Are you feeling overwhelmed by how to manage time in TOEIC? Learning how to stay calm and effectively pace yourself during the test can make a significant difference in your score. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you handle time management with ease during the TOEIC test while keeping stress at bay.
Why is Time Management Important in TOEIC?
TOEIC tests not only your English proficiency but also your ability to perform well under pressure. The test has multiple sections, and each comes with a strict time limit. If you fail to manage your time well, you might run out before tackling all the questions, negatively affecting your final score. Therefore, mastering the art of time management allows you to stay focused, reduce anxiety, and improve overall performance.
Time Breakdown for TOEIC Sections
Before delving into tips, let’s quickly review the time allocation for each part of the TOEIC test:
| Section | Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Comprehension | 100 | 45 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 100 | 75 minutes |
As you can see, time is a critical factor. Keeping a good pace while maintaining accuracy is the key to success.
Top Tips on How to Manage Time in TOEIC Without Stress
Below are useful strategies to help you stay calm and focused during your TOEIC exam:
1. Practice Pacing Yourself
One of the most fundamental time management tips is learning how to pace yourself. Allocate a specific amount of time to each question type to avoid getting stuck:
- Listening section: Pay close attention as you listen to the audio only once. Typically, spend no more than 30 seconds per question. If you don’t know the answer, move on to avoid wasting time.
- Reading comprehension: Spend around 45 seconds on each part 5 question, 90 seconds for each part 6 text, and aim to finish reading full passages within 10 minutes for part 7.
Expert Tip: Mr. Minh Quang, an experienced TOEIC trainer, emphasizes:
“The more you practice pacing through mock exams, the more natural it becomes. You don’t want to run out of time on easier parts, missing out on scoring opportunities.”
2. Prioritize Simpler Questions
During the reading section, it’s essential to prioritize questions that require less time and save the tough ones for later. This approach ensures that you secure easy points first, avoiding unnecessary pressure:
- Skim quickly to target straightforward questions (like identifying factual information).
- Use the skip strategy: If a question seems time-consuming or confusing, mark it and return later.
Prioritizing simpler questions in TOEIC test strategy
3. Don’t Obsess Over Perfection
Often, the pursuit of perfection leads to wasted time. Focus on accuracy, but set a time limit for each question:
- Listen for clues rather than perfect understanding in the listening section.
- Aim for a satisfactory response in reading rather than reviewing answers repeatedly.
Quang adds:
“No need to be perfect—during TOEIC, sometimes ‘good enough’ is more than enough!”
Related Reading: Easy TOEIC Tricks for High Score
4. Use Process of Elimination
To enhance your speed on difficult questions, implement the process of elimination. This strategy helps you rule out wrong choices first and then concentrate on finding the best answer:
- For reading: Identify two blatantly wrong answers instantly, then narrow down the final options.
- For listening: Focus on key words in the audio, as they can quickly help you discard unrelated choices.
5. Answer First, But Review Later
In TOEIC, uncertainties are common, so don’t spend too much time second-guessing yourself. Answer each question to the best of your ability the first time, then return to review unanswered or flagged questions once:
- Part 5: Answer each grammar or vocabulary question as you encounter it, but if you’re unsure, flag it and move on.
- Review saved time at the end to brush through any challenging parts more carefully.
By keeping things moving, you’re minimizing the risk of accumulating stress.
Pro Tip: When studying independently, refer to How to Ace TOEIC Test in 2024 for in-depth reviewer guides.
6. Simulate TOEIC Testing Conditions
Practicing in a real exam-like atmosphere enables you to get used to time pressure. Once you’ve done enough drills, take a full TOEIC practice test:
- Use a timer: Stick to the official time limits.
- Work in a quiet room to replicate exam conditions.
This helps you practice remaining calm and collected, which in turn boosts your confidence on test day.
Simulating TOEIC test conditions to practice time management
One more insight from Quang:
“Testing isn’t just about knowing the language; it’s about tackling mental blocks. Simulating the test at home helps manage anxiety early.”
Helpful Resource: How to Review for TOEIC for Guaranteed Success
7. Remember to Breathe
Part of managing stress is keeping your mental state balanced. Simple breathing exercises can be powerful tools to help you reset and regain control when feeling panicked:
- Take a deep breath before each section starts.
- If stress mounts, inhale slowly for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale for four. This slows your heart rate, reduces anxiety, and clears your mind.
Conclusion
Mastering time management for TOEIC is essential to achieving a high score. By practicing pacing, prioritizing easier questions, and staying flexible with your answers, you’ll reduce stress and maximize your performance. Always remember: Preparation is key, and using practical tools, such as the tips listed above, will help you approach the exam with confidence and composure.
Start incorporating these time management strategies into your study routine, and you’ll be ready to tackle the TOEIC test with less stress and greater success.
Further Reading: TOEIC Preparation Advice Effectively
Frequently Asked Questions about TOEIC Time Management
1. How can I improve my TOEIC time management skills?
You can improve by taking timed practice tests, learning pacing for each section, and prioritizing simpler questions during the test.
2. How much time should I spend on each question in the listening section?
Ideally, aim to complete each listening comprehension question in under 30 seconds to maintain proper pacing.
3. What should I do if I run out of time during the reading section?
Focus on skimming and tackling simpler questions quickly. Don’t spend too much time on tough questions—save them for the last few minutes.
4. Can stress affect my TOEIC performance?
Yes, stress can impact your focus and speed. Techniques like breathing exercises and practicing simulated tests can help you stay calm.
5. Why should I use the process of elimination?
Eliminating obviously wrong answers first saves time, allowing you to focus on narrowing down the correct answer faster.
6. Should I spend time reviewing my answers?
Only review flagged questions after you’ve answered all the easy ones. Don’t spend too much time reviewing answers unnecessarily early on.
