TOEIC Tips

TOEIC Tips

Portions adapted from https://www.englishclub.com/esl-exams/ets-toeic-tips.htm

Multiple Choice

How many parts are there in the TOEIC Listening?

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Multiple Choice

How many parts are there in the TOEIC Reading?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

How much time do you have for TOEIC Listening?

• 35 minutes

• 45 minutes

• 60 minutes

• 75 minutes

Multiple Choice

How much time do you have for TOEIC Reading?

• 75 minutes

• 90 minutes

• 30 minutes

• 45 minutes

Multiple Choice

How many points are for Listening and Reading?

• 200

• 450

• 990

• 220

Multiple Choice

What is very important to remember in the test?

• Check the internet connection

• Pay attention to the teacher

• Read instructions and leave no blanks

​1. Set a goal

​Choose a goal that is do-able. If you aim too high, you will get frustrated and be disappointed.

2. Understand the test

Make sure you understand what each section of the test is about. Practice so that you know each section's format.

3. Make a study plan

Consistency is important. Studying at the same time every day, and with a friend, is a great way to improve your score. Write down your study plan and follow it closely!

​4. Divide study time appropriately

​Each section is worth a certain amount of points. Don't spend too much time studying one section. You might want to divide your study week by focusing on a certain section each day.

​5. Build a strong vocabulary

Keep track of all of the new words you learn along the way. It is not useful to study vocabulary lists. Instead, write down the word and use it in a sentence.

​5. Build a strong vocabulary

TOEIC test has a business theme, so study vocabulary from topics such as travel, banking, health, restaurants, offices, etc. You will also want to learn everyday idiomatic expressions.

​6. Isolate your weak points

​After you have been studying the TOEIC for a while, you will find out which parts give you the most trouble, so it might be good to change how you divide your time.

​7. Eliminate distractors

​In every TOEIC question, there are at least two distractors (wrong answers that trick you). There are many types of distractors such as, similar sounds, homonyms, repeated words, etc.

​8. Trust your instincts

If you have been studying hard, chances are that your brain is telling you which choice to pick. Don't change your answers after following your instinct.​

​9. Don't try to translate

​Translating vocabulary and sentences wastes a lot of time. If you don't know a word, look at the context of the sentence and the words around it.

​10. Guess as a last resort

​On test day, if you don't know the answer, and you have eliminated all of the distractors you can, don't leave the space blank. You still have a 25% chance of getting the answer right if you guess.

​11. Be aware of time management

You should always be aware of the time. Never allow yourself an open ended study session. You will have to learn to work efficiently. In the Reading section, you will have 75 minutes to complete Parts V, VI, and VII.

​11. Be aware of time management

Many students spend too long on section V or VI because they're the most difficult. Don't spend more than 30 minutes on the first two parts. Part VII will take you at least 40 minutes, and it is worth a lot of points.

​​12. Listen quickly

​​When you are studying for the TOEIC test, try not to replay the audio. On test day you won't have any control over the speed of the listening section. You will not even have time to think for very long between questions.

​13. Practice reading aloud

​Reading out loud will help your listening and reading comprehension skills. In order to comprehend English more quickly, it is important that you understand the rhythm of the language.

14. Use mass media​

​One of the best ways to prepare for the TOEIC test is to study real English. Watch television, listen to radio reports, and read newspapers & magazines.

​15. Use free web sites

​There are many web sites that offer free model tests and samples. Try these two:

• https://www.examenglish.com/TOEIC/index.php

• ​http://toeic4u.com/

​16. Ask questions

​Try to ask lots of questions. In a TOEIC class, all of the students will benefit from your question. If you don't understand something, such as conditionals, you may lose 10 points on a TOEIC exam.

​17. Manage your stress

​If you are feeling stressed about TOEIC, you may be studying too hard or expecting too much of yourself. Like everything else in life, balance is the key. Remind yourself that you will try to do your best.

​18. Don't cram

​You should never cram the night before the TOEIC test. There is so much to learn when you study for TOEIC. The week before the test should be for reviewing and practicing.