The EFL University Students’ Problems in Answering the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A Study in Indonesian Context

Merina Devira; Makhroji Makhroji

Merina Devira english Education Department, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, Samudra University, Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia
Makhroji Makhroji english Education Department, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, Samudra University, Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia

Keywords: TOEFL; TOEFL Prediction; TOEFL Preparation; Students’ Problems.

Abstract

Abstract— TOEFL is a standard language testing used to assess the students’ English proficiency. This paper aims to explore the students’ problems in answering the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A qualitative method was used in this study where the data taken from an in-depth semi-structured interview and TOEFL test. The subjects of this research were 30 students from five different faculties of Samudra University in Aceh, Indonesia. To gain the data, the subjects were tested and interviewed. The data analysis revealed that the students’ level difficulty in answering the TOEFL test was about above 60 per cent. The main problems of the students in answering the TOEFL test were described in several reasons, such as fewer English basic skills, no TOEFL preparation, and students’ personal perception. Further, investigation on students’ problems of TOEFL learning skills in each test section are needed and the provision of TOEFL subjects for the students is suggested to the university.