TOEFL Test Research Articles

The Analysis of Mandatory TOEFL Test Policy in University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA

The Analysis of Mandatory TOEFL Test Policy in University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA

Improving Students’ TOEFL Listening Skills Through Online Learning During New Normal

This research aimed to know the improvement of listening skills in TOEFL tests through online learning during the new normal. The focus of this research was to improve students' Listening skills for the TOEFL test. The materials of this research focused on TOEFL listening by using a combination of three online applications, namely Zoom, Edmodo, and WhatsApp. This research used a mixed-method design, quantitative and qualitative data collection. The samples involved 47 students of the English Education study program at Megarezky University by using purposive random sampling. Pre and Post-test result, observation, and open-ended questions are used to collect data. Pre and post-test results of students were analyzed by using the T-test of the SPSS 20 version. Open-ended questions and observation are used as additional data from SPSS analysis. The results of this study showed that a mean score of 16.4 on pre-tests improved compared with a 33.5 mean score on the post-test. Based on students' open-ended questions, students wrote positively about the online learning process and claimed that it helped them to increase their skills in listening. Using several methods to optimized online learning during the new normal is essential, especially for improving students listening skills.

An Analysis of Students� Difficulties in Learning TOEFL at Seventh Semester of Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar

The purpose of this study is to investigate the students� difficulties in conducting the TOEFL test in the skill of structure and written expressions. Descriptive qualitative was implemented in this research with students of the seventh semester of English Department of Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar as the data. The result was the most difficult skills faced by the students were skill 25, it was the use parallel structure with paired conjunction, with only 3 students. Some factors causing the skill to be the most difficult was students lost their focus in managing time and they were lack of knowledge and training in practising the section of structure (grammar).

The Implementation of ORESTE using Basson Rank for Selecting The TOEFL Preparation Courses in Yogyakarta

TOEFL is one of the most frequently used international standardized tests for registering for masters and doctoral degrees, seeking study scholarships or for promotions. Unfortunately, there are still many students and employees who still experience difficulties in taking the TOEFL test. This is what then becomes the reason for them to take English courses, especially to prepare themselves for preparing the TOEFL test. Yogyakarta, which has the title of "Student City", has many campuses and many English courses that offer the TOEFL Preparation Course. There are many types of TOEFL formats and many TOEFL Preparation Programs are offered by English courses in Yoggyakarta. The TOEFL Preparation courses has various programs including different price, teacher competencies, and facilities. In this study, the ORESTE method was used to help the people determining the best course according to its ranking. This method is one of the Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods used to find alternatives using predetermined criteria and preference weights. The criteria used are price, instructor, materials, facilities and location. The results showed that the best TOEFL course ranking/order alternative was A16 with a preference score of 3.9425 and the course with the lowest score was A4 with a score of 9.878177.

The Role of TOEFL Preparation Courses in Improving Test Score

The study analyses the implementation of TOEFL Preparation and provides conclusions and suggestions to improve participants' ability to face the TOEFL test. In the study, 40 participants participated in the implementation of TOEFL preparation courses which consisted of three parts, namely listening, structure, and reading. The analysis results showed that the average TOEFL score of the participants was 448, with the highest score reaching 540 and the lowest score of 376. Although the average score met the minimum requirements at IBIK 57 Campus, there were participants who did not reach the standard. Suggestions included individual coaching, increased listening practice, strengthened knowledge of grammar and structure, reading comprehension strategies, as well as encouragement for self-study and use of additional resources.

Exposing EFL Students’ FLRA in Reading Section: The Case of TOEFL Course

Foreign Language Reading Anxiety (FLRA) becomes increasingly crucial for EFL students since it prevents the learners' reading grasp. This study reports on college students’ reflections on reading. The study's main objective was to determine students' reading anxiety levels and discover the most potential factors contributing to students’ Foreign Language Reading Anxiety (FLRA) in TOEFL Test. It was administered to 22 students of the English Department in Universitas Pembinaan Masyarakat Indonesia using purposive sampling in the academic year 2022/2023. To achieve this purpose, this study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected using a Foreign Language Reading Anxiety Scale (FLRAS) questionnaire with five-point Likert scale participants and an interview sheet to examine the levels of their reading anxiety and its factors. The results demonstrate that the student's reading anxiety levels were 18% in the low category, 64% in the medium category, and 18% in the high category. It indicates that they experienced a medium level of anxiety while reading with unfamiliar vocabulary and unknown topics, and the fear of making mistakes was identified as the significant factor of FL reading anxiety.

