Managing your time effectively during the TOEIC test is essential, especially when you’re preparing without the guidance of a teacher. Without a structured class, it’s easy to lose track of study hours and test-taking strategies. However, with the right methods, self-study can still lead to high scores. In this article, we discuss How To Manage Time In TOEIC Without A Teacher and offer useful study strategies that anyone can follow at home.
Why Time Management Matters in the TOEIC Test
Time is one of the biggest challenges in the TOEIC exam. Each section (Listening and Reading) is designed to test your ability to understand English under timed conditions. For individuals self-studying at home, knowing how to pace your study sessions and replicate test-like conditions is key to success.
Here’s why time management is vital:
- The Listening section lasts about 45 minutes, with 100 questions to answer.
- The Reading section allows 75 minutes, again with 100 questions to complete.
- Poor time management means running out of time before answering all the questions, which caused lost points.
“Many students spend too much time on hard questions and miss out on easy points,” says Nguyen Minh Thao, a TOEIC expert with over 10 years of experience. “The key is learning how to quickly move on if you’re stuck.”
Next, let’s explore practical strategies to optimize your time in the TOEIC test.
1. Set a Specific Study Plan and Stick to It
Without a teacher, it’s tempting to procrastinate or spend too much time on the wrong things. A dedicated study plan helps you stay organized and ensures you’re covering all areas of the TOEIC test.
- Break down your study time by skills: reading comprehension, listening strategies, vocabulary building, etc.
- Dedicate 5 to 6 days per week for preparation and rest on one day.
- Set clear daily or weekly goals to track your progress. For instance, aim to complete three full listening tests in a week.
Suggested Study Schedule:
| Day | Focus Area | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Listening Part 1 & 2 | 90 minutes |
| Tuesday | Reading Part 5 & 6 | 90 minutes |
| Wednesday | Listening Part 3 & 4 | 90 minutes |
| Thursday | Reading Part 7 | 90 minutes |
| Friday | Full-Length Practice Test | Full 2 hours |
| Saturday | Review Mistakes & Adjust | 60 minutes |
| Sunday | Rest and Recovery | – |
This schedule ensures you’re working on all parts of the TOEIC test equally, allowing consistent improvement over time.
Internal link: For quick, easy TOEIC learning at home, check out these quick TOEIC tips at home.
Effective TOEIC study plan for self-study at home, divided by skills and days.
2. Use a Timer During Practice Sessions
One of the best ways to replicate the TOEIC testing environment is by using a timer. This can help you get familiar with the pace you’ll need in the actual exam.
- For Listening practice, set a timer of 45 minutes. Don’t pause the recording or replay any questions.
- For Reading practice, give yourself 75 minutes. Aim to finish all questions within this time.
Additionally, you can break down large practice sessions into smaller timed drills to simulate test conditions. For example, spend 15 minutes going through as many reading comprehension questions as possible.
“Using timed drills helped me not only improve my speed but also increased my confidence in managing pressure during the test,” says Khanh Linh, who scored 920 in TOEIC after three months of self-study.
Internal link: For tips on how to structure TOEIC self-study, read more here: how to improve TOEIC for self-study.
3. Focus on TOEIC Shortcuts and Hacks
While practice is important, understanding key TOEIC shortcuts can help you maximize your efficiency. Here are some time-saving strategies specifically for different parts of the TOEIC exam.
Listening Section:
- Pre-read answers: In Parts 3 & 4 of the Listening section, quickly scan the answers while the narrator introduces the questions.
- Don’t dwell on missed answers: If you miss a question, don’t try to recall it—just focus on the next one.
Reading Section:
- Skip long passages early: In Part 7, identify longer articles and save them for last. Work through shorter, easier passages first.
- Use keywords: When searching for answers, scan for keywords instead of reading every detail.
For more advice, check out the quickest way to learn TOEIC vocabulary for self-study, which offers additional tricks on handling the vocabulary-heavy sections of the TOEIC test.
Effective TOEIC Listening Section shortcuts for speed and accuracy.
4. Self-Check and Review Your Mistakes
After completing a practice test, it’s tempting to move on to the next one. However, reviewing your mistakes is where true improvement happens. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reviewing effectively:
- Identify Mistakes: Go through your wrong answers and ensure you understand why you got them wrong.
- Classify Errors: Determine if your mistake was due to misunderstanding the question, vocabulary, or time mismanagement.
- Revisit Problem Areas: Focus your following study sessions on areas where mistakes commonly happen (e.g., grammar, listening comprehension).
- Time Yourself Again: Re-do challenging questions under timed conditions to assess whether you have improved.
Internal link: If you’re looking for more comprehensive strategies tailored to 2024, check out our guide on how to practice TOEIC in 2024.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your TOEIC Time Management
Knowing how to manage your time is critical to TOEIC success, especially without a teacher. Focus on structured study schedules, use timers during practice, apply TOEIC-specific shortcuts, and consistently review your mistakes. These techniques will allow you to maximize your score even when preparing on your own.
By following these steps, you’ll develop the self-discipline and test-taking strategies needed to ace the TOEIC exam.
FAQs on How to Manage Time in TOEIC Without a Teacher
1. How many hours should I study for TOEIC daily?
It’s best to study about 90 minutes per day, focusing on both listening and reading skills. Consistency is more important than long hours in one day.
2. How can I complete all TOEIC reading questions in time?
You should aim to skim and scan rather than reading every word. Practice searching for key information in the fastest way possible.
3. Is it possible to prepare for the TOEIC at home effectively?
Yes, with the right resources such as practice tests, TOEIC books, and online guides, studying at home can be highly effective.
4. Can I use TOEIC apps to track my study time?
Yes, several TOEIC preparation apps provide timed practice tests and reminders, which can help you stay on schedule.
5. How do I improve my listening speed for the TOEIC?
Start by listening to English content with transcripts. Gradually, increase the audio speed and work on understanding without subtitles or repeats.
