Toeic!!

[Ashikaga]

I am thinking of taking TOEIC(the Test of English for International Communication) in a few months.

I've been entertaining the idea of taking up teaching and heard that a decent TOEIC score would come in handy when applying for a teaching job.

Any of you have taken TOEIC in the past? Any tips/experiences you can share with someone who....doesn't "test well"?

Thank you!

 

[epigene]

I won't worry about you, Ashikaga-san. I wouldn't be surprised if you score perfect.

The only problem with it is that it's a L~O~NG test. The decisive determinant is how long you can keep your concentration.

Just try a couple of sample tests (available at bookstores) and make sure you don't drink the night before and get a good night's sleep.

My son drank with his buddies the night before and lost his concentration with about a third more to go. Still, he fared decently.

I think you can teach TOEIC juken then.
Maybe you should try Eiken Grade 1 and TOEFL, too, and teach such courses as well.

 

[Ashikaga]

Thank you for the response, epigene!

I remember taking the Grade 2 Eiken back in high school as well as TOEFL when applying for a college in the US. I passed the Eiken but remember nothing about the test itself as it was a loooong time ago. As for TOEFL, I don't even remember my score. I wonder if they keep records.... probably not.

I just HATE taking any type of tests. I get very nervous and make really stupid/careless mistakes which I hate myself for later.

I never imagined that I'd be taking a test at this age. Now I remember why I always hated school.

I will go to a bookstore tomorrow and buy myself a book or two on TOEIC as you've suggested just to see what the test is like.

Thank you again!

 

[epigene]

TOEFL and Eiken have changed dramatically since you've taken them.

I helped my kids with TOEFL and Eiken to prepare for US college admission, but that was in the late 1990's and early 2000's. I've heard that TOEFL now places greater emphasis on essay writing, in addition to grammar and vocabulary (of course), and offers computer-based testing. Eiken is more communication-oriented and has reduced a lot of tricky grammar questions.

I'm pretty sure you can breeze through these tests and qualify for teaching them.

Edit: I forgot to add that TOEIC/TOEFL scores expire in a couple of years, so yours are no longer valid. Eiken remains valid.

 

[Ashikaga]

I have tried 2 sample tests last night. I had no trouble with the reading sections, but out of the 100 listening questions, I got 12 wrong each time!

The problem was that while I understood perfectly what was being said, I could not remember all the details when it was time for me to answer the questions. For example, There was a part where you listen to a short speeche/conversation before answering 3 questions about them. One of the speeches was about a workshop for ppl who work in marketing. The speaker gave a detailed description of the itinerary. They asked "who is giving seminar on what subject at what time in what building"-type of questions. and I was like, "What!? Was I supposed to MEMORISE the speech!? I can't remember all that. That's why they give you those hand outs with itinerary on them!".

I wonder if I am allowed to take notes while listening to these speeches because, you know, sometimes they don't let you write anything on the test book?

 

[epigene]

That's why you have to be in perfect good health (and preferably with the good memory of a young mind) to hit perfect score!! LOL

My kids did complain about the same thing, actually.

I don't remember... Doesn't the textbook give you any tips regarding this? If not, you may find tips on the official TOEIC website or other sites offering tips. (Sorry, that's all I can think of!)

 

[drmchsraj]

is toeic much like toefl and ielts? (idk much about it myself personally but i have non-american friends who took it) but i think its imp to be alert, +1!

no trouble with the reading sections, but out of the 100 listening questions, I got 12 wrong each time!

Your ears seem to play tricks on you and your mind may easily feel too bored/unfocused because sometimes reading the questions 'slow' ('slower' then usual) could be distracting! do not let your brain idle .

 

[Ashikaga]

Well, it's over. I think I did better than I thought I would on the listening part. There was only one Q where my mind wandered and was not 100% sure if they had asked "Why" or "When". I should get the result in about a month.

 

[FrustratedDave]

Well, it's over. I think I did better than I thought I would on the listening part. There was only one Q where my mind wandered and was not 100% sure if they had asked "Why" or "When". I should get the result in about a month.

LOL, only one question where your mind wandered? I would have to say that my mind wanders for about half the test and then I try in vain to listen to the next question while I try to remember the last questions answer!

Glad you did not have too much trouble though!

 

[Ashikaga]

LOL, only one question where your mind wandered? I would have to say that my mind wanders for about half the test and then I try in vain to listen to the next question while I try to remember the last questions answer!
Glad you did not have too much trouble though!

Well, I am very easily distracted, too, but all the windows in the room was shut with the curtains drawn andI was sitting near the front so there wasn't much there to distract me.
As instructed by the book on How To Score High on TOEIC that I had thumbed through in a bookstore a while ago, I tried to "read ahead" during the listening part of the test. I really had my hands full and didn't have time to get distracted, I guess. lol

I feel pretty good about how I did but knowing myself, I am sure I've made some stoopid mistakes.

Guess my score correctly and receive a fabulous gift from Ashikaga!

