The Test of English as a Foreign Language, popularly known as TOEFL, is a standardised test conducted for assessing the English language proficiency skills of students and job aspirants.
Conducted by ETS, the test is mandated to pass for getting admission into undergraduate and postgraduate courses and getting a job in universities located in the UK, USA, Canada and other countries.
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‘Is TOEFL hard’ is one question that haunts everyone appearing for the test for the first time.
It is unsurprising to see you want to know the answers to other related questions, too, such as ‘Is TOEFL hard for Indian students’ and ‘What is the difficulty level of TOEFL.’
If these questions are bothering you, this blog will help you prepare well for one of the most difficult language exams around the globe.
Is TOEFL Hard or Easy?
The Educational Testing Service or ETS conducts the test to measure an international applicant’s ability to use the English language and understand it at the university level. The exam has 4 sections: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Listening. Each section of the test scores 0-30, and the total TOEFL score range is 0-120.
Unlike IELTS, TOEFL has an academic version only available in paper-based (PBT) and internet-based (iBT) forms.
There is no specific answer to the question ‘Is TOEFL hard’. The reason is the TOEFL is a language test, and scientifically, it is tricky to establish the difficulty level of a language test. Experts believe that the students of English-speaking nations do not find it hard to crack. On the other hand, students who do not communicate well in English and are at the nascent stage of learning the language may struggle a bit.
Let’s understand is TOEFL hard to crack each section of the TOEFL exam.
Reading
In the TOEFL exam, the reading section tests your understanding and comprehension of written passages. Many students, both from India and the United States, may find the TOEFL exam challenging. This is because the test focuses on academic topics and uses advanced vocabulary that might not be commonly encountered in everyday conversations.
The exam often includes academic vocabulary with Latin origins. If your native language has Latin roots, like Italian, French, or Spanish, you might have a slight advantage over those whose first language doesn’t share these roots.
The interesting point is that if you’ve already succeeded in the GRE, you might find the reading section of the TOEFL comparable, as the passage difficulty level is similar.
However, the time limit is a common challenge for all students, regardless of their background.
Helpful Tip:
- Regularly reading academic journals can help expand your vocabulary.
- Try solving TOEFL practice papers weekly to gauge your timing.
- Create a list of new words and their meanings and review them for better preparation.
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Listening
The listening part of the TOEFL test involves responding to questions related to classroom discussions and short lectures.
This is often considered one of the more challenging sections for several reasons:
- Recordings are slower than natural speech, and understanding the speaker’s attitude and presentation requires filtering key information from filler words like ‘like’, ‘you know’, and ‘umm’.
- Listeners must pay close attention as recordings play only once, regardless of length. This demands active listening and note-taking within a limited time frame.
To prepare effectively:
- Start listening to English songs, and podcasts and watching movies a few months before the exam.
- Practice active listening and develop the skill of memorizing important facts while listening since it’s impossible to note down every detail.
Speaking
The speaking section evaluates your ability to communicate in English within academic contexts. It includes both independent and integrated tasks.
In the independent task, you share your ideas or experiences on a given topic. In contrast, integrated tasks assess your ability to listen, speak, and sometimes read coherently.
Remember, practice is essential to excel in the speaking section.
Helpful tip:
- Try speaking about a topic or giving an introduction for at least 20 minutes to improve your communication skills.
- Focus on using simple language, correct pronunciation, and proper grammar.
Read more: Speaking TOEFL Section 2023 Simplified: Latest Guide with Structure & Tips!
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Writing
The writing segment requires you to compose on an academic subject in English. It gauges your ability to present opinions and ideas in a well-organized manner.
There are two tasks: independent and integrated, each within a time limit.
For the independent writing task, express your opinion or share a personal experience related to a given topic. In the integrated task, you’ll listen to a short lecture or passage and answer questions based on your understanding.
Is TOEFL hard for the writing section? The difficulty of the TOEFL writing section isn’t easily defined, as there are no right or wrong answers. The precision of your responses depends on how well you organize and convey information. The absence of a single correct answer increases the complexity.
To excel in this section:
- Focus on proper grammar, effective construction of thoughts, and timely completion.
- Prepare for essay topics in advance to boost your performance in the writing section.
Read more: TOEFL Writing Topics: Best TOEFL Essay Topics for Your Practice
Best Tips to Crack TOEFL
Is TOEFL hard? We’d say TOEFL can be challenging if you don’t prepare well in advance.
Is TOEFL straightforward? Certainly, it can be if you already have a strong command of English and have achieved good scores in standardized tests like SAT and IELTS.
To excel in the TOEFL exam, consider these preparation tips:
- The time constraint and the lengthy TOEFL test can make completing it tough within the allocated time. Hence, practice rigorously and work on your speed by taking multiple TOEFL practice tests.
- A robust academic vocabulary is essential for success in every section of the TOEFL.
- Practice writing emails, letters, and journals to hone your skills for the writing section.