Indonesian EFL’s Learning Strategies and Personality Types in Achieving TOEFL Score Above 500

There are many English proficiency exams available, including the TOEIC, TOEFL, and IELTS. TOEFL is one of the most well-known English proficiency tests in Indonesia, which is taken for both academic and professional requirements. The average TOEFL score for Indonesian students is still below the global norm of 500. Based on the problems and the difficulties faces by most of Indonesia learners, this study tries to analyze the learning strategies used by learners who successfully achieve TOEFL scores above 500. This study also delves into the learner's personality types in order to understand the characteristics of each type that affected their learning strategy. The 15 participants are randomly selected from Indonesian EFL students between the ages of 20 to 25. The participants must have taken the TOEFL test and received the score above 500. Both quantitative and qualitative writing are used in this study. The quantitative method used in analysing the data collection, the researchers employed descriptive statistic data analysis in Excel to find out the mean. Two different types of instruments were used to collect the data: Oxford's Strategy Inventory for Language Learning and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The result of this study shows; metacognitive strategy as the dominant strategy utilised by the majority of learners and there are 8 personality types such as; ISTJ, INFJ, ISFP, INFP, ENFP, ESTJ, ESFJ, and ENFJ.

Nurturing Excellence: Leveraging Service Quality for Competitive Advantage in Islamic Boarding Schools

This study illustrates the quality of service in building competitive advantage in Nurul Jadid Islamic Boarding School. This research uses a qualitative case study approach. Data were obtained from observations and interviews. The resource persons in this study amounted to seven people and consisted of leaders of the Nurul Jadid Islamic boarding school, bureau leaders, bureau staff, students, guardians, alumni and the community around the Nurul Jadid Islamic boarding school. Data analysis using Miilles and Hubberman data reduction, data display and data verification. The results obtained from the application of service quality in building competitive advantage at Nurul Jadid Islamic Boarding School are (1) Tangible: real services such as E-Bekal services, BPS, student visits, goods deposit services, and so on, (2) Reliability: services in the form of reliability such as TOEFL test services, service SOPs, service regulations, teacher centralization, etc., (3) Responsiveness: responsive services or complaints from guardians in the form of guardian groups, (4) Insurance: health insurance, employment and pension security, (5) Empathy: the role of guardians for students

Difficulties of Non-English Study Program Students in Carrying Out the Institutional TOEFL Test

This study aims to provide an analysis of TOEFL results and examine the challenges faced by non-English study program students when tackling TOEFL exam questions. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, with a sample size of 30 students selected through purposive sampling from a larger population of 100 students. Data collection involved the administration of TOEFL tests and conducting interviews. The findings indicate that among the different sections of the TOEFL, Listening Comprehension posed the greatest difficulty for the participants, followed by Reading Comprehension and Structure and Written Expression. Based on the conclusions drawn from the data and explanations, it can be inferred that participants encountered the most challenges in the Listening Comprehension section of the TOEFL exam. Specifically, they struggled with long conversations, spoken passages, and short conversations in sequential order. The second most challenging section for students was Structure and Written Expression. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that within the three TOEFL sections, Structure was perceived as more difficult than Written Expression. In contrast, Reading Comprehension appeared to be the easiest section. The findings suggest that identifying difficult words presented the most significant challenge in Reading Comprehension, while identifying topics, explanatory sentences, and references were considered relatively easier. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the specific difficulties faced by non-English study program students when attempting TOEFL exam questions, highlighting the areas that require further attention and support in their language learning journey

Pelatihan Strategi Pengerjaan TOEFL Test Bagian Listening kepada Siswa Kelas XI SMAN Jatinangor Sumedang

Having a fluent Enlish skill is necessary for students because this skill can support their study and career in the future. One of ways to measure one’s English skill accurately is through TOEFL test. Listening is one of skills that will be assessed in the TOEFL test and many students consider that listening is hard. Therefore, this training is aimed at improving students’ knowledge of some strategies in answering TOEFL test, especially in listening skill. The method used in this community service is Asset Based Community Development. The data results show that most of participants could understand the strategies of answering TOEFL test, listening section and they could apply them in answering the questions very well.

Correlation between anxiety and critical reading ability of Indonesian English as a Foreign Language students

This study investigates the possible relationship between reading anxiety and the critical reading ability of tertiary EFL students majoring in English education at a state university in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Thirty-two students were selected utilizing convenience sampling as the research sample. By employing a correlational approach, the instrument used for this analysis was a TOEFL test consisting of 30 questions to measure students' ability to read critically. In addition, a questionnaire was also developed based on the theory of experts composed of 20 statements used to measure students' reading anxiety. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to investigate the relationship between reading anxiety and students' critical reading ability. The study found that 1) most students experience anxiety at the intermediate level, 2) the level of students' critical reading ability is at the average level, and 3) there is a significant relationship between students' reading anxiety and critical reading ability. The results imply that the reading anxiety students experience correlates to their scores in critical reading, leading to a significant effect of reading anxiety on students' critical reading skills.

