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"Technical" problems (TOEFL taken on the 10th of January)

Categories > TOEFL Speaking Practice Test

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posts 1–15 of 15

novito

newbie - member

7 posts

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Hi everyone,

I took the TOEFL yesterday and it was quite awful. We were supposed to start the exam at 10 o'clock, but we did not. The administrators told us that, since some machines were having technical problems, we could not start. After waiting 30 minutes, they said that the exam could not be taken, becuase the problem was not from the local machines, but directly from Amsterdam (where I suppose the exam is sent).
So, it was around 11,30... We were asking for some kind of complaints book, but nothing, they did not have nothing. For example, I need to take the exam before the 20th (since in the 20th I have to send the application form to the University of California). As a result of our complaints, they said that what they could offer, was just a number and then, we had to complain directly to the ETS. After all this mess, it was around 12,30, and you can imagine all our nervous, they said that exam could be taken, but at that moment just one person could start it.
After 15 minutes, they told that the exam could be taken for the rest of us, but one by one, and with some kind of interval. This supposed a lot of noises and discontrol while the people was taking the exam... Moreover, once we have started the exam, a lot of computers shut down.. And the exam had to be re-started.

So, after all this creepy history xD, I finished my TOEFL... On the reading part, I sucked, and I blame the noises in the room and all the atmosphere that was surrounding us. What I would like to know from you guys is..What do you think I can do now, if I do not arrive at my score? Are there any chances to complaint to the ETS and get something back? Some kind of experience like mine out there?

Thank you all, take care :)

P.S : I forgot to say... My exam was taken at ANCIFAP S.L, in Barcelona. Among other stuff, the english woman told us that he did not know anything about the TOEFL, and he was given money back for her 4 hours working there... Imagine how it works !

11th January 2009 10:17 a.m.

jasonrenshaw star

guru - founder

1404 posts

+0 permalink

Hi Novito,

What a horror story! You must surely have grounds to have your test money refunded and/or the very next opportunity to re-take the test. I don't know how that works where you are, but I would complain vigorously to both the testing center and ETS if I were you.

There's no way they'll give you extra score allowances - at best it will involve a refund or a chance to re-take the test.

Let us know what happens from here...

All the best,

~ Jason

__________________

"English is as easy or as difficult as you imagine it to be..." www.english-itutor.com

11th January 2009 10:55 a.m.

rodica

novice - member

41 posts

+0 permalink

Hi novito,

I'm very sorry about your story. I want to say that I had a bad experience, too, at my first attempt with this exam. After EACH question at reading and listening, my computer simply freezed. Maybe you noticed that the timer stops when you confirm your answer. Well, in that moment, my computer just freezed and I had to wait for it to continue working. I did't realize that it was a problem because of my stress and concentration, so that I did't talk with the administrator about this. Still, during my break, she asked me what happens, because the other test takers were about to finish their test,while I was only at the listening section. Then, she changed my computer and I finished the test. At the end, she gave me a number and told me to complain personally to the ETS, in Amsterdam. Finally, I made no complain. I received my scores like nothing happened. I have no explanation for that. Overall, my exam lasted about SIX hours, while it is supposed to be 4,30 hours. By the way, I took the test in Bucharest, Romania, last year on March.

However, I think that you should make a request to ETS with all the details. First, it would be better to read again the handbook on the official ETS website. I remember that they say something about situations when you may be refunded or you may take the exam again with no additional fees. In addition, only the ETS could do something to prevent these to happen. Making a complain, you might help the other test takers, in the future. I should have made this, too, but the administrator said me that it was my fault, because I said nothing about my problem during the test.

Well, I would like to find out what happens from here. Have a good day, rodica.

