Struggling with the TOEFL Listening section? You’re not alone. This blog will show you simple ways to boost your score.
Many students in the UAE face trouble with fast conversations and academic talks in TOEFL Listening. But with the right tips and practice, you can understand more and answer better.
Let’s learn how to improve TOEFL Listening step by step, specially made for UAE students.
What Is TOEFL Listening?
The TOEFL Listening section checks how well you understand English talks, lectures, and conversations. You’ll hear recordings and answer questions.
Format:
- 6 recordings
- 3 academic lectures
- 3 student conversations
- Questions per recording: 5–6
- Time: About 40 minutes
You must:
- Listen carefully
- Catch main ideas, details, and speaker’s tone
- Take quick notes
Why Is TOEFL Listening Difficult for UAE Students?
Many learners in the UAE speak Arabic or Urdu as their first language. They may find these things hard:
- Fast speech with different accents
- New academic terms
- No chance to replay audio
- Long recordings with many details
Don’t worry. The tips below will help.
How to Improve TOEFL Listening in UAE?
Here are the best ways to get better at listening:
1. Listen to English Every Day
Make English a part of your daily life.
What to do:
- Watch English news (BBC, CNN)
- Listen to podcasts (TOEFL Talks, VOA Learning English)
- Watch movies with English subtitles
Tip: Listen for 30 minutes daily.
2. Focus on American Accents
TOEFL uses American English.
Practice with:
- TED Talks
- American YouTubers
- University lectures on YouTube
Why it helps: You get used to their speed and sound.
3. Learn Common Academic Words
TOEFL lectures often use big academic words.
How to improve:
- Make a list of 100–200 words
- Use flashcards or apps like Quizlet
- Revise 10 words daily
Examples:
- Analyze, assume, impact, theory, method
4. Improve Note-taking Skills
You cannot pause or replay the audio, so notes help a lot.
Try this:
- Write short words and symbols
- Practice writing while listening to real talks
- Use bullets, arrows, or short forms
Example:
“Govt ↑ taxes → public unhappy”
5. Take Practice Tests
Doing mock tests is the best way to prepare.
What to use:
- Official ETS TOEFL website
- TutorHelpMe TOEFL practice classes
- TOEFL test prep books
Tip: Try to complete full listening tests in one go.
6. Understand Question Types
You will get different questions:
- Main idea
- Detail
- Function (Why did the speaker say that?)
- Inference
- Organization
Knowing the types helps you listen better.
7. Don’t Panic If You Miss a Part
Stay calm if you don’t understand something.
What to do:
- Focus on the next part
- Don’t try to remember every word
- Use your notes to guess the meaning
8. Practice Paraphrasing
TOEFL questions don’t use the same words as the recording.
Practice this:
- Listen to a sentence
- Say it in different words
- This trains your brain to catch the meaning
9. Study with a Tutor
Sometimes, expert help saves time.
TutorHelpMe Offers:
- One-on-one TOEFL listening support
- Mock tests
- Feedback to improve quickly
You can also book a free assessment with our TOEFL team.
10. Stay Positive and Track Progress
Improving listening takes time.
Try this:
- Keep a study notebook
- Write your test scores weekly
- Reward yourself for progress
Conclusion
Now you know how to improve TOEFL Listening in UAE. With daily practice, note-taking, and the right support, you can boost your score fast.
Start small. Listen every day, learn new words, and take notes. If you need help, book a free TOEFL session with TutorHelpMe today.
Read More UAE TOEFL Score Requirements 2025
FAQs
1. How long is the TOEFL Listening test?
It’s about 40 minutes with 6 recordings and questions.
2. Can I pause the recordings?
No, the audio plays once. You must focus and take notes.
3. Are accents used in TOEFL?
Yes, mostly American. Sometimes other accents are used, but not always.
4. Can I practice TOEFL Listening online?
Yes! Many websites offer free and paid practice, including ETS and TutorHelpMe.
5. What is a good TOEFL Listening score?
Most universities ask for 20 to 25 out of 30.