- Start your preparation with the TOEFL prep book, which is a valuable resource. You can also download additional study materials to supplement your preparation.
- Aim not only for high scores in a single section but strive for good scores across all sections.
- Lastly, understanding the TOEFL exam format, the types of questions in each section, and how much time to allocate to each part can greatly assist you during the actual test.
Lastly, factors like understanding the TOEFL exam format, the type of questions in each section and the time students should devote to each section can prove to be of massive help when taking the actual test.
Wrapping up
Is the TOEFL exam hard? There is no straightforward answer to this question. Some find the TOEFL’s reading section comparatively easier than the GMAT, but non-English speakers find all four sections extremely tricky. Students who have already passed the GRE can easily score high marks in reading and other sections of TOEFL.
But, indeed, difficult vocabulary, distractions during the speaking section and time crunch are three factors that do not make the TOEFL exam a child’s play. You can reduce your test anxiety by preparing well for the exam and undertaking several TOEFL practice test papers.
If you want further guidance on the best ways to prepare for any individual section, contact Leap Scholar, who has a team of counsellors with over 50+ years of collective experience aiding students with their international education plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Multiple-choice questions are included in which section of the TOEFL exam?
A. Multiple-choice questions are there in the TOEFL exam’s reading and listening sections. These questions are designed to assess your ability to comprehend written and spoken information, analyze details, make inferences, and draw conclusions. The inclusion of multiple-choice questions in these sections serves as a comprehensive evaluation of your language skills and cognitive abilities.
Q: What is a good TOEFL score to get admission into Harvard University?
A: To secure admission into the prestigious Harvard University for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, achieving a TOEFL score ranging from 100 to 120 is generally considered favorable.
A TOEFL score within the range of 100 to 120 reflects a high English language proficiency level, which is essential for success in Harvard’s rigorous academic environment. It demonstrates your ability to comprehend and engage with complex academic content, actively participate in discussions, write coherent and well-structured essays, and effectively communicate your ideas.
Q: Is TOEFL hard in 2024?
A: The difficulty of the TOEFL exam can vary from person to person. While some individuals may find it challenging, others might perceive it as manageable. Adequate preparation, practice, and familiarity with the test format can help you navigate the exam more confidently.
Q: What makes the TOEFL exam hard?
A: The TOEFL exam can pose challenges due to several factors. These include the time constraints for each section, the requirement to understand complex academic vocabulary, and the need for strong language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Adapting to these challenges through focused practice can lead to better performance.
Q: How can I make the TOEFL exam easier for myself?
A: To make the TOEFL exam feel more manageable, you can take specific steps. Regularly practicing with sample questions and full-length tests can build your familiarity with the test format and question types. Improving your English language skills through reading, listening to English content, and engaging in conversations can also enhance your performance.
Q: Is TOEFL hard for the speaking section?
A: The speaking section of the TOEFL exam can be perceived as challenging by some test-takers. It requires you to express your thoughts clearly and coherently within a limited time frame. To overcome this challenge, you can practice speaking English daily, focus on articulation and fluency, and work on organizing your responses effectively.
Q: Are the listening passages in TOEFL challenging to understand?
A: The listening passages in the TOEFL exam can be challenging due to variations in accents and the need to extract key information. Active listening and note-taking during the listening exercises can help you comprehend the content more effectively. Regular exposure to different English accents through podcasts, movies, and conversations can also enhance your listening skills.
Q: Is TOEFL hard for the reading section?
A: The reading section of the TOEFL exam can present challenges because it involves analyzing complex academic passages. Building a robust vocabulary and practicing reading comprehension exercises can improve your ability to grasp the main ideas, supporting details, and the overall structure of the passages. Consistent practice can lead to better performance in this section.
Q: Is TOEFL hard for the writing section?
A: The TOEFL writing section may be considered challenging due to the requirement of presenting well-organized ideas within a limited timeframe. Practice is key to improving your writing skills. Developing a structured approach to essay writing, practicing brainstorming, and revising your responses can contribute to better performance in this section.
Q: Can I find sample TOEFL questions to practice?
A: Yes, you can find a wealth of sample TOEFL questions in various official study materials, online resources, and TOEFL preparation books. Engaging with these materials allows you to become familiar with the different question types, understand the expected responses, and improve your overall test-taking strategy.
Q: Are there any strategies to make the TOEFL speaking section easier?
A: Absolutely; there are strategies to make the TOEFL speaking section feel more manageable. Regularly engaging in English conversations, focusing on pronunciation and intonation, and practicing structured responses can enhance your speaking skills. Recording your practice sessions and analyzing them can help you identify areas for improvement.
Q: How can I calculate my TOEFL exam readiness?
A: You can assess your readiness for the TOEFL exam by taking practice tests under timed conditions. Analyze your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses in each section. This assessment will enable you to allocate more time to areas that need improvement and refine your overall study plan. Regular practice, self-assessment, and seeking guidance from TOEFL preparation resources can help you feel well-prepared for the exam.
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