TOEIC or Test of English for International Communication is an English Language Proficiency test which is most commonly used for assessment of English in the workplace. Unlike other exams which focus on assessing English with a focus on academic settings, this assessment is based on real-life work scenarios that are designed to ensure candidate’s communication in English is as effective as possible. The TOEIC also differs from other English proficiency tests because rather than one qualification which tests all of 4 core English language skills, it offers two separate qualifications; the Listening and Reading tests as well as the Speaking and Writing tests. This means it is useful for those who need to certify their English proficiency in just one area of English or who wish to boost their level in a particular skill. However, it is worth noting that these two skills focused tests complement each other and candidates are encouraged to take both of these exams for a more all-round qualification. As well as these two qualifications, for those with a lower level of English TOEIC also provides the Bridge exam which tests beginner to intermediate English language skills. Our TOEIC tutors can support you with all aspects of the TOEIC Exam and build your English Language Skills.
TOEIC Listening and Reading Test
With a focus on workplace situations this test evaluates candidate’s ability to communicate with work colleagues, clients and co-workers internationally. Listening skills are tested through a range of scenarios such as meetings, videoconferencing and telephone conversations. Reading skills are assessed through email, written reports and a range of other forms of business communication.
Registration: There are 2 types of this assessment public and institutional. Public test sessions occur in various test centres around the world at different times of the year, registration and further information can be found here depending on your country of residence.
US: https://www.ets.org/toeic/test-takers/listening-reading/registration/us
Canada: https://www.ets.org/toeic/test-takers/listening-reading/registration/canada
Outside Canada and US contact: TOEIC@ets.org
Institutional Test Sessions: are organised by an employer or language school and can therefore be organised through them.
Preparation: Overall the examination should take around 2 and a half hours and covers 200 questions. The examination altogether has 7 parts and each section has a different style of question. The listening section of the exam (part 1-4) should take candidates approximately 45 minutes to complete. In this section, candidates must listen to a variety of audio clips and then answer questions on what they have heard. Candidates should spend around 75 minutes to complete the reading section of the assessment (part 5-1). An in-depth overview of the exam format can be found here, along with a practice paper. It is strongly recommended that candidates familiarise themselves with the format of the paper and practice papers are an excellent way to do this.
TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test
Speaking and writing skills are tested through a series of real-life work scenarios and are tested on their ability to speak effectively in presentations, face-to-face communication as well as via video and telephone. Candidates are required to write coherent emails and other work-related written exercises to demonstrate writing abilities.
TOEIC Registration: Can differ depending on the country you reside in.
Canada: https://toeicrts.ets.org/WebRegistration/toeic/StartPage.html
Outside US and Canada: Contact your local ETS Office https://www.ets.org/epn_directory or contact TOEIC@ets.org for more information.
Preparation: The speaking and writing assessment can be taken separately in two exams. The speaking element of the assessment will take candidates approximately 20 minutes and will involve 11 questions. These questions will include reading a text aloud, describing a picture, responding to questions, expressing opinions about a specific topic as well as responding to questions in response to information provided. The writing test will take candidates around 1 hour and includes writing a sentence based on a picture, responding to a written request in the style of an email as well as writing an opinion essay which should be at least 300 words.
TOEIC Bridge Test
Designed for to verify language proficiency for those whose level ranges from beginner to lower-intermediate allowing for candidates to prepare for the next step in their English language journey. The test measures all four English language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking and is also based on everyday life with a special focus vocabulary found in the workplace.
TOEIC Tutors & TOEIC Courses at Mayfair Consultants
At Mayfair Consultants, we offer one-to-one private tuition for all of your educational needs. We pride ourselves on our professional tutors who experienced in guiding students through the TOEIC. Regardless of which test you choose; our tutors can tailor your learning experience to ensure that you are able to achieve the best possible result in your upcoming assessments.
If you would like to arrange private lessons or have any questions about our tuition services, please call us on Tel: +44(0) 207 665 6606 or you can send us an email via our contact form.
Useful TOEIC English Resources
https://www.ets.org/toeic/test-takers Official website.
https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-tests/toeic/ Information about the TOEIC exams.
https://www.iibc-global.org/english/toeic/test/lr/about/format.html#:~:text=The%20TOEIC%20L%26R%20uses%20an,not%20in%20the%20test%20book. TOEIC test format and practice papers.
https://global-exam.com/blog/en/what-are-the-best-books-to-study-toeic/ Blog post explaining the best textbooks for the TOEIC.
https://englishpost.org/toeic-listening-and-reading-test/ Hints and tips for taking the TOEIC.
https://toeic-testpro.com/blog/top-5-best-books-for-toeic-learners/ Another list of useful TOEIC textbooks.
General ESOL revision links
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/
https://americanenglish.state.gov/materials-learning-english
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/
https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-worksheets/search/material
https://lingua.com/english/reading/
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/
https://www.englishcentral.com/browse/videos
https://www.ets.org/toeic