Top Reasons for failure in language tests like TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS? | Gradway

Language tests like TOEFL, PTE and IELTS are difficult and challenging for everyone. Even highly educated professionals and people who speak English as their first language, in many cases, fail in these tests in their first attempts. Since we are here discussing passing and failing language tests, it is important to mention that there is no pass or fail test score for these exams. Failing here means getting lower test scores in the exams than the score you were aiming to achieve to enter a foreign university of your choice. Not meeting your desired test score will result in shattering your dream to study in a specific college or university.

Why do people fail in language tests?

Passing language tests like TOEFL, PTE and IELTS is extremely important if you want to fulfill your ‘study abroad’ dream. All these language tests are meant to test your depth of knowledge about the English language. So you must go deeper into the language and study all its nitty-gritty in detail. Learning from others’ mistakes is the best way to pass these tests successfully in your first attempt. Here are some reasons responsible for people failing in language tests:

Starting your test preparations late

Not starting the preparation for your language tests at the right time will lead to incomplete and improper preparation. It is recommended to devote at least 3 months to understand the depth of the language and prepare for all the aspects of your language tests. Starting your preparation late and devoting less than 3 months might lead to failure in IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.

Weak study ethic

Setting aside 3 or more months for preparation will only ensure success if you have a strong work ethic. Studying for an hour a day and skipping regular revisions will lead you nowhere. Weak study ethic is one of the biggest reasons why people fail in language tests.

Underestimating the difficulty level of language tests

It is common for highly educated people to underestimate the difficulty level of language tests like TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS. It is generally their overconfidence arising from their expert knowledge of the English language. Such underestimation prevents them from going through the depth of the language and results in their failure to reach their desired test score.

Lack of proper planning

No matter how many months you devote to your language test preparations, you won’t succeed if you don’t plan properly. Proper planning will help you achieve your desired test score whereas poor planning leads to failing badly in your language tests. Making study timetables, dividing the whole syllabus into small pieces of information, reserving your weekends for revisions, and following all these deadlines will prevent you from failing your language tests. People who ignore the importance of developing such a planning structure for test preparation are bound to fail.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the reasons why people fail in language tests will help you eliminate those reasons when you are preparing for your tests. If you study with complete focus, strong study ethic, and proper planning for 3 or more months, you will never fail your language tests.