What’s the Easiest Part of TOEFL and How to Max It Out

When preparing for the TOEFL iBT test, one common question students ask is which section is the easiest. While this depends on personal strengths, many test takers feel that the TOEFL Listening section is the most manageable. If you are already comfortable with watching English shows, listening to podcasts, or attending lectures in English, this section may give you the best opportunity to score well.

Let’s explore why the Listening section is often considered the easiest part of the TOEFL and how you can make the most of it to boost your overall TOEFL score.

Why Listening Is the Easiest Part of TOEFL

The TOEFL Listening section tests how well you can understand spoken English in academic and everyday settings. You will listen to conversations between students and university staff or academic lectures by professors.

Here is why many students find this part easier than Speaking or Writing:

• You do not need to write essays or speak into a microphone
  
  
• You only need to listen carefully and answer based on what you hear
  
  
• The answers are often directly mentioned in the audio
  
  

If you have experience listening to English in daily life or school, this section can feel more natural and less stressful.

TOEFL Listening Section Format

Understanding the format of the TOEFL Listening test helps you prepare better. Here is what to expect:

• Total time: 41 to 57 minutes
  
  
• Number of questions: Around 28 to 39
  
  
• Types of audio: Conversations and lectures
  
  
• Question types: Main idea, details, inference, speaker’s purpose, and organisation

Each conversation or lecture is followed by a set of questions. You hear the audio only once, so listening carefully the first time is very important.

Tips to Maximise Your TOEFL Listening Score

To make the most of the Listening section and improve your TOEFL preparation, here are some simple and effective strategies you can follow.

1. Build a Habit of Listening Daily

One of the best TOEFL Listening hacks is to make English listening part of your routine. Use your phone to listen to English podcasts, audiobooks, or YouTube videos. Start with topics you enjoy, such as travel, history, or science.

Example:
Listen to a TED Talk on climate change. Try to understand the main points, examples, and the speaker’s tone.

Apps to try:

• BBC Learning English
  
  
• The TOEFL Podcast
  
  
• TED-Ed on YouTube

2. Practise with TOEFL Listening Samples

Use TOEFL preparation apps or official practice tests to get used to the question style. Pay attention to how the speakers present information. Notice phrases like “the point is” or “what I mean is,” which often signal important ideas.

Example:
In a lecture about animal behaviour, the professor might say, “Let me give you an example.” This usually introduces key content that will be asked about in the questions.

3. Take Short Notes While Listening

You are allowed to take notes during the Listening section. Use this to your advantage. Write down key words, names, dates, or topic changes. Do not try to write full sentences.

Example:
In a lecture about the history of the internet, you might write:

• 1960s ARPANET
  
  
• Tim Berners-Lee
  
  
• World Wide Web

This will help you remember specific points when answering detail-based questions.

4. Practise Listening with Distractions

TOEFL exams are often taken in test centres with background noise. Train yourself to focus even when the environment is not quiet. You can try practising in a café or with soft music playing in the background. This builds your concentration and makes the real test feel easier.

5. Identify the Speaker’s Purpose

Some questions ask why the speaker says something. Practise understanding not just what is said but why it is said. Try to pick up the speaker’s tone, such as confusion, excitement, or sarcasm.

Example:
If a student says, “I guess I could hand it in tomorrow… if that’s okay,” the tone shows uncertainty or hesitation. Questions may ask about this purpose or attitude.

How to Check Your Progress

To see improvement in your TOEFL Listening practice, keep track of the following:

• Number of correct answers in practice tests
  
  
• Your ability to summarise what you heard
  
  
• Whether you can understand academic topics without subtitles

You can also record your notes and compare them to transcripts. This helps you see if you are catching the main ideas and important facts.

I hope this blog on What’s the Easiest Part of TOEFL and How to Max It Out helped you understand why the Listening section is often the most manageable. With regular practice and the right approach, you can improve your score easily. Use these simple tips daily and turn your listening skills into your biggest strength.