How to Manage Time in TOEIC with Example Sentences

Managing time in the TOEIC exam is crucial to achieving the best possible score, as each section has a specific time limit. Many test-takers struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they run out of time. By learning how to manage your time effectively, you can ensure you answer all questions and maximize your chances of success.

In this article, we will explore how to manage time in TOEIC with practical tips, supported by example sentences that you can use in your preparation. Let’s get started!

Why Is Time Management Important in TOEIC?

The TOEIC exam consists of both listening and reading sections, with each part timed differently. Here’s an overview:

Since there are a lot of questions in a limited time, mismanagement can lead to unfinished sections, particularly in the reading part.

Quotation from an Expert:
“Many TOEIC candidates tend to spend too much time on one question, which leaves them struggling with the last few. Always aim to keep a steady pace.”
– Thuy Nguyen, TOEIC Instructor

Here are strategic tips to help you better manage time in TOEIC:

1. Pacing Yourself

Each minute during the exam counts. One helpful way to manage time is by setting mini-deadlines for each section and subsection.

• Listening Section: Try to absorb key information (Who? What? Where?) quickly, as the recording will only play once. You should budget roughly 30 seconds per question.

  • Example: “What time is the meeting scheduled for?” Focus on “time” and “meeting” when listening.

• Reading Section: For the first few parts, which might consist of shorter passages or questions like completing sentences, you should aim to spend no more than 30-40 seconds per question. For longer reading passages, about one minute per question is ideal.

  • Example: “The new policies will ___ next week.” Focus on the sentence structure and predict the missing word quickly.

Adopt this type of schedule to ensure you don’t lag behind. As you prepare for the TOEIC, practice pacing by using a stopwatch to simulate real test conditions.

For beginners, check out these tips for TOEIC for beginners to get more insights into adjusting your time better based on your level.

Student practicing for TOEIC listening test using a stopwatch

2. Prioritizing Questions

Another essential part of time management is identifying questions that you can answer quickly and questions that require more thought. If you’re stuck on a question for too long, skip it and come back later.

How to skip questions strategically:

1. Identify easy questions first. These might be questions about basic vocabulary or simple sentence structures.

   • Example: “He is ___ a presentation tomorrow.” You can quickly identify that “giving” fits.

2. Do not spend more than the estimated time on harder questions. If a reading passage seems too dense, answer the questions you can handle first and return later if time allows.

Learn how to pass TOEIC for self-study by focusing on self-paced study and skipping techniques.

3. Practicing with Timed TOEIC Mock Tests

There’s no better way to know if your time management strategy works than practicing under real exam conditions. Set a timer and simulate a full TOEIC test at least once a week. This will help you:

• Build endurance for the 2-hour test duration
• Get comfortable with pacing each section
• Identify which sections take the most time

The more familiar you are with the test format, the less stressful managing time will be on the actual exam day. For a guide on how to start practicing, check out effective techniques for TOEIC like a pro.

Quotation from an Expert:
“Mock tests are an invaluable part of TOEIC preparation. They not only help you practice the content but also train your brain to tackle the time limits effectively.”
– Minh Tran, TOEIC Expert

4. Limiting Time for Reading Passages

One of the trickiest parts of the TOEIC reading section is reading lengthy passages while leaving time for questions. Here’s a great tip: Skim first, read the questions, and then scan for answers. This method saves reading time as you only search for key information related to the questions.

• Example: In a text about a company announcing changes, quickly locate phrases like “new policy,” “effective date,” and “reason” before answering.

Student practicing skimming technique for TOEIC reading section

According to quick TOEIC tips from scratch, learning how to skim effectively can shave off valuable minutes from your reading section.

5. Never Leave Questions Unanswered

Here’s a simple and often forgotten rule: Answer every question, even if you’re unsure of the answer. There is no penalty for wrong answers in TOEIC, so guessing is always better than leaving a question blank.

• Tip: If time is running out in the last minute or two, quickly fill in answers for the remaining questions.

Quotation from an Expert:
“If the clock is ticking down, go with your gut and mark something. An unanswered question is a 100% wrong answer—remember that!”
– Lam Pham, TOEIC Educator

Conclusion

Time management is a critical skill in the TOEIC exam. Whether it’s pacing yourself, prioritizing the easier questions, or practicing effectively with mock exams, being mindful of your time will dramatically improve your score. Use the strategies discussed here and put them into practice to get the most out of your test day.

Remember, practicing under timed conditions and focusing on sections that commonly consume your time will lead to greater success. With these insights, you’re now better equipped to tackle time management in your TOEIC exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long should I spend on each question in the listening section?
   Aim to spend around 30 seconds per question in the listening section since the recordings will play only once.

2. What if I run out of time in the reading section?
   If you’re running out of time, quickly answer the remaining questions even if you’re unsure, as there’s no penalty for guessing.

3. How can I improve my time management for TOEIC?
   The best way to improve is by practicing with timed mock exams and gradually learning how to pace yourself according to your strengths and weaknesses.

4. Is it okay to skip difficult questions in TOEIC?
   Yes, prioritize questions that seem easier and come back to harder ones later. Don’t get stuck for too long on any single question.

5. Should I read every word in reading passages?
   No, it’s better to skim the passage for main ideas, read the questions, and then scan the passage for information that helps answer the questions.

For more advice on time-saving strategies, check out TOEIC preparation advice from scratch.