Tip: Understand the context of the question.

Sometimes you may not understand a word or phrase in the question or passage that you read or hear. Do not worry. Often, understanding the general context of the question itself will allow you to answer the question even if you do not understand the word.

Tip: Be familiar with the instructions for each section before-hand.

Familiarise yourself with the instructions for each section of the test. This means that during the actual test, you do not have to waste precious time reading the instructions in detail and can manage your time more efficiently. 

Tip: Understand how two passages are related.

If the reading comprehension features two passages, allocate more time for this since you need to read through and understand both passages carefully. You will also need to pay close attention to both passages and understand the relationship between them - only then will you be able to answer the questions that will be based on both passages collectively.

Tip: Look for the answer from across the text.

Sometimes, the answer to the question may not be found in one single sentence. You may have to read the entire text to figure out what the correct response to a question is. Be prepared for this.

Tip: Read the title and the first sentence of the text first.

Before you even start skim-reading the passage, read the title and the first sentence. These will give you a clue as to what the passage is about and what the main idea contained within it is.

Tip: Familiarise yourself with different formats.

When preparing to take the TOEIC test, make an effort to learn and understand the different kinds of texts that you may be expected to read - their formats, structures, etc. For instance, the structure of an email is very different from that of a speech or a newspaper article. Familiarity with the different formats will facilitate your reading.

Tip: Focus on the introduction.

The first part of the talk will help you determine the context of the talk.

Tip: Understand the objective of the question.

The question-response section will feature different types of questions. Before you start answering, first try and figure out what the purpose of each question is - does it ask for information, is it actually a comment or suggestion framed as a question, is it an invitation to something, etc. The purpose of the question will point to the correct response.

Tip: Listen carefully for similar sounding words.

Often, a question may have some similar-sounding words that have very different meanings. Listen carefully for these and do not confuse the different words.

Tip: Study the given picture closely and ask yourself all the key questions.

Closely observe each picture and ask yourself a number of questions, such as "Who is in the photo?", "What are the various things that I can see?", "Where is this scene set?", "What is happening in the picture?", etc. The answer to any of these questions may be the anwer that you need for the given question.

Tip: Eliminate choices that are definitely incorrect.

Of the four choices given to you, if you do not know which is the correct one, try and identify which choices are definitely incorrect. For instance, if you know for sure that 2 of the 4 choices are wrong, then this means that you have a 50% chance of at least guessing the correct answer.

Tip: The context of the complete sentence can help you arrive at the answer.

When you look at a sentence or passage, you may not understand some of the words. This does not mean that you cannot arrive at the correct answer. Often, the grammatical structure of the sentence and the context in which it is set will allow you to guess the answer even if you do not understand the meaning of one or more words. And sometimes, the questions themselves and the manner in which they are phrased can provide you with a clue to the correct answer!

Tip: Practice 'skim' reading passages.

Skim reading the passage given to you, that is reading only the keywords and not focusing on the more unimportant words, will allow you to work faster. It is not necessary to read every word of the passage since questions will, in any case, be based only on the keywords. Keywords include nouns, numbers, locations, etc. and the more unimportant words include prepositions, conjunctions, etc.

Tips from a high achiever on the TOEIC test: http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic40895.html

Tip: Take a chance and guess!

There is no negative marking on the TOEIC test for incorrect answers. So if you come across a question to which you do not know the answer, just guess the answer. You will not lose anything and who knows - you may even get the answer right!

Tip: Structure your answer logically and clearly.

When answering an essay question, structure your piece well with a clear introduction, body and conclusion. The essay should flow logically. Also, remember to break up your answer into paragraphs so that the argument can be followed clearly. Typically, the introduction and conclusion should be a paragraph each and the body of the answer can be broken up into multiple paragraphs, with one idea presented per paragraph.

Tip: Plan your essay answer before writing it.

Before you start writing out an essay answer, first organise your thoughts and your points and plan what you are going to answer. It will help to make a list (mental or otherwise) of all the points that you are going to include. This will help you structure your answer in a logical manner.

