Indeed, many test-takers add their scores to their resume to apply for international jobs or graduate from university. This two-hour test combines reading and listening skills, and like every test, it can be quite challenging. To help you in your preparation, here are 5 Tips to Prepare for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test.
1. Evaluate your English proficiency level
Get to know yourself first. Before anything else, it is always good to evaluate your English proficiency level to determine which test preparation would be best for you. Fortunately, there are many tools that can help. For instance, you can take a practice test for free at yourenglishtest.com. Once you know your approximate proficiency level, you can then decide which ETS Global official online preparation tools can help you practice. In addition to those preparation tools, you can also find free sample tests directly on ETS Global’s website.
2. Practice, a lot!
As with every test, there is no better way to prepare for the TOEIC test than exercising your English language skills every chance you get. Never forget: practice makes perfect. There are many ways to practice for the test, so you can easily find the one that suits you best. One of the best ways to do so is the Official TOEIC® Guide which will give you access to full practice tests with corrections, a vocabulary index, grammar rules, etc. In addition, many daily habits can also help you improve: listen to music, focus on the lyrics, watch movies and series in English without subtitles. Immerse yourself in the language as frequently as possible and in as many ways as possible. Remember that the listening part of the test reflects real-life situations, so you should get used to dialogue at conversational speed.
3. Get to know the test beforehand
The TOEIC Listening and Reading test is a two-hour, multiple-choice test that consists of 200 questions evenly divided into two timed sections: Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension. It is important to get to know the test and what you will be asked to accomplish. If you already know what types of questions will be asked and how to best approach them, you will feel more at ease before and during the test.
The Examinee Handbook provides information about the test and allows you to familiarize yourself with the content and format of the test. It is recommended, even essential, to read the handbook before the test. You should also remember that the test was developed to assess the workplace English language proficiency of those for whom English is, or will be, needed for their career and professional development. Therefore, it was not designed as a measure of achievement.
4. Be confident! in 5 Tips to Prepare for the TOEIC
This might be the most important tip anyone can give you. Remember that this is just a test. Also, you should know that if you practice well and enough, you’ll know the format of the test, you’ll know the exercises, you’ll be more comfortable with them, therefore you won’t stress out as much. Knowing the test beforehand will make you confident in the test. The more you practice, the more confident you will be, a better score you will get! Our website has many resources you may find helpful to familiarize yourself with the test.
5. You only need your knowledge of English
The TOEIC test is not based on the content of any particular English course or textbook. It is a measure of your overall ability to communicate in English. It is important to remember that the test uses workplace settings, situations and formats, but no business knowledge is needed. For instance, you won’t need to know any specialized business or technical vocabulary. Knowing that will allow you to focus your preparation only on what matters the most for this test: English, and English only. Refer to point 2 again: set aside time each day to communicate only in English. Listen, read, speak and write in English every chance you get. The more you use the language, the better you’ll become.
Conclusion of 5 Tips to Prepare for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test
For success on the TOEIC Listening and Reading test, the best advice is to practice and prepare. Read the official materials to know the format of the test and questions, use English daily to get used to the language and vocabulary and don’t feel shy about practicing. Remember that you are not the only one in this situation, and you can always ask for help, exercises, and get advice on the official TOEIC Facebook Page, which is a great way to get to know other people in your situation!
Tricks Magical give you more information about the TOEIC test format 2020, Syllabus and Scoring Guide