What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

Tips for Handling Unfamiliar English Accents in Admission Interviews

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Akanksha Tripathi

3 min read

Updated On February 23, 2025

"Handling unfamiliar English accents in admission interviews can be tricky. Learn how to stay calm, ask for clarification, and communicate confidently. These tips will help you succeed."

Key Highlights

Tips for Handling Unfamiliar English Accents in Admission Interviews

Dealing with unfamiliar English accents during admission interviews can be challenging, especially when you're under pressure. Understanding how to manage these situations is essential for communicating effectively and confidently. Accents can vary widely, and in some cases, they may make it harder to understand the interviewer. However, with the right approach, you can handle any accent with ease and ensure you express yourself clearly.

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Tips for Handling Unfamiliar English Accents in Admission Interviews

Here are some Tips for Handling Unfamiliar English Accents in Admission Interviews to help you communicate confidently. With the right approach, you can understand different accents better and ensure clear, effective conversations during your interview.

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic

If you don’t understand something because of the accent, the first step is to remain calm. It’s completely normal to feel a bit uncertain, but getting anxious will only make it harder to concentrate. Remember that interviewers understand that different accents can complicate communication and will be patient with you.

2. Ask for Clarification Politely

If you didn’t catch the question, don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify. You might say, “I’m sorry, could you please repeat that?” or “Could you say that again more slowly?” Being polite and respectful demonstrates your eagerness to understand and engage in the conversation.

3. Listen Actively

Pay attention to the tone and context of the conversation to help you grasp the meaning behind unfamiliar words. Active listening allows you to pick up on cues that can make the message clearer. If the accent is different but the topic is familiar, your background knowledge can help bridge any gaps.

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4. Take Your Time to Respond

Don't rush your answers. Take a brief pause to collect your thoughts before answering. Speaking slowly and clearly can help the interviewer understand you better, especially if you're not confident in your accent. It's more beneficial to take a bit of extra time to ensure your response is clear than to hurry and risk being misunderstood.

5. Practice Listening to Different Accents

Before the interview, make an effort to listen to various English accents through podcasts, movies, or YouTube videos. You can find resources featuring American, British, Australian, and other international English accents. This practice will help you become familiar with different speaking styles, which can enhance your confidence during interviews.

6. Focus on Key Words and Context

If you miss some words, concentrate on the key terms and the overall context of the conversation. While English accents may differ in pronunciation, they often use the same vocabulary. By grasping the general topic of the question, you can still provide a relevant answer even if a few words are unclear.

7. Practice Speaking with Different Accents

Practising with a variety of accents can make you more adaptable during your interview. If you know someone who speaks with a different accent, try practising with them or even using language exchange apps where you can interact with native speakers of different accents. This will help you become more comfortable with diverse ways of speaking.

Also Check: Top 5 Tips to Master English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT®

8. Be Honest If You Don’t Understand

If you're still unclear after asking for clarification, it's perfectly fine to admit it. You can politely say, "I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand that. Could you explain it differently?" Most interviewers appreciate your honesty and will gladly rephrase the question to help you understand better.

I hope this blog on Tips for Handling Unfamiliar English Accents in Admission Interviews was helpful in preparing you for smooth and confident communication. With the right strategies and practice, you can overcome accent barriers and perform well in your interview. Stay calm, listen actively, and express yourself clearly. Good luck!

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