Tip: Carefully analsye the different tasks to be fulfilled.

On the Writing Test, a typical question will ask you to do two or three different things. So be sure to read the question carefully, understand what exactly needs to be done and then start writing your answer. Once you have completed your answer, check it to make sure that you have fulfilled all requirements.

Tip: Use expressive words.

When answering a question in this section, try and use strong, expressive words (excellent, awe-inspiring, terrifying, etc.) rather than bland, boring and commonly-used words like nice, good, scary, etc.

Tip: Use good English.

When you are taking the TOEIC Speaking test, be careful to use your best English. Avoid using slang and colloquial expressions.

Tip: Practise speaking clearly and logically even in the midst of distractions.

During the TOEIC Speaking test, you will be in a room with other examinees and can expect some amount of background noise. However, you need to avoid getting distracted and speak coherently and logically all the same. When at home, practice your TOEIC speaking exercises with the television or radio on. This will help you learn to focus on your own speaking task while ignoring all other noises around you.

Tip: Speak clearly.

The most important thing to remember when you are taking the TOEIC Speaking test is to speak as clearly as possible. If you mumble or swallow words, you may score less even if your answer is logically correct.

Tip: Be familiar with the different parts of speech.

One section of the Reading test deals with incomplete sentences, where you have to fill in the corrent word to complete the sentence. These words are generally concerned with the various parts of speech such as conjunctions, prepostions, adjectives, etc. When you are reading the sentence try to identify the grammatical function of the missing word - this will lead you to the correct answer.

Tip: Prepare yourself for what you will hear.

In the third part of the Listening section, you will hear a short talk followed by questions of what you have heard. If you read the question and answers before you listen to the audio clip, it will help you in understanding what you are hearing and identifying the correct answers.

Tip: Listen carefully to the question and choose the response that seems the most logical.

In the second part of the TOEIC Listening test, you will be asked a question and asked to choose an appropriate response. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when answering these questions. Watch out ofr words that sound similar but have different meanings. Also, consider if the question asked is a who, what, when, where or why question that needs a logical answer. These will help you in choosing the response that makes the most sense.

Tip: When observing a picture, ask yourself all the important questions.

In the first part of the TOEIC Listening test, you will be shown a photograph, and then asked to choose a sentence that best describes what you see. There will be four statements, of which only one will correctly describe the picture. To answer this type of question corectly, observe the picture carefully and identify what is happening. Ask yourself questions like "why, what, who, where, why and how". Once you have answers to these questions, you can easily identify the statement that best describes the picture.

Tip: Build up your vocabulary.

Make an effort to improve your vocabulary on a daily basis. Maintain a notebook where you write down all the new words that you learn. Each time you learn a new word, try to use it in a sentence. This will help you remember the meaning of the word.

Since the TOEIC test draws its questions from a business context, it may be helpful to read business journals and learn new vocabulary from contexts such as travel, banking, restaurants, offices, etc.

Tip: Familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

Before you enter the test room, make sure that you are familiar with the format of the test. You should have a good understanding of the different sections and what kind of questions to expect. This will help you save time on the test since you do not need to then spend time understanding the format of the test itself. It is advisable to practise with sample tests before taking the real test.

Tip: Watch for the correct preposition.

The marketing manager (A) is now responsible of (B) the entire (C) British sales office (D).

Answer: Someone can be 'responsible for' a particular task. The preposition of cannot be combined with the adjective responsible. Therefore, (B) has the error in it.

Tip: Look for key words in the reading passage.

Message for: David Smith
From: Tom Jones
Taken by: Jeff
Date: Thursday, 2 pm
Message: Mr. Jones from Village Office Furniture called. He has the contract ready and would like to meet with you to review it on Monday. He will be unavailable in the morning, but would be pleased to meet anytime in the afternoon. Please contact him on his cellphone this afternoon or evening at 555-5690.

Why did Mr. Jones call Mr. Smith?

(A) About new office space
(B) To go out for the evening
(C) To say he was unable to meet
(D) To set up a meeting

Answer: The message stated that Mr. Jones “would like to meet” with Mr. Smith. Therefore, choice (D) is the best answer.

