Taking
the official TOEFL test for the first time can be intimidating and stressful. Why?
Because cheating is a problem—a big problem. As a result, test-center security
is very strict. Because security is strict, the atmosphere is tense. Test-takers,
having prepared for months, are nervous and worried. And for good reason. First,
you must arrive early and submit your passport; your passport is the only acceptable
form of ID. No passport? No test.
Next, you
must empty your pockets and put your personal possessions in a locker with a
key. Next, you will stand under a security camera and turn around with your
arms up. The camera will record your face for future ID, if necessary, and make
sure you have nothing on you, such as a smart phone, a pen, or cheat sheets.
Remember:
you can’t take anything into the test area, no phones, no dictionaries, no
food, no pens, no pencils, no coffee, no paper—nothing. Pencils and note paper
will be supplied.
Next, you
will be scanned with a hand-held, metal detecting device. When you have passed security,
you will be escorted to your seat, a cubicle with carpeted walls and a desktop
computer. Above you, a security camera will record your every move and play it
back live on a monitor in the test center control room.
Stressful?
Yes. And distracting, especially if you are taking the TOEFL test for the first
time. Because taking the TOEFL test for the first time is so stressful, many
score low. As a result, many retake the TOEFL test and score higher. Why? Because
they are familiar with the security process. As a result, there are no
surprises and no distractions; instead, they were able to focus on the test and
not on their nerves.
Remember:
to get the highest possible TOEFL score, there can be no surprises; you must
understand the task order, the question types, how to manage your time, and how
to give the speaking and writing raters what they are trained to look for; in
others words, no surprises. The same with test-center security. Being
comfortable in such a stressful environment is a critical part of playing the
TOEFL game.
If you need to take the TOEFL test two or three times to become
comfortable taking it, then do it. Your future depends on it.
