Do you want to advance your career, and why not work internationally? Then there is a good chance that you will need to take the TOEIC .
The T…O…E…what, you say? The TOEIC, which stands for acronym for the Test of English for International Communication , is a language certification aimed at assessing your ability to work in English from all angles. It’s a standard that recruiters often use as a reference, and for good reason: all language skills are evaluated, including oral and written comprehension and expression.
When you take the TOEIC, your level of comprehension will be evaluated, as well as your grammar, vocabulary, the relevance of your discourse and even your accent. To prepare for the TOEIC, it’s essential to practice all the tests. Fortunately for you, our experts have looked into the matter. Here are all our tips for preparing for the TOEIC and its different tests!
Mastering The TOEIC Listening Test
As the name suggests, the TOEIC Listening section is designed to test your understanding of spoken English.
You will need time to prepare for the TOEIC listening comprehension, but the results depend more on the habit of listening to English than on the effort put in. If you start a few months in advance, the preparation will be relatively simple! Keep in mind that four different accents are used in the listening test: American, British, Australian and Canadian English.
- Listen to English podcasts to get used to hearing English passively. You can do it anytime, for example when you’re peeling vegetables or cleaning.
- Watch American late-night shows on YouTube and note new vocabulary. They’re entertaining, and they’ll help you get used to the American accent.
- Watch movies and series in English without subtitles. If that’s too difficult, you can start by watching movies and series you’re already familiar with. This way, you’ll memorize vocabulary without having to concentrate on the plot. Choose subjects that are often covered in the TOEIC, such as the world of work, rather than science fiction.
- Try Babbel’s advanced English units (Advanced – Units 1 and 2), which include listening activities and vocabulary explanations.
Preparing For The TOEIC Speaking Test
The speaking test is an important — and perhaps the most nerve-wracking —part of the TOEIC. It allows them to to evaluate your ability to express yourself orally in English in realistic situations.
Preparing for the TOEIC requires rigorous practice with the speaking section. But to prepare for this test, there is no secret: you’ll need a partner! Whether that’s a tandem partner or someone else learning English, there’s no replacement for speaking with another human being. The advantage of learning English is that you can combine business with pleasure, for example by integrating English into your leisure activities and social life.
Readying Yourself For The TOEIC Reading Test
The TOEIC Reading section is designed to evaluate your understanding of written English.
- Read as much as possible in English. Newspaper articles are a great format because they’re short, and you can read about a variety of topics.
- Follow English-language media on social media. This is also useful because it will give you a little exposure every time you’re scrolling.
- Read on an e-reader with an integrated dictionary. This also allows you to translate or get a definition of words without having to open a dictionary.
Studying For The TOEIC Writing Test
The TOEIC Writing Test evaluates your ability to write in English. It’s based on realistic scenarios, such as responding to an email.
- Learn the most useful linking words to structure your writing. For example: “moreover,” “however,” “although,” “first of all,” etc. This may sound odd, but these linking words will make your writing sound much more natural.
- Learn expressions for giving your opinion such as “in my opinion,” “I believe that,” “I disagree” and “as far as I’m concerned.”
- Learn the polite formulas commonly used in letters and emails such as “best regards.” You can find some in the Babbel lessons in the “Emails” unit in the “Business English” category.
More Tips Before You Take The TOEIC
Even if your English is at a high level, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the TOEIC test for better preparation. This way you’ll know exactly what’s expected of you and how much time you’ll have to answer the questions. This will help you minimize your stress level and give the best of yourself.
- You can prepare for the TOEIC by using the example exam’s available online. You can also buy a training manual with the answers and practice under exam conditions. Note down any vocabulary you don’t know.
- Do you notice that your vocabulary is lacking in certain areas? Take Babbel’s thematic lessons on the most common TOEIC topics, including health, travel and transportation, housing, work, dining, shopping, banking, and leisure. You’ll find the units you need in the “Business English,” “Specials” and “Words and Sentences” categories.
- Try preparing for the TOEIC in test-like conditions. If you’re feeling nervous for the actual experience test, try recreating the experience as much as you can so you’re prepared.