Tip: Be aware of different ways of answering a question.

(Man) This laptop computer is not working properly. It keeps shutting down unexpectedly.

(Woman) Really? That’s the second one that’s had that problem. We’re going to have to start buying a different model.

(Man) Yes, there’s no use in constantly sending them in for repairs.

What do they plan to do about the computer?

(A) Have it fixed
(B) Return it to the manufacturer
(C) Purchase another kind in future
(D) Buy a second one as a backup

Answer: The question could refer to this specific computer or to the problem with the computers in general. In this case, only choice (C) is correct.

Tip: Don’t be fooled by a single word.

Woman: Did anyone train the new employee on how to use the computer system?

Man:
(A) He drives his car to work.
(B) The computers are still down.
(C) Bob gave him a complete demonstration.

Answer: The word “train” in this case means to give instructions. Therefore, choice ( C ) is the best answer.

Tip: Look for the correct form of the word.

The president wants to reduce prices to keep the company ____________.

(A) competitive
(B) competition
(C) competitor
(D) competed

Answer: The four choices are different grammatical forms of the word compete. The correct choice has to be an adjective. Therefore, the best answer is (A).

Tip: Read the question first so that you know what to listen for.

Woman: I’m afraid we’re going to have to cancel today’s meeting.

Man: Yes, I heard that the vice-president is not feeling well.

Woman: I hope she will be able to go on our trip to Paris.

Why is the meeting being cancelled?

(A) The vice-president is going to Paris instead
(B) The woman doesn’t like meetings
(C) One of the participants is sick
(D) The trip has been postponed

Answer: The meeting is being cancelled because the vice-president is ill. Therefore, choice ( C ) is the best answer.

Tip: Sometimes the passive voice is required.

The furniture we sell (A) is shipped (B) from abroad (C), ready to be assembling (D).

Answer: This sentence requires the passive voice, “to be assembled.” Therefore, choice (D) has the error in it.

Tip: Identify the missing part of speech. This will help you to determine which word will fill in the blank.

The finance manager yesterday cancelled the _______ for new computers in the customer service department.
(A) ordering
(B) ordered
(C) order
(D) to order

Answer: This sentence requires a noun. Therefore, choice (C) is the best answer.

Tip: Listen for synonyms – words that mean the same thing.

Man: What’s the deadline for submitting our bid?
Woman: It says August 30th on the website.
Man: We should get the vice-president to OK the price by the 15th.

What does the man want to do?
(A) Extend the deadline
(B) Have the proposal approved
(C) Look at the website
(D) Increase the price

Answer: The words “OK” and “approved” have the same meaning. Therefore, choice (B) is the best answer.

Tip: Sometimes you have determine what is implied in the text.

Exporting Worldwide

Canadian companies find it easy to export goods to the United States. However, exporting to other countries can be very risky – there are worries about currency exchange rates, local languages and customs and collecting on invoices. We can help. Our company provides comprehensive guides to exporting to Asia, Europe and South America. We have country-specific guides for Mexico, Japan and many other countries. For complete information, please contact us at the address below.

Who would be most interested in this advertisement?

(A) World travellers

(B) Canadian manufacturers

(C) Mexican and Japanese companies

(D) Currency traders

Answer: Manufacturers are the most common exporters. The text is about exporting Canadian goods to other countries. Therefore, choice (B) is the best answer.

Tip: Listen for key words such as “who, what, when, where and what.”

Man: Where are you going on your next business trip?

Woman:
(A) I haven’t decided yet.
(B) By train
(C) It’s a sales trip

Answer: The question asks “where” the woman is going. Choice (B) indicates “how” she is going. Choice (C) answers “what” she will be doing. Therefore, Choice (A) is the best answer.

Tip: Make sure that words that indicate space or location are used correctly.

Workers are building (A) a new train system that will take (B) people over the tunnel (C) to the new downtown cultural complex. (D)

Answer: The phrase “over the tunnel” should read “through the tunnel”. Therefore, choice C as the error in it.

