Over Unknown Words
Focusing too much on unknown words is a common issue. When you encounter unfamiliar words, dwelling on their meanings can cause you to miss the ongoing conversation or lecture.
TOEFL Listening Tip: Infer Meanings from Context.
Use the context of the sentence to deduce the meaning of unknown words. Consider the flow of the conversation or the speaker’s intent, and how the unknown word fits into the overall meaning. Practice by listening to various materials and inferring meanings to stay in tune with the content. This will help you remain calm and handle unfamiliar words more effectively during the test.
3. Missing Important Information
TOEFL lectures can be relatively lengthy, and missing key details can be problematic.
Forgetting important dates, figures, or decisions can make finding correct answers difficult.
TOEFL Listening Tip: Utilize Efficient Note-Taking skills.
To avoid missing crucial details, summarize key points and refer to them when answering questions. Predict the type of information that will be presented in different parts of the lecture—introduction, body, and conclusion. Important details are often repeated, so make sure to note these down. Review your mistakes to understand what information was missed and adjust your note-taking strategy accordingly.
4. Focusing Only on Main Ideas
Concentrating solely on main ideas can lead to missing important details or additional points, especially with the updated exam format, which often includes questions about specific details.
TOEFL Listening Tip: Pay Attention to Details.
Details such as dates, figures, and examples are crucial for answering questions accurately. Develop a habit of listening closely to these details and recording them. Create a system where you categorize information by topic to keep track of both key points and details.
[Note-Taking Tips]
- Distinguish Key Points and Details
Note both the main idea and relevant details. For example, if the lecture topic is “Climate Change,” record important dates or figures separately, like “2025 target: 40% reduction in greenhouse gases.” - Use Abbreviations and Symbols
Use abbreviations and symbols to write faster. For example, use “impt” for important, “dt” for date, or “pct” for percent. - Write in Keywords and Short Phrases
Use keywords and brief phrases for quick notes. For instance, “Structural reform, budget cut, 2022” keeps it concise. - Group and Connect Information
Organize related information together. For example, list “Extreme weather, sea level rise, ecosystem changes” under the topic “Impact of Climate Change.”
5. Losing Focus Due to Distractions
TOEFL listening tests are conducted under varied conditions, and distractions can impact your performance.
TOEFL Listening Tip: Minimize Distractions.
During the test, keep your focus on the screen or your desk. If you find yourself distracted by the test environment, refocus on the screen. Practice maintaining concentration in noisy or distracting environments by incorporating background noise during your practice sessions. Listening to TOEFL practice materials at 1.25x or 1.5x speed can also help you get used to staying focused.
We’ve covered common TOEFL listening mistakes and solutions to improve your performance. By avoiding these pitfalls and using effective strategies, you can boost your scores. For additional help, consider joining the TestGlider membership for comprehensive TOEFL preparation!