How to Ace TOEIC Test for Intermediate Level

Are you an intermediate-level English learner looking to ace the TOEIC test? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will break down effective strategies to excel in the exam and provide tips to boost your score efficiently.

1. Understand the TOEIC Test Format

Before diving into strategies, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the structure of the TOEIC exam. The TOEIC Listening and Reading test is divided into two sections:

Knowing the format will help you manage your time and reduce any stress on exam day.

Get a Clear Grasp of Each Part

• Part 1: Photos – You will listen to short descriptions of photos.
• Part 2: Questions & Responses – You must choose the correct response to a question.
• Part 3: Conversations – Understand real-world dialogues and answer corresponding questions.
• Part 4: Short Talks – Listen to mini-talks, such as announcements, and answer comprehension questions.
• Part 5 & 6: Incomplete Sentences & Text Completion – Focus on grammar and vocabulary.
• Part 7: Reading Comprehension – Includes both single and multiple passages.

For a deeper look into each part, consider reading more on how to approach the exam step-by-step in our article on how to approach TOEIC for intermediate level.

2. Develop Strategies for Each Section

To ace the TOEIC at an intermediate level, you need customized strategies for both listening and reading:

2.1. Listening Strategies

1. Active Listening:

   • Practice English daily by listening to diverse materials like podcasts and news reports. The key is to understand the context before getting lost in the details.

2. Predict Questions:

   • Before listening to each conversation or talk, predict the kind of questions you might face. Anticipation sharpens your focus.

3. Keywords:

   • Train yourself to identify and remember the key information when listening. The speakers often emphasize essential details such as times, dates, and conditions.

“My students who improved the most in listening were those who actively involved themselves in real-life conversations and podcasts. It’s not just about theory, it’s about real-world understanding.” — Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn, TOEIC instructor

For more tips on mastering the listening section, check out our guide on best strategies for TOEIC for self-study.

2.2. Reading Strategies

1. Skim and Scan:

   • Don’t read every word. Your goal should be to skim to grasp the main idea and then scan for specific answers.

2. Vocabulary Building:

   • At intermediate level, it’s vital to expand your business English vocabulary. Be sure to frequently revise key terms and idioms in contexts related to office environments, emails, and meetings.
   • You can check out our helpful article for the quickest way to learn TOEIC vocabulary for intermediate level.

3. Timing:

   • Allocate specific time limits for each section of the reading part. For example, spend no more than 10 minutes on Part 5, and save the bulk of your time (e.g., 40-45 minutes) for Part 7, the most challenging section.

4. Focus on Sentence Patterns:

   • Become familiar with common TOEIC sentence structures. This can drastically improve your score in Part 5 (Incomplete Sentences) since many TOEIC questions test understanding of specific grammatical formations.

“When preparing for Part 7, it’s important to know how to quickly identify which information is irrelevant. Don’t assume you need to understand every word—be strategic!” — Nguyễn Văn Tâm, TOEIC expert

3. Make the Most of Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is a great way to simulate the real TOEIC exam and identify your weaknesses. Here’s how you can use practice tests effectively:

1. Time Yourself:

   • Try completing your practice test within the allotted 2-hour limit to mimic real test conditions.

2. Review Incorrect Answers:

   • Don’t just move on after finishing. Instead, go through every wrong answer carefully to understand your mistakes. Often, recognizing patterns behind your errors can help you avoid repeating them.

3. Track Your Improvement:

   • Record your scores regularly to monitor your progress. If you’re improving, it’s a sign that your study strategies are working.

To ace the test faster, following one-month study plans can also be highly effective. See how we break this down in our article on how to practice TOEIC in a month.

4. Improve Your Test-Taking Mindset

Much of doing well in the TOEIC is psychological. Here are some mindset tips to ensure success:

• Stay Calm: Exam stress can cause careless mistakes. Learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing to stay composed.
• Have Confidence: Don’t second guess your answers. Intermediate learners often doubt their choices, leading to more wrong answers. Trust your preparation.
• Embrace Practice: Remember, consistent practice helps boost not only your knowledge but also your confidence.

5. Key Study Tools for Intermediate Learners

Here are essential materials that will boost your preparation:

• TOEIC Preparation Books: Choose books specifically targeted for intermediate learners.
• Flashcards/Apps: For vocabulary and quick grammar review on the go, apps like Anki or Quizlet can be useful.
• Mock Tests: Regular test-taking simulations help polish your timing skills.

Conclusion

By grasping the structure of the TOEIC, developing tailored strategies, taking regular practice tests, and maintaining the right mindset, you’ll be on the road to TOEIC success. Remember, the goal isn’t just to pass—the goal is to ace the exam and get the score you need to boost your career opportunities.

FAQ

1. How can I finish the TOEIC reading section on time?
Practice skim scanning techniques and allocate per-section time limits, especially for Part 7.

2. What is the best way to practice TOEIC listening skills?
Listen to authentic materials daily, focusing on keywords and anticipating questions.

3. Should I guess answers in the TOEIC test?
Yes, since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, it’s always best to guess rather than leave any question unanswered.

4. Is one month enough to prepare for TOEIC?
Yes, if you have a focused study plan, you can effectively prepare for TOEIC in a month. Check out our detailed guide here.

5. How do I improve my TOEIC vocabulary for an intermediate level?
Focus on learning business-specific vocabulary and idioms, and practice them with flashcards or regular writing exercises.

Good luck!