If you’re preparing for the TOEIC test, you probably know how important it is to answer questions accurately and efficiently. But what if you’re not sure about an answer? Guessing may be an effective strategy provided you do it wisely. This article will explore various ways to improve your guessing techniques in the TOEIC test, potentially boosting your score even when you’re uncertain.
Why Guessing in TOEIC Can Be Important
In the TOEIC test, each question carries the same point weight regardless of its difficulty. That means you should answer every question, even if you’re unsure. A blank answer gives you no chance, but an educated guess increases your likelihood of gaining points. Let’s delve into some techniques for guessing, making your attempts as strategic as possible.
1. Eliminate Clearly Wrong Answers
One of the most widely recommended methods for guessing TOEIC answers is elimination. Each question typically has four answer choices, but at least one or two of them are often clearly incorrect.
- Skim through all the options quickly.
- Cross out options that seem irrelevant, grammatically incorrect, or completely out of context.
The process of elimination increases your odds of selecting the correct answer, especially when you narrow it down to two choices. Moreover, this approach is often useful in both the TOEIC Listening and TOEIC Reading sections.
2. Watch Out for Similar Answer Choices
In the TOEIC test, answer choices that are exceedingly similar often confuse test-takers. When two options almost mirror each other, one of them is usually the right choice.
- Pay attention to small differences. These subtle changes can sometimes be the key to figuring out the correct answer.
- For example, the verbs in two choices might differ only in tense. Which tense matches the context better?
This strategy is helpful for avoiding traps set by confusingly similar options, particularly in questions about grammar and vocabulary.
3. Leverage Context in Listening Questions
In the listening part, understanding the broader context can help you make an educated guess.
- Listen for keywords or phrases that relate to the question.
- Focus on any repeated terms or emphasized words in the audio.
If you’re unsure, draw on the overall topic, speaker’s emotion, or the type of conversation. These clues can be instrumental in helping you narrow down which answer fits best.
Additionally, for those struggling with TOEIC Listening, we recommend the article how to improve TOEIC reading score quickly where several other strategies are discussed.
4. Look for Visual Clues in Picture-Based Questions
In the TOEIC Listening Part 1, where you’re asked to interpret photographs, visual clues can assist your guessing:
- Look at the surroundings, people’s posture, and the objects in the image. These elements can often hint at the correct answer.
- Eliminate answers that describe actions or things that aren’t evident in the picture.
Even if you can’t place the exact right description, visual observation lets you discard options that don’t make sense.
TOEIC Listening photo-based question with object and gesture clues
5. Don’t Choose an Option Just for Being “Middle Ground”
Many TOEIC test-takers wrongly assume that choosing the “middle” answer, such as B or C, is a safe choice by default. While this tactic might work occasionally, it is not a reliable guessing strategy. Consider the content and context instead of relying on any answer-positioning myths.
6. Recognize Distractors
The TOEIC exam is known for using distractors, particularly in the Listening section. A distractor is when an option mentions something from the audio but doesn’t directly answer the question.
- Distractors often contain overly specific details, making you believe they’re correct based on content from the recording.
- Compare the listed options thoroughly with the central question being asked.
By identifying these common trick answers, you improve your overall guessing accuracy, reducing the chance of falling into typical test design traps.
7. Use Grammar Hints
Sometimes, grammar structure can help you out. In the reading part, you can analyze the sentence structure to:
- Match plural nouns with plural verbs and vice versa.
- Ensure tenses align with the context of the sentence.
If grammar tenses or parts of speech don’t match, they are most likely incorrect answers. Also, by identifying patterns in how sentences flow, you can often rule out at least one or two options.
Grammar-focused TOEIC question asking verb tense matching
8. Rely on Your First Instinct (If Hesitant)
Research indicates that your first instinct is often correct. If you’ve narrowed down the options and are still unsure, it’s usually best to stick with your initial choice rather than second-guess yourself too much.
“The TOEIC test rarely benefits from overthinking. If you’ve done your preparation, trust your judgment, and follow your gut feeling,” suggests Nguyễn Nam Phong, a seasoned TOEIC instructor with over 10 years of experience.
FAQ
1. Should I leave questions blank if I don’t know the answer?
No, it’s always better to guess than leave a question blank. Even if you’re unsure, an educated guess gives you a chance to score points, whereas a blank answer guarantees zero points.
2. How can I eliminate wrong answers in the TOEIC test?
Look for answers that clearly don’t match the context of the question, are grammatically incorrect, or seem illogical. Eliminating wrong options increases your probability of guessing right.
3. Are there any traps in the TOEIC test I should be aware of?
Yes, the TOEIC test uses distractors, particularly in the Listening section. These are answer choices that sound correct but don’t directly address the question.
4. Can I just pick the answer that’s in the middle?
While some test-takers may believe that consistently picking answers like B or C will increase their odds, this is not a reliable strategy. Always analyze the content and use practical methods like elimination and grammar checks.
5. How can context help me guess better in the Listening section?
Listening for context clues such as keywords, speaker tone, or repeated terms in the audio can guide you to make more informed guesses, even if you’re unsure of the correct answer.
6. How can I improve my score faster?
For more tips on improving your score in a short time, you can check how to improve TOEIC reading score quickly where fast and efficient methods are discussed.
Conclusion
Guessing may seem like a last resort during the TOEIC test, but if done strategically, it can significantly improve your chances of getting a higher score. Remember to eliminate wrong choices, rely on context and intuition, and keep calm under pressure. By using the tips outlined here, you’ll be better equipped to confidently guess when the situation calls for it.