Tip: Sometimes words are used together in set expressions.

I am writing in __________ to an opening for an accountant advertised in today’s newspaper.

(A) concern
(B) reference
(C) conjunction
(D) notifying

Answer: The phrase “in reference to” is a set expression. Therefore, choice (B) is the best answer.

Tip: Be careful about the use of indefinite articles.

Their lawyer gave them (A) an excellent advice (B) on the wording (C) of the contract with (D) the computer supplier.

Answer: Advice is a non-count noun, so it cannot be preceded by an indefinite article. The sentence should read: “Their lawyer gave them excellent advice …”. Choice (B) has the error in it.

Tip: Learn set expressions in English.

The hotel is ____________ located near the amusement park and a shuttle bus to the park is provided.

(A) affordably
(B) conveniently
(C) strongly
(D) thoroughly

Answer: The expression “conveniently located” is a common expression in English. Therefore, (B) is the best choice.

Tip: Look for key words, especially in the opening sentence.

Our new MaxiSales software lets your staff keep track of your clients, from the initial contact through to sales orders. With the software, you can send group e-mails to all of your customers or generate a mailing list for flyers or post cards. Sales staff can keep a record of all of the contacts – including phone calls and meetings – they have with customers. MaxiSales is sure to help you increase your sales revenue as well as save you time.

What does the software do?

(A) Makes sales phone calls automatically

(B) Monitors customer sales activity

(C) Calculates profit on sales

(D) Saves on postage

Answer: The words “keep track of” in the reading passage mean the same as the word “monitors” in the question. Therefore, choice (B) is the best answer.

Tip: Listen for the context of the question.

(Woman) What time does the training session start?

(Man)

(A) I don't think it will rain today

(B) Right after lunch

(C) It leaves at eleven

Answer: The words "training", "raining" and "train" sound similar. However, the clue is the word "session." Therefore, only choice (B) can be correct.

Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word of the talk. Listen for the stressed words.

Refer to the following short talk:

For those of you who will be joining us to watch the hockey game, the bus will arrive at the arena at 7 pm. Everyone else will be dropped off downtown at City Hall and will have free time to go for dinner and enjoy the local sites. The bus will pick people up at 10 pm at City Hall and at 10:30 pm  at the hockey arena. Please be sure to be on time so that the bus can depart promptly.

Who is speaking?

(A) A tour operator

(B) A radio announcer

(C) An airport manager

(D) A traffic reporter

Answer: The talk is about a bus tour to a hockey game. Therefore, choice (A) is the best answer.

Tip: Read

Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary. Read newspapers, magazines, websites, novels and non-fiction books. Choose something that genuinely interests you and is not too challenging.

Tip: The answer may not be given directly. 

Man: Are you going directly to the airport after the meeting? It would be great if you could give me a ride.

Woman: Sorry, but I’m not leaving until tomorrow. I had to change my flight because I have a meeting tonight with an important client.

Man: That’s OK. I can take the shuttle bus.

Why can’t the woman give the man a ride to the airport?

(A) Her flight was cancelled.
(B) She is staying one more day.
(C) Her car broke down.
(D) The airport is too far. 

Answer: The woman is not leaving until tomorrow. Therefore, (B) is the best choice.

Tip: Use the language

Set aside half an hour each day to communiate only in English. If you cannot do this face-to-face, send regular email messages.

Tip: Listen to music

Music helps you acquire the rhythm and stress patterns of spoken English.

Tip: Determine what is implied in the reading passage.

As a frequent guest of the hotel, we are pleased to invite you to enjoy a meal on us by using the enclosed voucher for $50. Redeemable in our restaurant, this coupon is extended to you on your next visit to the hotel and expires on August 30. Valid Sunday through Thursday after 5 pm. Simply present your voucher on being seated at your table and we will deduct $50 from your bill. Voucher cannot be reissued if lost or stolen.

For what can the voucher be used?
(A) Room service
(B) Breakfast
(C) Lunch
(D) Dinner

Answer: The coupon is valid after 5 pm in the restaurant. Therefore, (D) is the best choice.