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INVESTIGATING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN ANSWERING TOEFL PREDICTION TEST: A CASE STUDY AT AN ISLAMIC HIGHER INSTITUTION

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ABSTRACT This study examines the challenges and strategies of seventh-semester English Language Education students in taking the TOEFL test at a State Islamic University in Palembang, South Sumatra. The mixed-methods study utilized a questionnaire and interviews to triangulate the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS and thematic analysis techniques. Students reported distinct difficulties across the test’s three sections. In the Listening Comprehension section, students struggled with idiomatic expressions and grouped phrases (M = 3.28). High scorers used prediction, focused listening, and exposure to various English dialects, while lower scorers relied on guessing. In the Structure and Written Expression section, time pressure and carelessness (M = 3.30) were key issues. Strategies included structural analysis, elimination techniques, and checking clause-level grammar. In Reading Comprehension, students had difficulty with detail-oriented questions (M = 3.16) and interpreting author attitude (M = 2.84). Successful strategies involved skimming, keyword scanning, summarizing, and paraphrasing. High-performing students across all sections demonstrated strong metacognitive strategies such as planning, monitoring, and emotional regulation. In contrast, many others struggled to implement known strategies during timed tests, revealing a gap between strategic knowledge and execution. The findings suggest that explicit instruction and regular practice in strategy use, combined with exposure to authentic English materials, are essential to improve TOEFL performance and build learner autonomy. Keywords: TOEFL Prediction Test, learning strategies, test-taking challenges, English Education

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Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

T1842212025

Publisher

Palembang : Prodi Magister Pendidikan Bahasa, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Sriwijaya., 2025

Collation

vi, 48 hlm.; ilus.; tab.; 29 cm

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Classification

371.307

Content Type

Text

Media Type

unmediated

Carrier Type

other (computer)

Edition

-

Subject(s)

Teknik Pembelajaran
Prodi Magister Pendidikan Bahasa

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

SEW

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