Is TOEFL Hard? Tips to Crack the TOEFL Exam Easily

You wake up in a cold sweat, realizing you have to take the TOEFL in just a few weeks. You’ve never prepared for an English test before, let alone something as structured as this. 

Reading passages filled with academic jargon? 

Writing essays under a ticking clock? 

Speaking into a microphone while a timer counts down like a bomb about to explode? 

Yeah, this is starting to feel like a nightmare.

But before you spiral into panic mode, take a deep breath. 

Is the TOEFL exam really that tough, or does it just seem intimidating? How hard is toefl for native speakers? Well, in this blog, we’ll break down what makes the test challenging (or not) and how you can tackle it—even if you’re short on time and experience.

Is the TOEFL Hard?

The TOEFL exam is considered one of the most difficult exams, especially for those who are not comfortable with academic English. Conducted by ETS, it is a crucial requirement for international students seeking admission to universities in English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

TOEFL is designed to assess your ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. If you are already proficient in reading research articles, writing structured essays, and expressing ideas clearly, you may find it manageable. However, for those less confident in their English skills, some sections—especially under strict time constraints—can be tough.

In 2022, Indian test-takers achieved an average TOEFL iBT score of 95, surpassing the global average of 88. This suggests that, on average, Indian candidates perform well on the exam.

When we asked, 'How difficult is the TOEFL test?' on Reddit and Quora, 30% of people considered TOEFL challenging since it requires fluency in English.

To enhance your TOEFL preparation, book a call with Yocket Prep for personalized advice, expert tips, and tailored strategies.

Why is the TOEFL Exam Hard?

The difficulty of the TOEFL exam depends on various factors, including test format, timing, and the level of English proficiency required. Here are the key reasons why some test-takers find TOEFL hard:

1. Time Pressure

Each section of TOEFL has strict time limits, making it difficult to process and answer questions efficiently. Many test-takers struggle to manage time, especially in Reading and Speaking sections, where quick thinking and structured responses are essential. 

2. Academic-Level English

Test takers, especially non-native speakers, find TOEFL vocabulary-heavy and struggle with advanced reading comprehension. Unlike general English exams, TOEFL assesses university-level language skills.

3. The Speaking Section

The TOEFL Speaking section is one of the hardest parts of the exam as the responses are timed and you speak into a microphone. Test-takers often feel nervous under time pressure and struggle with structuring their responses clearly.

4. Unfamiliar Accents in Listening

If you’re not exposed to different accents, understanding fast conversations or academic lectures can be tricky without practice.

5. No Personal Interaction

TOEFL iBT is fully computer-based, which means there’s no human examiner for Speaking. Some test-takers feel uncomfortable speaking to a machine or struggle with typing essays quickly on a system. Hence, those who prefer human interaction find IELTS a more comfortable option for them.

6. High Score Requirements for Top Universities

Many top universities require 100+ TOEFL scores, which means you can’t afford to make many mistakes.Competitive scholarships often need 110+ scores which adds more pressure.

Best Tips to Crack TOEFL

Cracking the TOEFL isn’t just about knowing English—it’s about understanding the TOEFL test format, managing time well, and practicing strategically. Here’s how you can boost your score effectively.

1. Know the Exam Structure Inside Out

Each TOEFL section—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—follows a specific pattern. Familiarize yourself with the question types, time limits, and scoring criteria. The more comfortable you are with the format, the less time you’ll waste figuring things out during the test.     

2. Build Academic English Skills

TOEFL isn’t just about casual English; it tests your ability to handle university-level content. Read articles from sources like The New York Times or National Geographic, watch TED Talks, and listen to academic podcasts. The goal is to improve comprehension and get used to formal language structures.

3. Master Time Management

Every section is strictly timed, making it crucial to pace yourself. Practice reading faster, taking structured notes while listening, and giving clear, concise answers in the speaking section. Simulating real test conditions with timed practice tests will help improve speed and accuracy.

4. Improve Speaking Clarity & Confidence

One of the biggest challenges in TOEFL is the Speaking section, where you have to answer within a limited time while sounding fluent. Recording yourself daily and analyzing your fluency can significantly boost confidence.

5. Use a Structured Approach for Writing

For the Writing section, focus on clarity and logical structure. The Integrated Writing Task requires comparing the lecture and reading passage, while the Independent Writing Task needs a well-supported argument. Having a template in mind can help you stay organized and avoid running out of time.

6. Take Full-Length Practice Tests

No amount of theory can replace actual test experience. Take at least 3 full-length mock tests before the exam to identify weak areas and improve stamina. TOEFL Sample papers are the best resource for this.

7. Stay Calm on Exam Day

Panic can lower your performance. Sleep well before the test, reach the center early, and trust your preparation. If you miss a question, move on without overthinking—staying composed can make a big difference in your final score.

Suggested: TOEFL Results and Scores 2025

From the Desk of Yocket

Preparing for TOEFL can be challenging, especially if you're unsure where to start. The key to preparing well isn’t just about knowing English—it’s about understanding the exam structure, managing time effectively, and practicing with the right resources.

At Yocket Prep, we simplify your TOEFL preparation with expert-curated mock tests, personalized study plans, and mentor feedback to help you improve faster. Whether you struggle with the Speaking section or need to refine your essay-writing skills, our platform provides targeted strategies to boost your score.