The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is an English proficiency test designed for non-native speakers who need English for work and business. It measures listening and reading skills, with an optional speaking and writing section. The test is widely used by companies and organizations to assess employees' or job applicants' English ability. TOEIC scores range from 10 to 990, indicating different levels of proficiency. The test focuses on real-world workplace communication, such as emails, meetings, and conversations. Many businesses and universities worldwide recognize TOEIC as a reliable standard for evaluating English skills in professional environments.
(Common in workplace communication, emails, and meetings.)
Agenda (n.) – A list of topics to discuss in a meeting.
Allocate (v.) – To assign resources or tasks to someone.
Amendment (n.) – A formal change to a document or contract.
Appraisal (n.) – An evaluation of an employee’s performance.
Authorization (n.) – Permission or approval for an action.
Benchmark (n.) – A standard for comparison.
Confidential (adj.) – Private or secret information.
Consensus (n.) – General agreement.
Delegate (v.) – To assign tasks to someone else.
Entrepreneur (n.) – A person who starts a business.
Liability (n.) – Legal responsibility for something.
Overhead (n.) – Ongoing business expenses (e.g., rent, utilities).
Quota (n.) – A fixed amount or target to achieve.
Redundant (adj.) – No longer needed; excessive.
Restructure (v.) – To change the organization of a company.
Subordinate (n.) – An employee ranked below someone else.
Takeover (n.) – When one company buys another.
Termination (n.) – The end of an employee’s job.
Viability (n.) – The ability to work successfully.
Whistleblower (n.) – A person who exposes wrongdoing in a company.
(Common in workplace communication and emails.)
Back up (v.) – To support or make a copy of data.
Bring up (v.) – To mention or introduce a topic.
Call off (v.) – To cancel something.
Carry out (v.) – To complete or perform a task.
Cut back on (v.) – To reduce spending or costs.
Follow up on (v.) – To check on progress.
Go over (v.) – To review something.
Hold off on (v.) – To delay something.
Iron out (v.) – To resolve issues or problems.
Look into (v.) – To investigate something.
Make up for (v.) – To compensate for something.
Opt out of (v.) – To choose not to participate.
Put off (v.) – To postpone something.
Run out of (v.) – To use up all of something.
Take on (v.) – To accept new responsibilities.
Turn down (v.) – To reject an offer or request.
Wrap up (v.) – To finish or conclude something.
Write up (v.) – To create a report or document.
Zero in on (v.) – To focus closely on something.
(Words commonly used together in business English.)
Annual report (n.) – A yearly summary of a company’s activities.
Brand awareness (n.) – How well consumers recognize a brand.
Budget constraints (n.) – Financial limitations.
Customer satisfaction (n.) – How happy customers are with a service.
Deadline extension (n.) – Extra time given for a task.
Financial forecast (n.) – A prediction of future financial trends.
Market demand (n.) – The level of need for a product.
Negotiation skills (n.) – The ability to discuss and reach agreements.
Profit margin (n.) – The difference between cost and selling price.
Risk assessment (n.) – Identifying potential problems.
Supply chain (n.) – The process of producing and delivering goods.
(Words used in finance, marketing, HR, and IT.)
Finance & Accounting
Asset (n.) – Anything of value owned by a company.
Equity (n.) – Ownership in a company.
Inflation (n.) – The rate at which prices increase.
Liability (n.) – A company’s debts.
Revenue (n.) – Income from business activities.
Marketing & Sales
Advertising campaign (n.) – A series of advertisements.
Consumer behavior (n.) – How customers make buying decisions.
Market research (n.) – Gathering information about consumers.
Product launch (n.) – The introduction of a new product.
Target audience (n.) – The group a product is aimed at.
Human Resources (HR)
Compensation package (n.) – Salary and benefits for employees.
Employee retention (n.) – Keeping staff in a company.
Performance evaluation (n.) – Assessing an employee’s work.
Recruitment process (n.) – Steps for hiring employees.
Work-life balance (n.) – Managing time between work and personal life.
Information Technology (IT)
Cloud computing (n.) – Storing data online.
Data breach (n.) – Unauthorized access to information.
Firewall (n.) – A security system for networks.
Software update (n.) – A new version of a program.
User interface (n.) – The part of a software that users interact with.
(Essential for writing emails and reports.)
Acknowledge (v.) – To confirm receipt of something.
Clarify (v.) – To make something clear.
Compile (v.) – To collect and organize data.
Demonstrate (v.) – To show how something works.
Emphasize (v.) – To highlight an important point.
Implement (v.) – To put a plan into action.
Negotiate (v.) – To discuss to reach an agreement.
Resolve (v.) – To fix a problem.
Streamline (v.) – To improve efficiency.
Verify (v.) – To confirm that something is correct.
