It is just to get marks less than the so called “Pass Marks” assumed necessary to qualify for the next phase of education. But, nowadays, failing in an exam has become a matter of prestige. A person getting the exact pass mark is considered very smart when compared to the one who gets a mark lesser.
Even though the hard work put into the exam preparation is same the results may vary due to luck. This is true because a person getting just one mark less than pass mark might have got through if he had one more known bit in the exam. So, why do we really worry if we fail in an exam? It is just a warning that we must be more thorough in our preparation for next time. It does not mean that we are less capable than those who have passed. We only need to put more effort for the forthcoming tests.
Whether you’re suffering from a big failure or any stress from not – being – successful – in – the – first – TOEIC – test, I submit to you these 5 tips to fight your way back into the light:
1. Accept positive feedbacks: And when you do turn to the outside world (teachers, friends, supervisors, co-workers) for affirmation, as we all must do as a matter of course, make sure you accept the good feedback as quickly as you accept the bad. Positive feedback matters too because it helps us determine when we’re on the right track
2. Get past being devastated as quickly as possible – as harsh as this sounds, you really do just need to get back to work as soon as you can. Those that do, have the best chance of passing the next exam. Start by doing MBEs.
3. Find out why you failed - this starts by reading your TOEIC scores. When you get your scores, don’t panic and don’t make assumptions about any one part of the test. Take the time to read the materials that come with your score sheet that explain the raw and scaled scores.
4. Commit to taking and passing the next exam – in almost every case, I would recommend taking the next test after 2 months. Obviously there are sometimes reasons to sit out a period of prepartion – but in most cases, the best advice is to take the very next exam. Think about it, the material seems like it has fallen out of your head right now – just think how hard it will be to put it all back together if you wait another six months – that would be a whole year since your last review – not a good plan.
5. Develop a plan of attack – Your plan might include taking another TOEIC course, hiring a tutor, or continuing your studies on your own. There are many courses available that cater to different needs – small classes, private tutorials. Do your research and due diligence before enrolling in a course. Ask for references, ask to see the course materials before enrolling, make sure the review provider is a good fit for your needs. And, don’t abandon your common sense – if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. But, whatever you do (take a course or study on your own) make a plan – figure out how many hours you will study each day, where you will study, how long will you have to review each topic, figure it out, map it out and develop a plan.
6. Work hard - no matter how hard you worked the first time, you are going to have to work just that hard again. There simply is no magic bullet. And, keep trying: When you hear the little voice of doubt rising up within you, insisting you’ll never succeed, ignore it. For people with moderate or high self-esteem, that little voice can help determine when it’s time to throw in the towel, but for those suffering from low self-esteem, that voice cannot be trusted.
