Overcoming Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Pakistani Test-Takers in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Abstract

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an important exam for non-native English speakers who want to study in English-speaking countries. In Pakistan, students face several challenges when preparing for the TOEFL. This study examines these challenges, focusing on language skills, cultural differences, and educational systems. Many learners struggle with academic English, particularly in vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. Culturally, limited interaction with native speakers makes it hard for them to practice speaking and listening. Furthermore, the education system often prioritizes memorization over critical thinking, which affects their ability to handle the exam's interactive parts. The study was descriptive and quantitative in its nature and scope. Researchers used questionnaire and observation checklist to collect feedback from students and teachers, highlighting the need for better teaching methods that cater to these issues. The instruments were administered after the process of validation through pilot testing. The data was obtained electronically through using Google forms. The findings indicated multi-dimensional challenges confronted by test takers including academic, linguistic, cultural, psychological, pedagogical, assessment, and motivational issues. The results further indicate that improving language-training programs to the English instructors and providing more resources for real-life English practice to the candidates can help Pakistani learners get better grades in the TOEFL exam.