Overcoming Test Anxiety – My TOEFL Experience & Key Takeaways
- Quora
- Nov 17, 2018
- 2 min read
1. My TOEFL Exam Details
Exam Date: November 17, 2018 (Saturday)
Test Center: Begumpet, Hyderabad
2. My Preparation Strategy
Dedicated some time for preparation at the beginning of the week.
Reviewed the entire test pattern and practiced a few questions from each section.
Completed two mock tests before the actual exam.
Felt confident that my preparation was sufficient.
3. The Unexpected Challenge
Everything seemed fine until test day, but anxiety took over.
My reading and listening sections went smoothly as per my preparation.
Used my break time to mentally prepare for the speaking section (even practiced in the bathroom!).
Despite preparing for distractions, sudden tension overwhelmed me before the speaking section.
4. Speaking Section Struggles
Experienced extreme nervousness and couldn’t articulate my thoughts properly.
Stammered and repeated sentences multiple times in all six speaking questions.
The timer on the screen intensified my anxiety, causing my hands to shake.
5. How It Affected My Writing Section
The stress from the speaking section carried over to the writing section.
Though I consider myself decent at writing, my self-doubt made me fear I had messed it up.
Felt completely devastated after leaving the exam hall.
6. Emotional Impact After the Exam
I felt so frustrated that I had fleeting thoughts of giving up.
After speaking with friends, I started to feel better.
Realized that TOEFL is just a requirement—most universities only need a cutoff score (80-90), and an exceptionally high score isn’t always necessary.
7. Key Advice for Future Test Takers
Stay calm and relaxed before entering the exam hall.
Approach the TOEFL like any other normal test—avoid overhyping its importance.
Don’t panic! Anxiety can ruin your performance more than a lack of preparation.
Remember, TOEFL can be taken multiple times—one bad attempt does not define your abilities.
Keep a positive mindset: “If not you, who else can?”
8. Final Takeaway
"Just don’t panic, and I bet you’ll do your best!"
Shared by Lakshmi Sindhuja
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