11th January 2009 16:25 p.m.

buenosaires

regular - member

77 posts

+0 permalink

Hi Novito, I am sorry for your bad experience. It is not fair. If I were you I would go to the ETS'web site, go to "contact us". There is an address of the headquarter in New Jersey and a Fax and telephone #.
Contact Us: Princeton Office

ETS Corporate Headquarters
Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541 USA

Phone: 1-609-921-9000
FAX: 1-609-734-5410
E-Mail Form

I hope it works.
Take care.
Buenosaires

__________________

Buenosaires

11th January 2009 22:20 p.m.

happy5

newbie - member

6 posts

+0 permalink

Hi Novito,

That's really bad experience. I think you should complain this to ETS people.
Good luck :)

11th January 2009 23:53 p.m.

novito

newbie - member

7 posts

+0 permalink

Hi buddies,

I have already sent an email to the ETS.

I'm waiting for the response... We will see.. Thanks for all!

12th January 2009 11:45 a.m.

novito

newbie - member

7 posts

+0 permalink

Hi everyone,

I got my scores, and eventually I did a good job. I got 99.

The same day I recieved my scores, the ETS sent me an email giving to me different options I could chose to solve my problem. The next were offered to me:

1. Keep your test scores as they are
2. Cancel your test and receive a free retest
3. Cancel your test and receive a refund

Since I got enough for what I needed, I kept my scores as they are :)

Well, I just wanna say thanks to all for this website and for them who are working on the TOEFL, be constant and good luck!

30th January 2009 19:22 p.m.

samarfadl

regular - member

67 posts

+0 permalink

Hi novito,
I'm sooo happy to hear that your trouble has ended safely, what you've experienced on your test day was really horrible and shoking. Thank God that your problem has termintated this way, and I think your decision to keep your score is the best choice as no one can predict what would happen next time if you decided to retake the exam.

Anyway, the bad part has ended, hope that you enjoy your success.

CONGRATULATIONSSSSS novito, go and celebrate your great success.

Best of luck in your admissions and in your whole life

Regards

30th January 2009 22:35 p.m.

buenosaires

regular - member

77 posts

+0 permalink

Congratulations Novito!!!. I am glad that you got and happy end.
Good luck in your next goal.
Buenosaires

__________________

Buenosaires

04th February 2009 22:11 p.m.

rodica

novice - member

41 posts

+0 permalink

Hello novito,
Congratulations !!!
I think that ETS people were pretty fair with you, but your decision is the wisest.
Enjoy your happiness and good luck in your life !
Rodica

05th February 2009 00:58 a.m.

novito

newbie - member

7 posts

+0 permalink

Hi everyone!

Thanks for your comments :). And again, thanks for this web, from my point of view it is one of the best tools to learn how to "pass" the TOEFL.
Good luck to all these people who is studying for the exam, believe me is not as hard as it seems. I suggest working hard on the speaking and writting :=)

See u around :)

05th February 2009 11:46 a.m.

sofy

regular - member

82 posts

+0 permalink

WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS Novito

I am very happy for you. You did great.

Good luck

__________________

"Knowledge Is Power"

05th February 2009 15:14 p.m.

tuliper

newbie - member

3 posts

+0 permalink

hello everybody
i took exam on 23rd,I received score yesterday. But I'm dissapointed cause my score is very low,that is 49(R4,L7,S18,W20).I have never thought that i will get such a low score. I dont know whati am gonna do. I especially have expected more than 20 from listeningsection. I think there is a mistake ...R and L...
What do u suggest to me...I am really despondent now:((
thank u in advance for your replies...

17th February 2009 20:14 p.m.

sofy

regular - member

82 posts

+0 permalink

Hello tuliper,

You have good score in speaking and writing. May be there is a technical error. If you think you did better than what you got in reading and listening section, you can contact ETS. It may be just the problem in writing the score, may be it is 14/24 or 17/27.

I have heard about speaking section rescoring but I have no idea about reading and listening rescoring. You can contact ETS though. Either email them or call them.

Good luck!!!

__________________

"Knowledge Is Power"

17th February 2009 21:25 p.m.

apexa

newbie - member

2 posts

+0 permalink

hello everyone..
i had the same problem wat tuliper have...My score is 61 (r-12,l-8,s-20,w-21) i am very upset.I also had tecnical problem during exam and lot of hang up of pc.Please help me out..

23rd October 2009 08:47 a.m.

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