To achieve a perfect 990 on the TOEIC, you need advanced grammar accuracy, fluency, and precision. Below are the essential grammar structures tested in the TOEIC Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing sections.
TOEIC frequently tests tense accuracy, especially in business emails, reports, and conversations.
✔ Present Simple → “The company operates in multiple countries.”
✔ Present Continuous → “We are negotiating a new contract.”
✔ Present Perfect → “He has worked here for five years.”
✔ Past Simple → “They launched the product last month.”
✔ Past Perfect → “By the time I arrived, the meeting had ended.”
✔ Future Forms → “We will introduce a new policy next year.” / “We are going to expand soon.”
📌 Tip: Pay attention to time markers like "since," "for," "already," "yet," "by the time," etc.
These appear in business discussions and hypothetical situations.
✔ Zero Conditional (General Truths) → “If you press this button, the machine stops.”
✔ First Conditional (Future Possibility) → “If we increase marketing, sales will improve.”
✔ Second Conditional (Hypothetical) → “If I were the manager, I would reduce costs.”
✔ Third Conditional (Past Hypothetical) → “If she had called, we would have helped her.”
📌 Tip: Use "unless," "as long as," "provided that" for variation.
Passive constructions are common in TOEIC Reading & Writing.
✔ Present Passive → “Emails are sent daily.”
✔ Past Passive → “The contract was signed last week.”
✔ Future Passive → “The project will be completed soon.”
✔ Perfect Passive → “The report has been approved by management.”
📌 Tip: Passive voice is useful when the subject is unknown or not important.
Used frequently in business reports and emails.
✔ Defining Relative Clauses → “The employee who manages HR is on vacation.”
✔ Non-Defining Clauses → “The CEO, who has 20 years of experience, will visit next week.”
✔ Using "which" for formal writing → “The decision, which was unexpected, surprised us.”
📌 Tip: Avoid using "that" for people (❌ “The man that works here…” → ✅ “The man who works here…”).
TOEIC loves testing modals for advice, necessity, and possibility.
✔ Possibility → “We may/might/could launch the product soon.”
✔ Necessity → “Employees must/have to complete training.”
✔ Politeness → “Could/Would you send me the report?”
✔ Past Modals → “You should have informed the client earlier.”
📌 Tip: Modals appear often in Part 7 (Reading) and Part 4 (Listening Dialogues).
Used in formal writing and high-level speaking responses.
✔ Negative Inversions → “Not only does the company invest in AI, but it also focuses on sustainability.”
✔ Conditional Inversions → “Had I known about the delay, I would have rescheduled.”
📌 Tip: Inversions boost your TOEIC Writing & Speaking scores.
✔ Turn down (Reject) → “He turned down the job offer.”
✔ Come up with (Think of) → “We came up with a new strategy.”
✔ Follow up on (Check) → “I’d like to follow up on our last meeting.”
✔ Set up (Arrange) → “Let’s set up a meeting for Monday.”
📌 Tip: Memorize at least 50 business phrasal verbs for the TOEIC.
✔ Basic Comparisons → “This product is more efficient than the previous one.”
✔ Double Comparatives → “The more you practice, the better your TOEIC score.”
✔ Superlatives → “This is the most successful campaign we have launched.”
📌 Tip: TOEIC often tests "as...as" comparisons: “This phone is as fast as the previous model.”
✔ Direct Speech: He said, “We will expand the business.”
✔ Reported Speech: He said they would expand the business.
📌 Tip: Change verb tense in reported speech (e.g., will → would, can → could).
✔ Time Prepositions → “The meeting is on Monday at 10 AM.”
✔ Business Prepositions → “We are in charge of customer service.”
✔ Prepositional Phrases → “In response to your request, we will provide further details.”
📌 Tip: TOEIC often tests tricky prepositions (interested in, responsible for, good at, accustomed to).
✔ Gerund (+ing) → “He enjoys working remotely.”
✔ Infinitive (to + verb) → “She decided to apply for the position.”
📌 Tip: Some verbs always take a gerund, others take an infinitive (e.g., avoid doing, plan to do).
✔ Cause & Effect → “Due to **the delay, the shipment was late.”
✔ Contrast → “Although **sales dropped, profits increased.”
✔ Addition → “In addition, **we are hiring new employees.”
📌 Tip: Using varied linking words helps you score higher on the TOEIC Writing & Speaking test.
Passing the TOEIC Listening Test requires good listening strategies, vocabulary, and practice. Here are some key tips to help you improve your score:
The TOEIC Listening section has four parts:
Part 1: Photographs (Identify details in an image)
Part 2: Question-Response (Choose the best reply to a question)
Part 3: Conversations (Listen to short dialogues and answer questions)
Part 4: Short Talks (Listen to monologues and answer questions)
Knowing what to expect will help you stay focused and confident.
Listen to English podcasts, news, and business talks (e.g., BBC, TED Talks, NPR).
