TOEIC tips archives

Archives des astuces

Astuces d'ordre général

19. Be familiar with the instructions for each section before-hand.

Familiarise yourself with the instructions for each section of the test. This means that during the actual test, you do not have to waste precious time reading the instructions in detail and can manage your time more efficiently.

Partie Reading (compréhension écrite)

18. Look for the answer from across the text.

Sometimes, the answer to the question may not be found in one single sentence. You may have to read the entire text to figure out what the correct response to a question is. Be prepared for this.

Partie Reading (compréhension écrite)

17. Understand how two passages are related

If the reading comprehension features two passages, allocate more time for this since you need to read through and understand both passages carefully. You will also need to pay close attention to both passages and understand the relationship between them - only then will you be able to answer the questions that will be based on both passages collectively.

Partie Reading (compréhension écrite)

16. Familiarise yourself with different formats.
When preparing to take the TOEIC test, make an effort to learn and understand the different kinds of texts that you may be expected to read - their formats, structures, etc. For instance, the structure of an email is very different from that of a speech or a newspaper article. Familiarity with the different formats will facilitate your reading.

Partie Listening (compréhension orale)

15. Listen carefully for similar sounding words

Often, a question may have some similar-sounding words that have very different meanings. Listen carefully for these and do not confuse the different words.

Partie Reading (compréhension écrite)

14. Practice 'skim' reading passages
Skim reading the passage given to you, that is reading only the keywords and not focusing on the more unimportant words, will allow you to work faster. It is not necessary to read every word of the passage since questions will, in any case, be based only on the keywords. Keywords include nouns, numbers, locations, etc. and the more unimportant words include prepositions, conjunctions, etc.

Astuces générales de la langue

13. Understand the objective of the question.

The question-response section will feature different types of questions. Before you start answering, first try and figure out what the purpose of each question is - does it ask for information, is it actually a comment or suggestion framed as a question, is it an invitation to something, etc. The purpose of the question will point to the correct response.

Astuces d'ordre général

12. Eliminate choices that are definitely incorrect

Of the four choices given to you, if you do not know which is the correct one, try and identify which choices are definitely incorrect. For instance, if you know for sure that 2 of the 4 choices are wrong, then this means that you have a 50% chance of at least guessing the correct answer.

Astuces d'ordre général

11. Take a chance and guess!

There is no negative marking on the TOEIC test for incorrect answers. So if you come across a question to which you do not know the answer, just guess the answer. You will not lose anything and who knows - you may even get the answer right!

Writing

10. Structure your answer logically and clearly.

When answering an essay question, structure your piece well with a clear introduction, body and conclusion. The essay should flow logically. Also, remember to break up your answer into paragraphs so that the argument can be followed clearly. Typically, the introduction and conclusion should be a paragraph each and the body of the answer can be broken up into multiple paragraphs, with one idea presented per paragraph

Writing

9. Carefully analyse the different tasks to be fulfilled

On the Writing Test, a typical question will ask you to do two or three different things. So be sure to read the question carefully, understand what exactly needs to be done and then start writing your answer. Once you have completed your answer, check it to make sure that you have fulfilled all requirements.

Reading comprehension

8. The context of the complete sentence can help you arrive at the answer.

When you look at a sentence or passage, you may not understand some of the words. This does not mean that you cannot arrive at the correct answer. Often, the grammatical structure of the sentence and the context in which it is set will allow you to guess the answer even if you do not understand the meaning of one or more words. And sometimes, the questions themselves and the manner in which they are phrased can provide you with a clue to the correct answer!

Speaking

7. Choose the right words

When answering a question in this section, try and use strong, expressive words (excellent, awe-inspiring, terrifying, etc.) rather than bland, boring and commonly-used words like nice, good, scary, etc.

Partie Listening (compréhension orale)

6. Ecoutez l'accent sur chaque mot. Ici l'objectif n'étant pas de tout comprendre, ne vous inquiétez pas si certains mots vous sont inconnus.

Voici la courte annonce:

For those of you who will be joining us to watch the hockey game, the bus will arrive at the arena at 7 pm. Everyone else will be dropped off downtown at City Hall and will have free time to go for dinner and enjoy the local sites. The bus will pick people up at 10 pm at City Hall and at 10:30 pm  at the hockey arena. Please be sure to be on time so that the bus can depart promptly.

Who is speaking?

(A) A tour operator

(B) A radio announcer

(C) An airport manager

(D) A traffic reporter

Answer: The talk is about a bus tour to a hockey game. Therefore, choice (A) is the best answer.

Astuces générales de la langue

5. Lire

Lire est le meilleur moyen d'améliorer son vocabulaire en anglais. Lisez des revues, des journaux, des sites internet et des romans. Choisissez quelque chose qui vous intéresse vraiment et qui ne soit pas trop difficile.

 

Partie Listening (compréhension orale)

4. The answer may not be given directly. 

Man: Are you going directly to the airport after the meeting? It would be great if you could give me a ride.

Woman: Sorry, but I’m not leaving until tomorrow. I had to change my flight because I have a meeting tonight with an important client.

Man: That’s OK. I can take the shuttle bus.

Why can’t the woman give the man a ride to the airport?

(A) Her flight was cancelled.
(B) She is staying one more day.
(C) Her car broke down.
(D) The airport is too far. 

Answer: The woman is not leaving until tomorrow. Therefore, (B) is the best choice.

Astuces générales de la langue

3. Pratiquer la langue

Imposez-vous de trouvez une demi-heure tous les jours pour communiquer seulement en anglais. Si vous ne pouvez pas faire cela en face à face, échangez régulièrement des emails en anglais avec vos amis, la famille ou des collègues.

Partie Listening (compréhension orale)

2. Ecouter de la musique

La musique aide à acquérir le rythme et l'intonation de l'anglais parlé pour mieux s'exprimer.

 

Reading comprehension

1. Déterminer ce qui est sous-entendu dans le court passage.

''As a frequent guest of the hotel, we are pleased to invite you to enjoy a meal on us by using the enclosed voucher for $50. Redeemable in our restaurant, this coupon is extended to you on your next visit to the hotel and expires on August 30. Valid Sunday through Thursday after 5 pm. Simply present your voucher on being seated at your table and we will deduct $50 from your bill. Voucher cannot be reissued if lost or stolen''.

For what can the voucher be used?
(A) Room service
(B) Breakfast
(C) Lunch

Answer: the coupon is valid after 5 pm in the restaurant. Therefore, (D) is the best choice.