Exploring EFL Students Difficulties and Strategies in Learning TOEFL ITP of Structure and Written Expression

Nowadays the TOEFL test is very important. The TOEFL test is not only to measure English proficiency, but also for the sake of scholarship requirements, and as a requirement to graduate from college. This study explores the difficulties of EFL students in learning the TOEFL ITP of Structure and Written Expression (SWE) and how EFL students overcome difficulties in learning the TOEFL ITP of SWE. This study uses a narrative inquiry design. The data used in this study is qualitative data obtained from information provided by students through questionnaires and interviews. The results of the study show that there are several difficulties for students in learning TOEFL ITP, namely sentences with multiple clauses, sentences with inverted subjects and verbs, problems with prepositions, problems with the form of the verb, sentences with one clause, problems with subject/verb agreement. The way students overcome difficulties in the TOEFL ITP of SWE is to re-learn what has been taught by the tutor, reopen the module, learn from several other references besides the reference given by the tutor, learn from youtube, re-learn with classmates who have mastered the material. , do the practice questions independently. The findings in this research are expected to give an empirical contribution to TOEFL teachers to pay attention to students' difficulties in learning TOEFL ITP, especially SWE.

Training on TOEFL Exam Success Strategy for PPG Teachers of English Subject in Central Java

This Community Service activity aims to increase the proficiency of PPG English teachers in finishing the TOEFL-based English test questions. To achieve this goal the methods in implementing this activity is through Webinar and training with a combination of theory and practice as well as discussion and performance of the results of the training at the end of the activity. The result of implementing this activity is that TOEFL-based English training is one of the efforts that can be made to improve English mastery skills for teachers, participants benefit from knowledge about the theoretical basis, principles, and strategies of the TOEFL test and its grid so that it better equips the students' teachers in dealing with TOEFL-based English questions, as well as improving the English language skills of teachers in general. Moreover, the results of this activity can be used as material for consideration in making policies related to improving the quality of teachers in their respective schools

The Relationship between listening strategy used by high and low achievers and their listening comprehension

The present study explored the strategy used by high achievers (N=12) and low achievers (N=11). More specifically, it aimed to identify whether the listening strategy used by high achievers correlates significantly with listening comprehension and whether the listening strategy used by low achievers correlates significantly with listening comprehension. A listening comprehension test adopted from a paper-based Longman TOEFL test was used to assess participants’ listening comprehension. Listening strategies used the instrument developed by the researcher based on relevant literature; the listening strategy questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients were computed to answer the research question. The statistical analysis on correlation used by high achievers shows the significant firstly cognitive strategies get the coefficient correlation -.065>.05 secondly metacognitive strategies get the coefficient correlation -.243 >.05 and thirdly socio-affective strategies get the coefficient correlation of .234>.05 And from the result of data analysis The statistical analysis on correlation used by low achievers shows the significant firstly cognitive strategies get the coefficient correlation -.077>.05 secondly metacognitive strategies get the coefficient correlation -.231>.05 and thirdly socio-affective strategies get the coefficient correlation of .017>.05 So, the correlation between the listening strategy used by High achievers and Low achievers and listening comprehension was not significantly correlated

Investigating Problems Encountered By The Test Takers During Taking Toefl Test

One of standardized test that measure students’ proficiency level in English which is called as Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) has been used worldwide by more than 9.000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than hundreds countries in the world. Nowadays, English proficiency test is taken not only on purpose of pursuing study abroad but also as a prerequisite to complete college, especially in institutions. Further, it is also used in the admissions process of applicants to get a job especially in companies where English is used to communicate. However, to pass the TOFL test is not an easy task and even there are many test taker failed the test though they had spent months preparing for the test. There are many problem happened during the test that caused the test taker into failure. This research aimed to investigate problems that occur during the test. This study used descriptive qualitative design and the subjects were ten college students who had taken TOEFL prediction test in the Language Center of Mandalika University of Education (UNDIKMA). The instrument used in this study was an interview which then the result of interview was analyzed in three steps, i.e. data condensation, display, and conclusion. The result of the study showed that most of the test taker failed and made a bad score due to some problems, i.e. less practice, lack of vocabulary, bad time management, feeling nervous, etc. It was noted that those who had minimum problem scored higher than those who had various problem.