Watch English TV shows and movies without subtitles, then with them.
Practice with TOEIC-specific audio materials to get used to the accents and speed.
Learn workplace-related vocabulary (business, travel, meetings, finance).
Study phrasal verbs (e.g., "run out of," "follow up on").
Learn common TOEIC collocations (e.g., "meet a deadline," "attend a meeting").
Predict the answer before listening.
Listen for keywords (names, numbers, times, locations).
Focus on intent (Is the speaker giving advice, making a request, or apologizing?).
Take quick notes (especially in Parts 3 & 4).
Beware of distractors (Words that sound correct but don’t match the question).
TOEIC includes American, British, Canadian, and Australian accents.
Listen to different English accents on YouTube, podcasts, and news stations.
Use apps like BBC Learning English and Elllo.org for accent practice.
Take full-length TOEIC listening tests under timed conditions.
Use official TOEIC prep books and online practice tests.
Analyze your mistakes and learn why the correct answers are right.
Stay focused throughout the test (It’s about 45 minutes long).
Don’t dwell on difficult questions—move on and come back later.
Use elimination if unsure—cross out impossible choices.
Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
Stay calm and focused—nervousness can affect listening skills.
Trust your preparation and stay engaged during the test.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your TOEIC Listening Test score!
The TOEIC Reading Test has three sections:
Part 5: Incomplete Sentences (Grammar & Vocabulary)
Part 6: Text Completion (Short Passages)
Part 7: Reading Comprehension (Single & Double Passages)
Here’s how to prepare effectively and improve your score:
Learn business and workplace vocabulary (e.g., “negotiate a contract,” “attend a seminar”).
Study frequent TOEIC words (e.g., “invoice,” “reschedule,” “confirm,” “eligible”).
Master phrasal verbs (e.g., “set up,” “turn down,” “fill out”).
Understand collocations (e.g., “make a decision,” “meet a deadline”).
📌 Tip: Use flashcards (Quizlet, Anki) and write example sentences.
Focus on common TOEIC grammar rules:
Verb tenses (past, present perfect, future).
Prepositions (“interested in,” “responsible for”).
Conjunctions & transitions (“however,” “therefore,” “although”).
Word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb: “decision” vs. “decisive”).
📌 Tip: Practice with TOEIC-style grammar exercises.
Practice skimming (quickly find main ideas).
Use scanning (find dates, names, numbers fast).
Identify keywords (words that match the question).
📌 Tip: Time yourself when reading articles, emails, and reports.
Part 5 (Incomplete Sentences) → Test grammar & word choice.
Part 6 (Text Completion) → Choose correct words for business emails & notices.
Part 7 (Reading Comprehension) → Find specific details in articles, ads, and reports.
📌 Tip: Use official TOEIC practice books to get used to the questions.
The Reading Test is 75 minutes long—don’t spend too much time on one question.
Part 5 & 6: Finish in 20 minutes (don’t overthink grammar questions).
Part 7: Use skimming & scanning for fast answers.
📌 Tip: If a question is too hard, move on and come back later.
News websites (BBC Business, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal).
Company emails & reports (Try sample business letters).
Advertisements & notices (Look at flyers, job postings).
📌 Tip: Underline important words in articles to improve reading speed.
Simulate real test conditions (no distractions, timed practice).
Analyze your mistakes—understand why the wrong answers are incorrect.
Repeat difficult questions until you get them right.
📌 Tip: Use ETS Official TOEIC books and online practice sites.
Get enough rest before the test.
Start with easy questions to save time for harder ones.
Stay calm—don’t panic if you don’t know an answer.
By practicing daily and following these strategies, you’ll increase your TOEIC Reading score and feel confident on test day
The TOEIC Speaking Test evaluates your ability to communicate in English in a workplace setting. It includes 11 questions in 20 minutes, covering pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar.
The test has six parts:
Read a text aloud (tests pronunciation & intonation).
Describe a picture (tests vocabulary & sentence structure).
Respond to questions (tests fluency & spontaneity).
Respond using provided information (tests how well you give information).
Express an opinion (tests reasoning & coherence).
Propose a solution (tests problem-solving & communication skills).
📌 Tip: Practice with TOEIC sample questions to get comfortable with the timing.
Speak clearly and naturally.
Focus on word stress & sentence rhythm.
Listen to native speakers and imitate their pronunciation (BBC, TED Talks).
📌 Tip: Use speech-to-text apps (like Google Speech) to check clarity.
Learn common TOEIC business terms (e.g., “deadline,” “negotiate,” “promotion”).
Use phrasal verbs (e.g., “follow up on,” “turn down,” “set up a meeting”).
Practice polite expressions (“I’d like to suggest…”, “In my opinion…”).
📌 Tip: Keep a vocabulary notebook with example sentences.
