Studying for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) can be difficult, but it can be made easier by using mock tests, also known as practice tests, as a tool. Using mock tests will help prepare you for the test by giving you a few chances to test your knowledge before the actual test. Here are five benefits that test takers can enjoy by using these as a study aid.
1- Familiarize Yourself with the Test
Many mock exams use questions from previous versions of the test, which can help test takers familiarize themselves with the types of questions that will be asked when they take it for real. This can help you get more comfortable with taking the test and reduce anxiety when the big day comes.
2- Analyze Strengths and Weaknesses
There are four sections to the TOEFL exam: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Taking a mock test can help identify which subjects need work and which ones you’re comfortable enough with that you can spend your time focusing on other areas. For example, if you get 80% of the questions right in reading, listening, and speaking, but only 40% in writing, your time will be best spent working on that section, rather than trying to get 100% in the other three.
3- Time Management
Because each section of the test has its own time limits, taking a mock test will help you get a good feeling about how to pace things and how long each section will take. When you take the actual test, you’ll have a fuller understanding of how much time you’ll have for each part and whether you need to try and work faster through a section or if you can take your time because you’ll comfortably finish before time runs out.
4- Potentially Prevent Test Anxiety
According to a 2010 study, between 10 and 40% of people suffer from test anxiety, which can make them feel nauseous or uncomfortable when taking standardized tests. Taking a mock test at home with no pressure and getting a high score can reduce those anxious feelings, which are often borne out of a fear of failure.
5- Make Sure You’re Ready
If you haven’t already booked an appointment for the actual TOEFL test, taking mock tests beforehand can help you decide if you’re ready for the real thing and when you should take it. If you’re taking the computerized TOEFL-iBT, for example, and your mock test score is 105, you could probably take the real test today and get an excellent score. On the other hand, if your score is 85, you may want to take some more time to review and practice before taking the official examination.
These are just five of the many benefits of using mock tests to help study for a TOEFL exam. Since many of these practice tests are available online for free, they’re an excellent resource for prospective exam takers of all skill levels. Whether you’re planning on taking the test one day in the future or have a date already scheduled, good luck!