Effective time management in the TOEIC exam is essential for achieving a high score. Without it, even the most prepared test-takers can struggle to complete all sections. In this article, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you manage your time efficiently during the TOEIC test. These expert tips will boost your confidence and help you stay on track under time pressure.
Why Is Time Management Important in TOEIC?
The TOEIC exam comprises two main sections: Listening and Reading, both of which are strictly timed. You have around 120 minutes in total:
- Listening Section: 45 minutes for 100 questions
- Reading Section: 75 minutes for 100 questions
Given the large number of questions, effective time management becomes crucial. Mastering how to manage your time well will ensure that you can fully maximize your answers without panicking during the exam. Moreover, good timing strategies let you focus better on the hardest sections.
Time Management Strategies for TOEIC Listening
The listening section can be tricky due to the nature of one-time audio playback. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Preview the Questions if Possible
During the brief introduction of each part, quickly skim the questions and options. This helps you anticipate the type of answers to listen for. For instance, in the Part 3 conversations, understanding the context of the questions ahead can give you an edge.
2. Listen Actively, Not Passively
Stay engaged with the audio at all times. Even after hearing the answer to one question, stay focused because the next might come quickly. Remember, you can’t go back once the audio plays.
3. Don’t Waste Time on Difficult Questions
If you don’t catch an answer, don’t linger. Make a quick guess and move on. You can always adjust later if needed.
Quick Tip:
“To manage your time effectively during the TOEIC, always remain calm and stay ahead by listening strategically.” — Nguyễn Hữu Bình, an experienced TOEIC trainer
For more advanced listening tips, you might be interested in learning how to boost your TOEIC score with real exam practice, which can significantly help with time efficiency on test day.
Time Management Strategies for TOEIC Reading
The reading section gives you more flexibility, but it can also be trickier since it’s longer and denser. Here’s how to optimize your time:
1. Part 5 & 6: Solve Vocabulary Questions Quickly
The first two parts of the Reading section involve sentence completion and text completion. If a question isn’t immediately clear, skip it and return later. Guessing options you feel most confident in is a better use of time than agonizing over difficult ones.
Pro Tip: Skim the sentences for indicators like verb tenses or conjunctions, which make finding the right answer much faster.
2. Part 7: Scan and Skim
You should master the skill of skimming for key information in long reading passages. Don’t read word-for-word when answering questions. Instead, scan the paragraphs for keywords that correspond to the questions being asked. Often, the location of answers can be easily spotted by their similar phrasing.
This method is highly effective for time-intensive questions, such as dual-passage reading. Skimming helps minimize time spent searching for specific answers.
3. Divide Your Time Smartly
Allocate your time wisely across the Reading section:
- Part 5 & 6: Aim to complete these within 25 minutes.
- Part 7: The remaining 50 minutes should focus on the reading comprehension questions.
By following a structured allocation of time per section, you’ll avoid the frequent pitfall of running out of time towards the end of the test.
Ready to tackle TOEIC in a shorter time frame? Check out our article on how to practice for TOEIC success for additional key strategies.
How to Practice Time Management Before the Real TOEIC
Step-by-step practice with timed mock exams is crucial for mastering time management. Follow these strategies:
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Take Full-Length TOEIC Practice Tests
Get yourself acquainted with the test structure and time duration. Set a timer and attempt to complete both sections within the standard time limit (approximately 120 minutes). -
Analyze Time Distribution
After completing each mock test, evaluate which sections consumed the most time. Were there any questions that you got stuck on? This reflection allows you to understand where you need the most practice. -
Practice under Exam Conditions
Simulate the actual exam environment by practicing without distractions. The goal is to train both your focus and speed under pressure. -
Focus on Weak Points
Spend extra time honing the skills for sections where you consistently take too long. For example, if Reading Comprehension is your weak spot, dedicate additional time to bulk-practice that section.
By integrating these into your study schedule, you’ll build the stamina to manage your time effectively.
Don’t wait until the last minute! To optimize your preparation further, you can learn how to manage time in TOEIC in just a month with our full guide.
Conclusion
Achieving timing mastery in TOEIC requires practice, patience, and strategic thinking. From previewing questions during the Listening section to scanning passages in the Reading section, these actionable strategies can make a significant difference on test day. Remember to:
- Preview questions for a listening advantage
- Skip difficult questions instead of wasting time
- Skim-read instead of focusing on every word in the Reading section
Once you’ve applied these strategies, you’ll likely find that managing time in the TOEIC becomes second nature. Best of luck!
FAQ About TOEIC Time Management
1. How long does the TOEIC test last?
The TOEIC test lasts approximately 120 minutes: 45 minutes for the Listening section and 75 minutes for the Reading section.
2. How should I allocate my time during the Reading section?
Spend about 25 minutes on Part 5 & 6 to leave enough time for Part 7, where structured reading is crucial.
3. Should I answer every question?
Yes, even if you’re unsure of an answer, TOEIC does not penalize guessing, so answer every question.
4. Can I go back to questions I skipped in the Listening section?
Unfortunately, no. The listening audio plays only once, and you must answer each question as you hear its response.
5. How can I practice for better time management?
You should consistently take timed mock tests to build up both speed and accuracy under real exam conditions.
If you’re looking for additional ways to ramp up your vocabulary skills, our guide on how to handle TOEIC vocabulary effectively offers valuable insights.
