IELTS AND TOEFL: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR UZBEK STUDENTS

Abstract

The demand for international English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL has significantly increased among Uzbek students due to the growing necessity for global academic and professional opportunities. However, many test-takers encounter substantial obstacles, including limited access to quality learning resources, inadequate exposure to English-speaking environments, and deficiencies in critical thinking and academic writing skills. This study employs the IMRAD methodology to investigate the primary challenges faced by Uzbek students in preparing for these exams and proposes effective strategies to enhance their performance. A qualitative research approach was adopted, incorporating academic literature reviews, survey responses from IELTS and TOEFL candidates, and expert opinions from English instructors. The findings indicate that while students often possess strong grammatical foundations, they struggle with lexical diversity, spontaneous speaking fluency, and complex argumentation in writing. Moreover, disparities in educational quality between urban and rural areas exacerbate these difficulties. To address these issues, this paper recommends targeted curriculum reforms, the integration of digital learning tools, and immersive language-learning experiences. The study concludes that a multi-faceted approach is essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately improving Uzbek students' success rates in these high-stakes exams.