Students’ Opinion towards the Use of Skimming and Scanning Techniques for TOEFL in Reading Comprehension

The aim of this study is to know students’ opinion in using skimming and scanning techniques in reading comprehension of TOEFL test. This research was conducted based on a quantitative descriptive research design involving 30 English department students of Serambi Mekkah University from semester 7, 9, and 11. In collecting the data, the writers used a questionnaire which consists of 12 items. The findings indicated that 93.34% of students agree that both skimming and scanning techniques eased them in answering reading comprehension questions on the TOEFL test. Furthermore, 96.67% of students claimed that using skimming and scanning were effective in answering reading comprehension questions on the TOEFL test. It can be concluded that the students’ opinion towards the use of skimming and scanning is positive.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of the TOEFL ITP Short Course Test Program at CLT Unika Soegijapranata on Obtaining The Expected Score

In the current era of globalization, proficiency of foreign languages in specifically English can lead to success. Even though many people learn English and in particulaly TOEFL which is one of the prerequisites for applying scholarship and higher degree of education, many still find difficulty to do TOEFL test. As a result, many get TOEFL score below their expectation. CLT Unika Soegijapranata, an institution appointed to administer the official TOEFL ITP, initiated a short course program for the TOEFL ITP test. This study aims to measure effectiveness of the TOEFL ITP short course program regarding to the achievement of scores. The research used descriptive quantitative in which questionnaire was used to acquire primary data. The results show that the TOEFL ITP short course program is quite effective since it can help the participants to get TOEFL score above 500. CLT Unika Soegijapranta can continue to innovate for this program remains relevant amidst an increasingly massive era.

TOEFL PREPARATION TRAINING PROGRAM TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ TOEFL SCORE

TOEFL is one method of measuring English competence and serving as a standard for anyone studying or speaking English as a foreign language. Because the TOEFL is a globally renowned language test that certifies one's English ability, there is a minimum score to achieve in order to complete a certain requirement, such as a support document to apply for a job, institution, or study abroad. It is challenging for almost all Indonesians to attain a minimum TOEFL score. The purpose of this article was to figure out the effectiveness of the TOEFL preparation training program in enhancing students' TOEFL score. This paper gathered information using action research, which consists of four steps: planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The TOEFL training program was carried out four times a week for a month, including eight meetings for listening comprehension, ten meetings for structure and written expression, and ten meetings for reading comprehension. The class divided into three classes for each class consisting of 32 students. From the result, it can be seen that there is a significant improvement after the students participated in the TOEFL training program. It showed the students who reach score ≤400 in post-test more than in pre-test and the score increased as expected. On the pre-test, the students who got scores 400-500 was only 3% and after the training was given it increased became 13%. It can be concluded that TOEFL training program not only helps the students to improve their scores but also their comprehension of the TOEFL test

Problems in Reading Comprehension of TOEFL Prediction Test

TOEFL is a standardized test that has been used as requirement to graduate from university. However, students frequently struggle to pass the TOEFL reading test. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify (1) which sub-skills were the most challenging for students in reading comprehension of TOEFL test and (2) factors affecting the students’ difficulty in answering the reading comprehension section of the TOEFL test. This study applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 32 students from various majors of Universitas Pamulang were samples for the test. The data were obtained by test results and interview results. The test result showed that the most challenging problems in reading comprehension were vocabulary (25 %), unstated detail question (20%), stated detail question (18%), pronoun referent question (15%), inference question (12%), and main idea question (10%). Moreover, the interview results revealed that lack of vocabulary, slow reading, and lack of strategy were factors affecting students’ difficulty. Therefore, TOEFL teachers and trainers are strongly advised to devote more time to prepare for the topics with the highest percentage of errors.

A Functional Analysis of Inversion in English Sentences

Inversion is defined as the appearance of the main verb before the subject of an utterance. Using descriptive qualitative approach, this research analyzed phenomenon of language which happens at present. The object of this research is the inversion systems in English. The sources of the data are taken from English books, papers and other resources such as TOEFL test preparation books that related to the topic. In gathering data, the researcher used two techniques namely teknik catat (noting technique) and teknik pisah (separating technique). The result of analyses showed that there are six types of inversion system in terms of forms namely; inverting the main verb to subject, inverting auxiliary verb to subject, adding the auxiliary verb preceding the subject, Inverting the adverb and the subject, Inverting the preposition and the subject, Sentence beginning with there. Meanwhile types of inverted sentence are classified into six. They are interrogative sentence, conditional sentence, statement, comparative sentence, exclamation, reporting sentence. In term of function, there are three functions of inversion namely, emphasizing the negative expression, emphasizing the time expression, and as a variation.