The TOEIC test in 2024 offers great opportunities for those who manage their time wisely. In this guide, we’ll show you essential tips on How To Manage Time In TOEIC In 2024, which can significantly boost your final score.
Why Managing Time is Crucial for the TOEIC Test
The TOEIC exam consists of 200 questions, which need to be completed in 2 hours. This means balancing speed with accuracy is key. Inefficient time management could result in not finishing the test or making careless mistakes. Below are proven strategies that align with the structure of the exam.
Key Time Management Tips for the TOEIC Listening Section
The 45-minute listening section consists of 100 questions divided into four parts: photographs, question-response, conversations, and talks. Here’s how to maximize your listening score.
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Part 1 (Photographs): You have limited time between questions. Don’t spend too much time analyzing the options. Look at the picture, listen carefully, and choose the best answer quickly. Tip: Stay focused but don’t overthink.
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Part 2 (Question-Response): You’ll only hear the question once. Manage your time wisely by quickly eliminating illogical answers and selecting the most reasonable option. Tip: Trust your first instinct, but listen to all options carefully before selecting.
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Part 3 & 4 (Conversations & Talks): You’ll need to listen to conversations and talks, then answer multiple questions. Use the short pauses between each set to read the upcoming questions and answers in advance, and avoid getting stuck on any difficult questions. By preparing your answers before listening, you’ll have a better chance of finishing on time.
For further tips on guessing when you’re unsure in the listening section, check out our guide on ways to guess answers in TOEIC in 2024.
Time Management in the TOEIC Reading Section
The reading section of the TOEIC includes 100 questions in 75 minutes. Effective division of time is key here, as some passage questions—especially in Part 7—can be tricky and time-consuming.
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Part 5 (Incomplete Sentences): Allocate no more than 15 minutes for the 30 questions. These should be quick, as you either know the answer or you don’t. Tip: Practice grammar regularly to gain confidence and speed in answering.
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Part 6 (Text Completion): Spend 8-10 minutes on these 16 questions. Here, your contextual understanding and vocabulary are tested. Skim through the text quickly for context before answering to save precious time.
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Part 7 (Reading Comprehension): The longest and most demanding part of the test, it requires careful time allocation. Aim to complete the single passages in around 25 minutes and the double/triple passages in about 35 minutes. When reading, focus on understanding the main idea and locating keywords quickly rather than reading every word deeply.
Proven Step-by-Step Time Management Plan for the TOEIC in 2024
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Start Fast: In the Listening Section, start with a fast but careful response rate for Parts 1 and 2. Don’t dwell on any question for more than what’s necessary — you cannot afford the luxury of second guesses here.
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Maximize Reading Speed: In the Reading Section, particularly for Part 7, practice skimming techniques. Here’s a simple approach:
- First, skim the passage for structure (headings, paragraph layout).
- Then, move directly to the questions and only return to the relevant parts of the text when answering.
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Skip and Return: Don’t get stuck on difficult questions. In the Listening section, you don’t have much choice but to move on, while in the Reading section, you can flag tough questions and return later once easier ones are completed.
By following these strategies, you strike a balance between speed and precision. Also, honing these techniques will bolster your performance in TOEIC, whichever test version you take in 2024.
Key Tools to Boost Your TOEIC Time Management
To further solidify your TOEIC preparation, consider these methods:
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Practice under timed conditions: Mimicking actual TOEIC conditions at home will let you experience real exam pressure and improve your time management. For guided practice, you can explore more detailed strategies in our section on effective techniques for TOEIC like a pro.
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Use TOEIC apps and tools: Leverage vocabulary and timing tools to improve your pace. Apps often feature timed quizzes that help you measure progress.
Expert Opinion on TOEIC Time Management
Nguyen Minh Tan, a seasoned TOEIC prep instructor with over 10 years of experience, shares his insights:
“The TOEIC test is not just about knowledge; it’s about how efficiently you can use that knowledge under pressure. Improving your speed and learning to make quicker decisions can be the difference between a 700 and an 850.”
“Many of my students who score above 900 consistently tell me that mastering their timing in the reading section made all the difference.”
Incorporating these expert tips can greatly increase your chances of completing each section without rushing.
How to Improve Your Time Management without a Teacher
If you’re preparing for TOEIC on your own, our practical guide on how to manage time in TOEIC without a teacher provides a tailored roadmap for self-study.
Conclusion: Master Time to Master the TOEIC in 2024
Mastering how to manage time in TOEIC in 2024 is essential for anyone aiming for a high score. By adopting a strategic approach to each section of the test and practicing under real conditions, you’ll drastically improve your chances of finishing on time while maintaining accuracy.
Start implementing these time management techniques today, and check out more guidance on how to improve TOEIC for a high score.
FAQ: Time Management for TOEIC
1. How many minutes should I spend on each question in the reading section?
Aim for about 30-40 seconds per question for Parts 5 and 6 and about 60-75 seconds per question in Part 7.
2. What’s the best way to improve my listening speed?
Practice listening to English audio regularly, whether through TOEIC mock tests or podcasts at normal speed.
3. Should I answer all questions even if I’m unsure?
Yes, TOEIC does not have penalties for wrong answers, so guess if needed. See tips on guessing here: ways to guess answers in TOEIC in 2024.
4. How can I manage stress during the test?
Practice relaxation and breathing techniques. Staying calm is key to maintaining focus and efficient time management.
5. How much time should I allocate to reviewing my answers?
Ideally, save about 5-10 minutes at the end of each section to review flagged answers, especially in the reading portion.
