How to Keep Up with Fast Speakers in TOEFL iBT® Listening Tasks

The TOEFL iBT® listening is one of the most challenging sections. On top of it, this section will get even more intimidating if you are faced with fast-paced speakers. To ace this part, you need to understand the listening structure and learn tips for dealing with fast speakers in TOEFL listening tasks. Moreover, you need to learn methods to improve your TOEFL listening section and enhance your overall performance.  

In this article we have covered it all, so read on and excel the TOEFL listening section.

How to Keep Up with Fast Speakers in TOEFL Listening Tasks 

The TOEFL speaking section becomes much more daunting if the speaker is fast-paced. Here are some tips to help you fix the challenge of dealing with fast speakers in the TOEFL listening task: 

• Practice listening as much as you can

The key is to practice listening as much as you can. Listen to podcasts and watch videos of native speakers talking about different topics. This exposure will help you not only understand different accents or speaking speeds but also improve your expressions. 

• Keep Taking Notes 

As you listen along try to take notes as you do. In time, you will get better with note-taking and you will be picking up on the important information. Start writing down the key points for any information that you think is important while listening. 

• Focus on Signal Words 

The focus of signal words and phrases as they serve as guides to the information that is being communicated. These words are a reference that guides the listeners. As you listen, pinpoint the essential words or phrases that  are relevant to the topic 

• Identify Keywords

Identify the necessary and recurring keywords. Focusing on keywords is necessary as they are found in the question. 

• Learn Synonyms and Paraphrasing 

Once you have identified the keywords focus on paraphrasing the keywords. Keep in mind the keywords are expressed differently in the reading and audio passages so, when you study vocabulary learn to paraphrase and learn synonyms. While you are learning vocabulary make additional efforts to learn the synonyms and not just the vocabulary. 

• Take our Practice Tests  

We provide practice test papers to prepare for TOEFL. Consider checking out TOEFL Listening test papers to improve your performance. These tests provide you with a natural exam environment and help you understand the format.    

Also Read: Common Challenges in the TOEFL Listening Section and How to Overcome Them 

How do I improve my TOEFL Listening Section? 

Improving your TOEFL section is easy if you implement the right technique. Here are some of the methods that you can incorporate to increase your TOEFL performance.   

• Listen Actively 

Rather than just simply hearing the words listen actively. To practice active listening: Focus on understanding the message being conveyed, not just the words. Use techniques like nodding in agreement, maintaining eye contact, and using verbal affirmations like “I see” and that’s interesting.  

• Concentrate on topics under discussion 

Enhance your listening skills by concentrating on specific topics being discussed. While discussing, focus on key points and the main idea rather than getting lost in minor details. 

• Avoid Distraction

 The world is filled with distractions. To fix this, you must create an optimal listening environment for effective learning. Try to find a quiet space where you can focus without interruptions. 

Also Read: How to Handle Different English Accents on the TOEFL Listening Test?

TOEFL Listening Section Format

Before jumping into TOEFL tasks, you must be well-versed with the format. Here is the listening section format, the time frame for this section lasts for about 41 to 57 minutes, within this time frame you have to listen to a series of audio recordings, each followed by a set of questions to assess your understanding.

This was our article on How to Keep Up with Fast Speakers in TOEFL Listening Tasks. In conclusion, we advise you to  maintain your confidence and you can achieve success in all your academic endeavors 

Also Read: 

• List of Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores 75 or Less
• TOEFL Score Required for Nursing in the USA 
• How to Master TOEFL Listening Question Types