The importance of practising under real exam conditions
Do you need to assess your level of English? The TOEIC is the ideal exam for validating your skills in the language of Shakespeare. But passing the TOEIC test is far from easy. Follow our advice to achieve an excellent score on this certification.
What is the TOEIC exam?
The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is the best-known and most widely recognised standardised business English exam in the world. It was created by the American organisation ETS (Educational Testing Service) in 1979. Passing the TOEIC test demonstrates your ability to use English in a professional context. 54% of candidates taking the certification in 2016 were students.
Taken by more than 7 million people every year, this test, which is valid for two years, is recognised by nearly 14,000 companies in 150 countries. The most common version of this certification is the TOEIC Listening & Reading, which assesses listening and reading comprehension. Ranging from 10 to 990, a score is considered good from 750 points, or even 800. But requirements can sometimes be even higher.
Why is the TOEIC certification so important?
The TOEIC exam is essential in many fields. Discover the 5 main good reasons to pass the TOEIC test:
- obtain the most widely recognised standardised English test in the world,
- gain recognition of your business English skills,
- prove your command of professional English to recruiters or your employer (to obtain a promotion or transfer),
- gain access to many selective training programmes,
- obtain certain qualifications that require a minimum TOEIC score.
How can you pass the TOEIC test with a high score?
If you are planning to take the TOEIC exam, here are 7 tips that will be very useful to improve your score.
Tip 1 # Establish an intensive revision programme
To achieve the best possible TOEIC result, prepare thoroughly. It is important to identify your weaknesses beforehand so that you can focus on them as a priority. Make time in your schedule for daily revision. Preparing through training, immersion or even comic books is essential.
Tip 2 # Develop your grammar and vocabulary
The TOEIC is a certification that places considerable emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. To pass the TOEIC test, focus on these two fundamental elements.
Tip 3 # Test yourself under real exam conditions to pass the TOEIC test
To avoid being caught off guard on exam day, take TOEIC practice tests. This will help you become familiar with the test format and improve your time management.
Tip 4 # Move quickly through the easiest questions
To do well on the TOEIC test, you need to be quick. So answer the obvious and easy questions straight away. This will give you more time to think about the difficult questions.
Tip 5 # Immerse yourself in the English language
According to the official TOEIC website, before taking the exam, it is essential to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. This could be through a stay in England or, more simply, by reading the online press in English, watching your favourite TV series in their original version or even keeping a diary in English!
Tip 6 # Mentally scan the images
During one of the listening comprehension sections, you will hear four statements about photos in your test booklet. Describing the content of the image in your head before listening will help you find the correct answer more quickly and confidently, allowing you to achieve better results on the TOEIC test.
Tip 7 # Read the questions carefully before answering
We were often told this at school, and it remains true: reading the questions carefully prevents you from answering too hastily and making mistakes. It can also sometimes help you eliminate certain answers very easily and therefore achieve a better score! What tips do you use to prepare and increase your chances of success?
