Top 7 Proven Study Methods to Improve Your TOEFL Listening Score

The listening section of the TOEFL iBT exam presents significant challenges for many candidates, requiring comprehension of intricate academic lectures and conversations in real time. However, with effective study strategies and regular practice, individuals can drastically improve their performance.

This blog outlines expert techniques that have successfully assisted numerous students in achieving their desired scores. Let us explore the study methods that will enhance your TOEFL listening capabilities further.

TOEFL Listening Section Structure

The Listening section of the TOEFL iBT exam assesses your capability to comprehend spoken English in educational contexts. Each set consists of either a lecture or a conversation recording, accompanied by questions to test your comprehension. Getting yourself familiar with this format enables you to utilise your time wisely and understand what to anticipate on the day of the exam.

Top 7 Proven Study Methods to Improve Your TOEFL Listening Score

The key to achieving your desired score is to practice regularly and track your progress to identify areas that need more attention. Here are some more proven study methods to help you improve your TOEFL Listening score.

1. Active Listening with Practice Lectures

Active involvement with academic material is crucial for TOEFL listening preparation. Engage with high-quality lectures available on various online platforms like TOEFLtesprep. Spend 20-30 minutes each day viewing these lectures while taking notes, pinpointing main ideas, and grasping supporting details. This organised method enhances your ability to process academic information in real time, which is necessary during the actual exam. After each session, practice summarising the main points to reinforce your understanding and pinpoint areas where you may have overlooked critical information. 

2. Improve Note-taking Skills

Excelling in note-taking is vital for achieving success in TOEFL listening. Instead of trying to record everything verbatim, create a personalised shorthand system for frequently used terms and concentrate on capturing essential concepts. The Cornell note-taking method has shown to be particularly beneficial for TOEFL preparation, as it structures information hierarchically and aids in quick reviews. Practice categorising your notes with distinct main ideas and supporting details, and review your notes immediately following the lecture to strengthen your comprehension. 

3. Everyday English Usage

Surround yourself with academic English content which would significantly speed up your advancement. Make it a routine to listen to academic podcasts, view educational YouTube channels, and encounter various English accents. This ongoing exposure helps you adapt to different speaking tempos and academic vocabulary within context. Pay close attention to how ideas are articulated, transitions between subjects, and the ways speakers highlight significant points. Such immersion fosters the instinctive comprehension of academic English that is essential for the TOEFL listening section. 

4. Daily Mock Tests

To succeed in the TOEFL listening section, it is important to be familiar with the test's structure and timing. Complete full-length practice tests under timed conditions, and most importantly, evaluate your errors to recognise patterns. Focus on question types that consistently pose challenges for you, and utilise official TOEFL study materials to ensure you are working with authentic practice content. Maintain a log of your mistakes and review it regularly to prevent repeating the same errors.

5. Understanding the Test Format

Understanding the various question types is essential for achieving a high score. For main idea questions, it is important to identify overall themes and pay close attention to introductory statements. When addressing detail questions, one should focus on specific facts, numbers, and proper nouns. Inference questions necessitate an understanding of implied meanings and the ability to connect different parts of the lecture while considering the speaker's tone. It is advisable to practice each question type independently before integrating them into comprehensive practice sessions. 

6. Brush Up Your Vocabulary

A strong foundation in academic vocabulary significantly enhances listening comprehension. Engaging with academic word lists and honing in on transitional phrases commonly utilised in lectures is essential. Special attention should be given to subject-specific terminology across various academic fields. Compiling personalised vocabulary lists organised by subject area, and practicing recognition of these terms in spoken form, will help in comprehending complex academic discussions more effectively.

7. Focus on Building Stamina

Try to build listening stamina, which is very crucial for success. It is recommended to begin with shorter listening sessions of approximately 15 minutes and gradually increase the duration to align with test conditions. Practicing in diverse environments helps build resilience against distractions. Structuring practice sessions with clear breaks maintains optimal focus. Given that the TOEFL listening section requires sustained attention for up to 36 minutes, cultivating this stamina is vital for maintaining performance throughout the test.

Regularly monitor your progress and adapt your strategies based on your performance. It is important to note that consistent and targeted practice holds greater value than sporadic, lengthy study sessions. Best of luck!

Also Read:

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• What is a Good TOEFL® Score?
• How to Send Your TOEFL iBT® Scores to Colleges?