📚I’m Taking the TOEFL on March 5—Here’s How I’m Preparing

shanitoeflyogalove
Feb 26
3 min read

As a TOEFL teacher, I’ve guided many students through their test preparation journeys. I’ve heard from countless students that the test has changed significantly, and I want to experience those changes firsthand. That’s why, on March 5, I’ll be sitting for the TOEFL exam at an in-person test center in Maryland rather than taking the at-home version.

Why am I doing this? Because I want to put myself in your shoes. I want to feel the nerves, the time pressure, and the challenge of answering questions under exam conditions—just like you. By experiencing the test myself, I can better understand what my students go through and improve my teaching strategies.

My TOEFL Study Plan

Just like you, I am preparing with a structured plan. Click here to see the plan I created for myself. I know that effective preparation requires a balance of skill-building, practice tests, and strategic time management.

How a TOEFL Teacher Prepares for the Test

Even though I teach TOEFL every day, preparing for the exam myself is a unique challenge. Here are some strategies I’m using that might help you as well:

1. Reviewing the Latest TOEFL Format & Question Types ✏️

The TOEFL has changed, so I am carefully reviewing the updated Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections to ensure I fully understand the question formats and scoring criteria.

2. Taking a Full-Length TOEFL Practice Test ✏️

I’m treating my preparation just like my students would. That means taking a full-length TOEFL practice test under timed conditions. This will help me assess my strengths and weaknesses before test day.

3. Practicing Speaking with a Timer ✏️

Since the TOEFL Speaking section is one of the most stressful parts for many students, I am practicing my responses using a timer and recording my answers. I want to feel the same pressure you do when responding within 45-60 seconds.

4. Writing Essays Under Time Limits ✏️

I may teach TOEFL Writing daily, but that doesn’t mean I can ignore my own preparation. I’m practicing the Integrated Writing Task and Academic Discussion Task under the official time constraints to refine my approach.

5. Strengthening Listening Skills ✏️

Since TOEFL Listening is all about capturing key details and main ideas, I’m listening to academic lectures and taking notes, just like you should. This will help me identify which note-taking strategies work best under real test conditions.

6. Managing Test-Day Anxiety ✏️

Even as a teacher, I feel nervous about taking the test! To manage my anxiety, I’m practicing deep breathing techniques and visualization exercises. This will help me stay calm and focused during the exam.

✨ Final Thoughts: The Student & Teacher Perspective ✨

Taking the TOEFL myself allows me to connect with my students on a deeper level. I want to experience what you experience, so I can offer better guidance and insights.

I’m excited, but I’m also nervous—just like you. Let’s go through this journey together!

Stay tuned for my test-day experience and results, and don’t forget to check out my study plan to see how I’m preparing.

✨After the Test: A Special Workshop for You✨

Once I’ve taken the TOEFL on March 5, I’ll be hosting a TOEFL Ask Me Anything Workshop. This will be a free session exclusively for my current and past students, where I’ll share my firsthand experience, insights, and tips from the test. You’ll have the opportunity to ask me anything about the TOEFL—whether it’s about preparation, strategies, or what it’s really like to sit for the exam. If you are interested, click the button and write - TOEFL AMA, I will send you the invitation.