I Speak Good English in School — So Why do I Struggle to Pass TOEFL

[Temi Odurinde]

This is one of the most common questions students ask inside the Odurinde TOEFL Community Nigeria forum.
Many Nigerians speak English every day. We use it in school, at work, in movies, on social media, and during conversations with friends. So when students first attempt the TOEFL exam, many are surprised that the test still feels difficult.
The truth is that TOEFL is not just testing whether you can speak English casually. It is testing whether you can survive academically in an English-speaking university environment.
Even in Nigeria, different styles of English are spoken by different strata of the society, this includes jargon specific to specific industry. For example, in banking, they would say something like “clearing” or “ instrument”. Clearing is whether a fund paid on receipt has arrived and instruments refers to cheque, bonds etc.

Here are some of the biggest reasons why many Nigerian students struggle with TOEFL even when they already speak good English.
1. TOEFL Uses Academic English
The English used in everyday Nigerian conversations is very different from the English used in TOEFL lectures and university discussions.
TOEFL passages often include:
Science topics
History lectures
Psychology discussions
Academic research explanations
This means students must understand formal vocabulary and academic communication styles.

2. TOEFL Is Also a Strategy Exam
Many students believe:
“If I speak English well, I should pass easily.”
But TOEFL also tests:
Time management
Note-taking
Listening focus
Essay structure
Speaking organization
Even fluent English speakers can lose marks if they do not understand the exam format.

3. Nigerian School English Is Different
Most Nigerian schools prepare students mainly for:
WAEC
NECO
JAMB
These exams focus heavily on grammar, comprehension, and written answers.
TOEFL, however, focuses more on:
Academic listening
Integrated writing
Fast speaking responses
Critical thinking
This difference shocks many first-time test takers.

4. The Listening Section Can Feel Fast
One major challenge is the listening section.
Students hear:
American accents
Long university lectures
Fast conversations
Implied meanings
Even students who understand English may struggle to keep up while taking notes under time pressure.

5. Speaking Into a Computer Feels Strange
Many Nigerians speak confidently in person but become nervous when speaking into a microphone during TOEFL.
The speaking section requires students to:
Think quickly
Organize ideas fast
Speak clearly within seconds
Stay calm under pressure
This takes practice.

6. Academic Writing Requires Structure
TOEFL writing is not the same as ordinary school essays.
Students are expected to use:
Thesis statements
Topic sentences
Logical arguments
Supporting examples
Clear transitions
Without practice, even good English speakers can struggle.

7. TOEFL Is Timed Aggressively
The exam moves very quickly.
Students must:
Read fast
Listen carefully
Take notes quickly
Respond immediately
This pressure alone can affect performance.

8. Vocabulary Depth Matters
TOEFL uses academic vocabulary that many students rarely use in everyday conversations.
Examples include:
Hypothesis
Interpretation
Significant
Conventional
Sustainable
Knowing conversational English alone is not enough.

9. Fear and Anxiety Affect Performance
For many students, TOEFL represents:
Scholarship opportunities
Studying abroad
Career advancement
Visa applications
This pressure can create anxiety that affects concentration during the exam.

10. Many Students Underestimate TOEFL Preparation
One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming:
“I already speak English, so I don’t need to study.”
But TOEFL is a specialized international exam. Students who practice TOEFL-specific strategies usually perform much better.
Lastly
Speaking English is a strong advantage, but TOEFL tests whether you can use English effectively in an academic university environment under strict time conditions.
That is why preparation matters.
If you are currently preparing for TOEFL in Nigeria, what section do you find most difficult:
Reading?
Listening?
Speaking?
Writing?
Share your experience below and let’s learn together inside the Odurinde TOEFL Community Nigeria forum.

• This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Temi Odurinde.
• This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Temi Odurinde.

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