Identify who, what, where, and how in pictures.
Use prepositions (e.g., “next to,” “in front of,” “behind”).
Give details and logical descriptions instead of just naming objects.
📌 Tip: Use TOEIC-style picture prompts and time yourself.
Avoid long pauses—if you forget a word, rephrase.
Use connectors (e.g., “First,” “However,” “As a result”).
Don’t repeat the question—answer directly and confidently.
📌 Tip: Record yourself and listen for fluency gaps.
Practice answering short workplace questions quickly.
Use complete sentences, not just “yes” or “no.”
Give brief reasons for your answers.
📌 Tip: Use a random question generator to practice thinking fast.
For opinion-based questions, follow this structure:
State your opinion (e.g., “I believe that…”).
Give a reason (e.g., “This is because…”).
Provide an example (e.g., “For instance, in my company…”).
📌 Tip: Practice speaking about common business topics (e.g., remote work, teamwork).
Quickly identify the problem in a scenario.
Suggest a clear and practical solution.
Use polite, professional language.
📌 Tip: Use phrases like “I recommend…” or “One way to solve this is…”.
TOEIC Speaking has strict time limits—train yourself to answer quickly.
Time your responses using a stopwatch or practice app.
Focus on speaking clearly within the time limit.
📌 Tip: Don’t rush, but don’t pause too much either!
Take mock TOEIC Speaking tests.
Record yourself and listen for mistakes & improvements.
Speak with a language partner or tutor to get feedback.
📌 Tip: Use TOEIC prep apps or online speaking forums for practice.
Take deep breaths before speaking.
Focus on communication, not perfection.
Smile while speaking—it helps with clarity and confidence.
By following these strategies and practicing daily, you can boost your TOEIC Speaking score and improve your English fluency!
The TOEIC Writing Test evaluates your ability to write clear, professional, and grammatically correct English in a business setting. The test has three parts and lasts 60 minutes.
📝 Part 1 (Write a Sentence Based on a Picture) → 5 Questions
Use the two given words in a grammatically correct sentence.
Show different sentence structures (e.g., passive voice, conditionals, comparisons).
📌 Tip:
✔ Use correct verb tense and subject-verb agreement.
✔ Write clear and complete sentences (avoid fragments).
📝 Part 2 (Respond to a Written Request) → 2 Questions
Write an email response (e.g., customer inquiry, request for information).
Use polite and professional language.
📌 Tip:
✔ Start with a greeting (Dear Mr. Smith, Hello…).
✔ Acknowledge the request (Thank you for your email…).
✔ Provide a clear and relevant response.
✔ End with a polite closing (Best regards, Sincerely…).
📝 Part 3 (Write an Opinion Essay) → 1 Question
Write a 150+ word essay expressing your opinion on a given topic.
📌 Structure Your Essay Clearly:
1️⃣ Introduction – State your opinion clearly.
2️⃣ Body Paragraphs – Give two or three reasons with examples.
3️⃣ Conclusion – Summarize your main points.
✔ Use transitions: (Firstly, In addition, As a result, Therefore).
✔ Avoid repetition – use synonyms to make your writing varied.
Common TOEIC Grammar Topics:
✔ Verb Tenses (past, present perfect, future).
✔ Articles (a, an, the).
✔ Prepositions (on Monday, at 5 PM, in 2024).
✔ Subject-Verb Agreement (The company is… / Employees are…).
📌 Tip: Review grammar with TOEIC practice books and websites.
Learn common business phrases:
✔ “We appreciate your interest in…”
✔ “I am writing to inform you…”
✔ “Could you please confirm…?”
✔ “Please let me know if you have any questions.”
📌 Tip: Read business emails, reports, and articles to see real-life examples.
Write short emails based on TOEIC prompts.
Time yourself to improve speed and clarity.
Get feedback from a teacher or native speaker.
📌 Tip: Use Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to check mistakes.
⏳ Part 1: Spend 1-2 minutes per sentence.
⏳ Part 2: Spend 7-10 minutes per email.
⏳ Part 3: Spend 25-30 minutes on your essay (5 min planning, 20 min writing, 5 min checking).
📌 Tip: Don’t rush—focus on accuracy and clarity.
Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Make sentences concise (avoid unnecessary words).
Ensure clarity – Would a business colleague understand your message easily?
📌 Tip: Always re-read your writing before submitting.
Take full practice TOEIC Writing Tests under timed conditions.
Review model answers to understand what a high-score response looks like.
Identify your weak areas and focus on improvement.
📌 Tip: Use official TOEIC prep books or online TOEIC writing simulators.
✔ Read each question carefully.
✔ Use professional and polite language.
✔ Don’t panic if you make a mistake—focus on communicating clearly.
By following these strategies, you’ll boost your TOEIC Writing score and feel more confident in your business writing skills!