How to Pass TOEIC Test with a High Score

What is TOEIC?

TOEIC is a Test of English for International Communication. TOEIC scores are primarily used by employers, universities, schools, and immigration authorities to assess candidates’ English proficiency. In some cases, applicants may also be required to pass a TOEIC exam before they’re allowed to take an interview or participate in other aspects of the job application process. Usually, the certificate lasts up to 2 years before it expires.

The test is composed of 4 sections

I’ve taken the test myself a couple of years ago and have thankfully passed it with a score of 935 over 1000. Now let me explain the format of this test briefly.

To start off by saying I’m not a certified TOEIC instructor, I’m just talking about my personal experience as a student who had to go through the test. The TOEIC exam is administered worldwide on a frequent basis and is considered one of the most widely used exams to evaluate English-language proficiency. The TOEIC test measures your speaking, reading, and writing skills in four categories: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Speaking Expression, and Writing Expression. Each category consists of multiple subtests that assess a variety of different skills. For example, the Speaking Expression subtest assesses your ability to communicate effectively through speech. Your overall score for each category is calculated by adding up the scores for all of its subtests.

Tips on how to prepare for the TOEIC test

In order to be prepared for the TOEIC exam, it is essential that you not only take a course in English but also study the basics of vocabulary and grammar. Vocabulary can be improved through reading, but what is even more effective is listening to native speakers and repeating what they say back to them. In addition, you can learn grammar by watching TV programs and movies with English subtitles. Once you have mastered these basic skills, you will be able to answer any question on the TOEIC exam without hesitation.  

Keep in mind that discipline is a key factor in this process. And monitoring your progress is also a must. To make sure I was ready for the TOEIC exam, I started off by checking out sample exams online. Without timing my performance, I tried solving them. This gave me an idea of where my strengths and weaknesses were, and that way, I was able to focus on these areas in my upcoming study sessions.

After having solved about 2 to 4 full samples, I took out my notebook and wrote important rules in the English grammar that I might have forgotten about in high school. Now one of my weaknesses was, as a foreigner, my ear was not fully equipped to understand all types of accents. I had difficulties understanding what they were saying during the listening part, which led to me searching for interviews, music, audiobooks, TOEIC recordings, and many more to improve my listening skill.

Next, I took out some flashcards and wrote a list of synonyms for common words used in articles to avoid any repetition in the writing assessment and improve my vocabulary.

In my opinion, I believe that if you dedicate a minimum of 3 to 4 hours a day where you study and focus on those 4 areas, you will definitely pass that test with high grades.