Effective time management is one of the most crucial skills when preparing for and taking the TOEIC. Especially for self-learners, understanding How To Manage Time In TOEIC For Self-study can be a game changer. In this article, we’ll share valuable tips on how you can enhance your time efficiency while studying for the TOEIC, leading to better performance on test day.
Why is Time Management So Important in TOEIC?
TOEIC’s reading and listening sections are designed to assess your language proficiency under timed conditions. If you don’t manage the allocated time wisely, you might end up leaving questions unanswered or rushing through crucial sections. Self-study requires even more discipline because there is no teacher to keep you on track.
Key areas where time management impacts your TOEIC score:
- Avoiding the panic: When you have a strategy, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed by the clock ticking down.
- Maximizing accuracy: With balanced time allocation, you give each question the attention it deserves.
- Boosting confidence: You feel in control, which improves your focus and accuracy.
For self-learners, time management during practice is one of the factors that determine real success. Want to learn some tricks for maximizing your self-study time? Keep reading to find out.
Learn more TOEIC tricks without a teacher.
How to Create a TOEIC Study Plan with Efficient Time Management
To create an efficient TOEIC self-study plan, you’ll need to focus on productive time allocation and regular practice. Here are a few strategies that can help you:
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Set realistic study goals:
Break your syllabus into manageable chunks, such as focusing on vocabulary one day and honing grammar the next. -
Use timed practice tests:
A crucial aspect of TOEIC preparation is taking mock exams. Time yourself during these practice sessions using a stopwatch. This will simulate the real test environment and help you improve your pacing. -
Review your weaknesses:
Allocate more time to weaker areas like listening comprehension or reading speed. But don’t neglect your stronger areas – keep them polished. -
Take regular breaks:
Your brain needs rest to retain information, so follow the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute breaks) or study in blocks of 45-60 minutes, followed by short breaks. -
Track your progress:
Keep a study journal or a digital log to monitor your improvement and adjust your time management efforts accordingly. -
Practice skimming and scanning:
These reading techniques help you quickly locate information and answer questions faster, especially in the reading section of the TOEIC. Test yourself on this regularly.
Remember, to self-manage your time effectively, consistency is key. Devote a little time each day, and don’t let yourself cram everything at the last minute.
Managing Time in the Listening Section
The Listening section of the TOEIC consists of 100 questions spread across four parts. You must divide your time wisely, though you have limited control over the pace as the audio is played only once.
Time Management Tips for TOEIC Listening:
- Predict the answers: While listening to the directions or while the speakers are introducing the scenario, try to predict what the question might ask.
- Take quick notes: Jot down keywords but don’t let note-taking distract you.
- Improve your listening speed: Develop the habit of watching English videos online at increased speeds (x1.25 or x1.5) to train your ears to catch key details quickly.
Need tips specific for intermediate TOEIC learners? Check this guide to time management for the intermediate level.
Time Management in the Reading Section
The Reading section is often more difficult for time management since you control how long you spend on each question. Here’s how to best manage time in this section:
Steps to Manage Time in TOEIC Reading:
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Start with easier questions:
In each part, tackle the simpler questions first to gather momentum. For example, Part 5 (Sentence Completion) is often faster to complete than Part 7 (Reading Comprehension). -
Time yourself per question:
Here’s a rough breakdown of how much time to spend per part:- Part 5 (Sentence Completion): 20 minutes for 30 questions
- Part 6 (Text Completion): 10 minutes for 16 questions
- Part 7 (Reading Comprehension): 35–45 minutes for 54 questions
Tip: Practice keeping to this time structure when doing your mock tests to build discipline and comfort.
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Skim before reading in detail:
In Part 7, skim the questions and then scan the passage for answers. Don’t read the passage from start to finish. -
Move fast when needed:
If you hit a difficult question, move on! Don’t let one question disrupt your whole flow. Guess smartly if needed. -
Review leftover time:
If you find you have spare time at the end, review the questions you felt uncertain about and double-check them.
Expert Insights and Advice on Time Management
From a TOEIC expert’s point of view, here are some extra tips that are often overlooked:
“Time stress is one of the biggest obstacles for TOEIC self-learners. It’s not just about studying harder, but smarter. Practice the parts where you often run out of time until you can approach them without the pressure of the clock.” — Nguyễn Văn Phúc, TOEIC Test Specialist
“Self-discipline with time management can yield amazing results. Monitor how much time you spend on each section during practice, and adjust accordingly. Don’t assume you’ll be faster on test day if you haven’t been practicing.” — Lê Hồng Hải, TOEIC Tutor with 10 Years of Experience
By following these recommendations, you can start expecting higher confidence and better scores, all while managing your time effectively.
Continue your journey with more TOEIC tips for self-study.
Conclusion
To summarize, learning how to manage time in TOEIC for self-study means having a plan, practicing with a timer, and focusing on both your strengths and weaknesses. Time management can decide whether you complete the exam calmly or leave sections unanswered — the choice is yours! By applying the techniques we’ve discussed, you can make your TOEIC preparations smoother and more effective.
FAQs
1. How can I improve my time management for the TOEIC?
Start by taking timed practice tests and learning to quickly identify the question type. Focus on your weaker areas and set up a detailed study schedule.
2. What should I do if I am running out of time in the Reading section?
Quickly glance through unanswered questions and make educated guesses for any remaining questions. Don’t get stuck on one question.
3. Can improving vocabulary help with TOEIC time management?
Yes. The faster you understand words and phrases, the less time you will waste deciphering them. Check out this method to learn TOEIC vocabulary quickly.
4. Is it more important to focus on Listening or Reading time management?
Both are equally important, but practice listening more as you can’t control the pace in that section.
5. How much study time should I devote daily to TOEIC preparation?
Dedicate at least 1-2 hours daily for consistent results, but adjust based on your personal schedule and weaknesses.
