The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is a challenge for most learners aiming to improve their score, especially at the intermediate level. With the right strategies, you can speed up your preparation and significantly boost your performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best strategies to excel in TOEIC for intermediate learners — from tips on listening, reading, to time management techniques.
Understand the TOEIC Structure
Before diving into advanced tips, let’s ensure you grasp the overall structure of the test. The TOEIC Listening and Reading Test consists of two parts:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 100 | 45 minutes | Understanding spoken English |
| Reading | 100 | 75 minutes | Understanding written English |
With this structure in mind, let’s discuss key strategies tailored specifically for intermediate learners.
Listening Strategies for Intermediate Level TOEIC
1. Focus on Familiarizing Accents
TOEIC uses various accents, especially American, British, Australian, and Canadian. At the intermediate level, this can be challenging. Make it a habit to listen to materials that feature these accents.
- Tip: Listen to podcasts or watch shows from different English-speaking countries to improve your listening comprehension across various accents.
2. Identify Keywords Quickly
Intermediate learners should focus on identifying keywords in the listening section to follow the conversation or monologue more effectively. Avoid trying to understand every single word, as this may slow you down.
- Tip: Practice identifying keywords in short dialogues. For example, what are the key terms that indicate time, location, or agreement?
For more detailed tips on staying concentrated during the Listening part, check out how to approach TOEIC at home.
Reading Strategies for the TOEIC Test
1. Scan for Information
The reading section often challenges intermediate students because of the time constraint. Learn to focus on scanning paragraphs for specific pieces of information rather than reading every word.
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start by reading the question.
- Go back to the passage and scan for relevant information.
- Avoid getting stuck on unfamiliar words; instead, use the context to infer meanings.
Scanning paragraphs for key information in reading comprehension
2. Practice Reading Short Texts
Intermediate students tend to feel overwhelmed by long texts. You should practice with shorter texts and gradually build up to longer passages. Focus on improving both accuracy in answering questions and reading speed.
For self-study tips, refer to tips for TOEIC for self-study.
Vocabulary Building Strategies
While vocabulary might seem like a daunting area, intermediate learners can use the following methods to strengthen it:
- Flashcards: Create digital or physical flashcards for common TOEIC-related vocabulary.
- Context Study: Instead of memorizing words in isolation, learn phrases and contexts in which they are used. This will help you tackle both listening and reading sections better.
- Active Vocabulary Use: Engage in English conversation groups or write short paragraphs using the new vocabulary daily.
“As an intermediate learner, building a strong TOEIC vocabulary is key. The best approach is not just to accumulate words but to commit to practicing them in real-life contexts.” — Nguyen Thanh, TOEIC Instructor
Flashcards and active use for TOEIC vocabulary improvement
Time Management for the TOEIC Test
1. Prioritize Easier Questions
Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. You can come back to tricky questions later if time permits. It’s important for you to maximize your score by securing correct answers on the easier ones first.
2. Divide Time for Each Section
Be mindful of how much time you spend on different parts of the test. A recommended strategy would be the following:
- Listening Section: Don’t go back and forth; concentrate on the current question as audio is played only once.
- Reading Section: Spend no more than 5 minutes on each passage. If you find a section particularly tough, make an educated guess and move on to the next passage.
Practicing with Mock Tests
Finally, as an intermediate learner, mock TOEIC tests are vital for your preparation. Focus on simulating real test conditions:
- Time yourself strictly.
- Avoid using any aids (like dictionaries).
- After completing, review and analyze your mistakes for future improvements.
By regularly practicing this way, you’ll not only become comfortable with the test format, but you’ll also improve your time management and accuracy under pressure.
For additional strategies to improve your score, take a look at methods to excel in TOEIC for high score.
Conclusion
To sum up, intermediate learners aiming for success in the TOEIC need to focus on building vocabulary, improving reading speed, enhancing listening skills, and managing their time effectively. Through consistent practice using the strategies mentioned above, you’re bound to see improvements in your TOEIC score. Don’t forget to practice regularly and use sample tests to evaluate your progress.
For further help on how to gain confidence in your preparation, consider exploring how to ace TOEIC test effectively.
FAQs on TOEIC Preparation
1. How long should I study for the TOEIC if I’m at an intermediate level?
On average, intermediate learners should plan for 2-3 months of consistent study, with a daily commitment of at least 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. Can I improve my TOEIC score by practicing at home?
Yes, you can definitely improve your score through self-study. How to practice TOEIC without a teacher provides some useful techniques for preparing alone.
3. What is the best way to improve my listening for TOEIC?
The best way to improve is through active listening. Focus on understanding the general meaning and key points rather than every detail. Podcasts, news broadcasts, and practice tests can help sharpen your skills.
4. Are there specific books recommended for intermediate TOEIC learners?
Yes, beginners and intermediate learners can start with books like “Target TOEIC” or “Barron’s TOEIC” that focus on essential skills for the test’s listening and reading sections.
5. How can I balance between improving both sections (Listening & Reading)?
Set aside time to practice each section separately but equally. For example, devote 30 minutes to listening practice and another 30 minutes to reading exercises each day.
By following this balanced approach, you’ll make substantial gains across both sections of the exam.
