TOEIC TEST PREPARATION
How to Prepare
1. Set a Target
Once the decision to take up the TOEIC test is made, the first thing to be done is to set a goal. In case, the reason behind the decision to take up the test is for a job application, one must first find out regarding the extent of proficiency level required. Majority of the entry level positions need a basic score of 600, while the management level positions could require as high as 800. The goal chosen should be one that is realistic. The test can be taken as often as required, of course, by paying the fee.
2. Know the test Format
A thorough understanding of the test format is required before going ahead for test preparations. The candidate will be assessed for comprehension and reading skills. Hence practicing various model tests will help in getting familiar with the nature of the test.
3. Plan the studies.
One of the main reasons for failure in TOEIC test, is the procrastination done by the students. Though the registration for TOEIC test is done in advance, once the decision to take up the test is made, studies should start immediately. The candidate should decided in advance whether he/she would like to join a TOEIC preparation class, or would like to learn on their own by referring reliable sources. However, a combination of both will help in achieving best results. In case, it is not possible for the candidate to join a preparation class, a TOEIC text book would come in handy. It has explanatory answers and if required, the candidate can approach a teacher now and then for any doubts. A group study would also be beneficial. Fixing a regular time schedule for studies, and actually planning the study and abiding by it is necessary in the first place for achieving best results.
4. A Strong vocabulary is necessary
A poor vocabulary is another reason for failure in the TOEIC test. A simple way to improve vocabulary is to keep track of all the new words that the candidate chances upon in the course of time, by noting them down in an address book. More than studying or going through various vocabulary lists, this method works better, as one remembers the words that refers to a context. Each word can be written down, and tried to be used in a sentence, and at the end of the week, write a brief paragraph by using as many words as possible that was written down during the week.
As the TOEIC test has a business theme, the vocabulary based on topics pertaining to travel, offices, restaurants, banks and health can be concentrated upon.
5. Find out the weaker side
While studying for the TOEIC test, the students can try and isolate the tougher portion and try to schedule their studies in such a way that more time is devoted on the tougher part. For instance students can take the teacher’s help in the TOEIC preparation class for tougher portions or turn to Library and find a good reference book. Internet is another option that could prove beneficial.
6. Beware of the tricky questions.
Every TOEIC question, will have a minimum of two tricky answers which could confuse the students. Find out the impossible answer and rule out, after which it becomes easier to find the right answer. The tricky answers may be the ones that involve similar sounds, repeated works or homonyms. Such answers can be eliminated easily through practice.
7. Going by one’s own instincts.
At times, it is easier to differentiate the correct and incorrect at the first glance. This happens often when a student has worked hard and is better prepared. In such circumstances, it is best to follow the instinct and better not to be suspicious about what one feels. In case, the student strongly feels like changing the answer, it should be done very carefully. Students must ensure that their pencils, sharpener and erasers are in good condition and should keep an extra set of stationeries.
8. Avoid translations.
Translation of sentences and vocabulary could prove to be a waste of time. In case a word appears new, students can try to look at the context where the word is used in the sentence. Generally a dictionary is not allowed within the test center.
9. Guessing the right answer can be tried as a last resort.
In case the student does not know the right answer to a particular question, eliminating the wrong answers can be tried as the first resort. In case the candidate is sure about the incorrect answers, there are better chances of guessing the right answer. Under such circumstances it is better to mark the guess answer, rather than leaving it blank, as chances are that the candidate may not have sufficient time at the end of the test, to get back to the blank answer columns.
10. Right Time Management
To be more efficient in time management, always work on model tests by keeping tab on time. The candidates should in particular, be careful about the reading section. The candidates will be given 75 minutes of time to complete Parts V, VI and VII. Majority of the students end up spending more time on parts V or VI as candidates find them more difficult. Care should be taken not to spend more than thirty minutes of time on these two parts because part VII will require atleast 40 minutes, as it may help in better scoring, especially if the student finds it easier.
11. Listen attentively and quickly
While studying for the TOEIC test, care should be taken not to get into the habit of rewinding the tape. On the day of test, one may not have much control over the speed in the listening section. As there will not be much time available for thinking for long time between questions, care should be taken that one should not lag behind when it comes to real test. In case the student is not aware of the right answer, it is best to attempt a guess, and continue with the rest of the questions, without looking back at the question, while moving ahead to the next question.
12. Prepare by reading aloud
Reading aloud will help in improve listening and reading skills. For better English comprehension, it is vital to understand the language rhythm. Try to practice reading aloud from pamphlets, newspapers, textbooks and kids novels. Students can try to record their voice and listen to their own voice.
13. Refer Mass Media
Another best method to prepare for the TOEIC is to refer to the kind of English language used in television, radio reports, magazines and newspapers. Special attention should be paid to traffic reports, special announcements, weather, letters and other advertisements. Students can try group studies with friends and write questions for one another to answer. This is a better way of learning idiomatic expressions.
14. Refer free Websites
Plenty of websites offer sample and model tests. Just type TOEIC in the search engine and start practice. Surfing the web is a good way to improve listening and reading practice. Set aside an hour a day for internet studies and make sure to stick to it.
15. Teaching a language to a native English speaker
A better way to improve the student’s proficiency in English language would be to teach their mother tongue to a native English speaker, who is interested in learning the language. The student can teach the language for free and in the process learn many new expressions and words during each session.
16. Maintain an English journal
Maintaining a journal need not necessarily mean keeping an account of one’s day to day activities. Anything can be included in the journal like for instance, the progress in studies, a favorite word, details about a teacher the student admires etc. In case the students are doing group studies, writing topics for each other and then writing a paragraph based on the topics atleast thrice a week and later on trying to analyze the errors will help in scoring better in Part V and VI.
17. Do not hesitate to ask questions
Do not hesitate to ask questions in TOEIC preparation class. For examples, in case the student does not understand the concept of conditionals etc., the student may end up losing ten points in the exam. Even friends may help in clarifying the doubts.
18. Remain relaxed.
In case the student feels too tensed about TOEIC exam, the student may either be studying too hard or may have over expectation about the test performance. Balance is the key word. Remain confident about doing the best. When under stress, take a deep breath, and remain consoled that the marks can always be improved in a few months time. Remain focused on the job at hand.
19. Don’t wait for the last minute
Students should never make the mistake of studying hard in the last meet or the week before taking up the TOEIC test. In fact, the last two weeks should be kept aside for practicing the learnt portions and for reviewing rather than learning new things. A good night’s sleep is essential before going ahead for writing the test. Students can engage themselves in their favorite hobby or activity once the test is over, as a reward for their hard work.