Non-native English speakers across the globe are vying for positions in predominantly English-speaking businesses and corporations. Are you one of them?
If you are, you have some work to do, and I’m not referring to the staple and file kind of work, either. I'm talking about the TOEIC.
You need to prepare yourself for the TOEIC, the Test of English for International Communication. If you don’t take it and pass it, your chances of landing the big job and the payday that comes with it are slim to none. If you do? Well, let’s just say your odds are higher than they would be.
So let’s see what the TOEIC is all about it, shall we?
What Is the TOEIC?
The TOEIC is a standardized, paper-and-pencil test given to non-native English speakers by corporations and government agencies recruiting new hires and educational institutions establishing placement in English classes. This two-part, multiple-choice test uses audiotapes, pictures and written text to measure how well you speak, read, write and listen in English. Hopefully, your abilities will measure up!
What Is on the TOEIC?
The traditional TOEIC only tests two skills: Listening and Reading. However, ETS, the makers of the TOEIC, have added a TOEIC Writing and Speaking test to bolster the useful information a corporation may need to assess the competency of a job applicant. So technically, you should be prepared to showcase all four skills in English. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to see on the traditional TOEIC:
Listening
Many test-takers believe that the Listening portion of the TOEIC is the most difficult part of the test, even though it only runs approximately 45 minutes. Why? Both the questions and possible responses for Parts One and Two are only heard, not printed. In Parts Three and Four, the questions will be either printed or spoken, so it’s a little easier.
Skills Tested
- Vocabulary in context
- Idioms in context
- Grammar
- Part One: (10 questions) View photographs and hear four sentences describing the photos.
- Part Two: (30 questions) Listen to a prompt and choose the best response.
- Part Three: (30 questions) Listen to a conversation between two speakers and then answer either a printed or verbal question. The choices will be printed in the test booklet.
- Part Four: (30 questions) Listen to extended conversations (5 or 6 longer exchanges) between two people talking about office issues, or individuals giving a news report or other information. Idioms and vocabulary in context are tested extensively in this section.
Reading Comprehension
Sharpen up those vocabulary, grammar, parts of speech and comprehension skills, because the Reading Comprehension section is a doozy. ETS has redesigned sections of the TOEIC, so if you’ve looked at prep material before 2008, you should know there have been a few changes. You’ll sit for 70 minutes, and answer a total of 100 questions. Here’s what you should know:
Skills Tested
- Vocabulary in context
- Idioms in context
- Grammar
- Part Five: (40 questions) Read incomplete sentences, and choose the correct word or phrase to fill in the blank.
- Part Six: (12 questions) Read slightly longer passages and fill in the missing text with appropriate responses.
- Part Seven: (48 questions) Read longer passages and answer questions based on reading comprehension (main idea, inference, point of view, etc.)
How Is the TOEIC Scored?
Since both the Reading Comprehension section and the Listening section can earn you between 5 and 495 points, your total score can range from a 10 (low) – 990 (high) on the TOEIC. Obviously, the lower your score, the more you’ll need to work on these skills.
How Do You Prepare for the TOEIC?
Besides reading the TOEIC handbook which is an absolute must since it is filled with example questions, detailed scoring info, testing locations and more, you can prepare yourself for this test by utilizing any or all of the following:
- Free Practice TOEIC: Try out each section before the big day. Some of the sections are based on the old TOEIC, which still might be offered in your area, but since most of the TOEIC sections haven’t changed, the practice test is still useful. Practice makes perfect, right?
- Tutors: For about fifteen to thirty bucks an hour, you can hire an online tutor with expertise in the TOEIC to work your way through those text completions and vocabulary mix-ups. Just be sure to check their backgrounds before you sign up.
- Books:Good old-fashioned paper is the way to go, especially if you need a little more face-time with the questions and solutions. Barron’s test prep is always a good bet. Try getting them on eBay for a less expensive price.
The TOEIC test is the first step; next, rule the world. Good luck to you in your quest!