 

[MTR]

Well, I am very easily distracted, too, but all the windows in the room was shut with the curtains drawn andI was sitting near the front so there wasn't much there to distract me.
As instructed by the book on How To Score High on TOEIC that I had thumbed through in a bookstore a while ago, I tried to "read ahead" during the listening part of the test. I really had my hands full and didn't have time to get distracted, I guess. lol
I feel pretty good about how I did but knowing myself, I am sure I've made some stoopid mistakes.
Guess my score correctly and receive a fabulous gift from Ashikaga!

Your score is 990. A few stoopid mistakes doesn't affect the overall score, so...

 

[epigene]

Your score is 990. A few stoopid mistakes doesn't affect the overall score, so...

I thought 990 is perfect score for TOEIC??

Assuming I'm correct, I bet your score is 925!!

 

[Ashikaga]

MTR, epigene, thank you for your votes of confidence.

I was thinking why they don't make this a pass/fail thing (like Eikens). I guess there are people out there who, when they score 900, go "900!? I KNOW I can do better! Oh, yes.... I am taking the test again, darn it!" and fork over another 6,615 yen.

My mail box is already flooded with mails from TOEIC people telling me to take other tests they offer. They have TOEIC SW (Speaking & Writing) as well as something called TOEIC LPI (Language Proficiency Interview).

For me, the one I've just taken is going to be it for now. I just hate having to sit in a stuffy room for a couple hours trying not to cough/burp/fart.

 

[FrustratedDave]

I would have to say around the same as epigene, but I can't guess the same number so I guess 930.

 

[Native English Skype]

When taking the TOEIC test, you need to be very careful with time management.
Students often tell me that they didn't do all of the test, because they ran out of time.
Before you take the test you should decide how much time you will spend on each question.
Spending 10minutes on 1 question that is worth 1 point is no good!

I know this is common sense, but people often forget this very important rule. Good luck with your study!

 

[undrentide]

I'd say 965.

 

[Ashikaga]

I'd say 965.

I'd be thrilled if I could score 965.

When taking the TOEIC test, you need to be very careful with time management.
Students often tell me that they didn't do all of the test, because they ran out of time.
Before you take the test you should decide how much time you will spend on each question.
Spending 10minutes on 1 question that is worth 1 point is no good!

I know this is common sense, but people often forget this very important rule. Good luck with your study!

Good advice. I overheard some college-aged kids after the test saying they had ran out of time and had to resort to marking all the remaining answers "A".

 

[Kirakira1232]

Wow really?? I think you'll do great in the test I'm in the process of helping some Japanese friends with the TOEIC/TOEFL tests. All of them are applying for American universities. A lot of it is just helping them with writing and grammar explanation but. I have no real experience taking TOEFL or TOEIC

I think perhaps I will go for JLPT3 this year.

 

[epigene]

I'm in the process of helping some Japanese friends with the TOEIC/TOEFL tests. All of them are applying for American universities. A lot of it is just helping them with writing and grammar explanation but. I have no real experience taking TOEFL or TOEIC

I think you're doing just fine helping out as a friend/classmate with the questions they have. If you have real experience and can teach like a pro, you should be charging them for your service!
As mentioned earlier in the thread, time management is a very important issue and you should warn them to make quick decisions on short questions and practice the "listening to dialogue and answering questions pertaining to the dialogue" part. They should know what you're talking about.

I think perhaps I will go for JLPT3 this year.

Good luck! I hope you pass! (Which I think you'll do!)

 

[Glenski]

I am thinking of taking TOEIC(the Test of English for International Communication) in a few months.
I've been entertaining the idea of taking up teaching and heard that a decent TOEIC score would come in handy when applying for a teaching job.

Knew a woman who scored 910-930 on TOEIC and got a full-time tenured position in a JHS/SHS immediately after graduating from college. She could barely speak English, though. So, scores may be good for getting your foot in the door, but don't believe their overall value. No offense to anyone here who actually can speak well and has a high TOEIC score.

 

[Kirakira1232]

As far as I could tell there TOEFL has conversation/written portion in it, while TOEIC is all multiple choice? Whats the difference in having a TOEFL or TOEIC certificate?

 

[MTR]

I thought 990 is perfect score for TOEIC??

But you don't have to get everything right to get 990.
It's a weird test.

 

[epigene]

As far as I could tell there TOEFL has conversation/written portion in it, while TOEIC is all multiple choice? Whats the difference in having a TOEFL or TOEIC certificate?

In Japan, TOEFL is the requirement for students applying for overseas study. Each university/college has its own respective minimum TOEFL requirement for international students.

TOEIC is considered an exam for adults in general. A lot of Japanese businesses encourage employees to take the test and assign those with high scores to operations related to international business.

As Glenski noted, there are "schools" that provide really effective tips and techniques for getting high scores in these tests without having real English ability. A lot of people know that, but these tests are still considered the standard for measuring English ability in Japan.
High scores get your foot in the door, but how you fare after that depends on your real ability. So, I think it's fair enough...

 

[Kirakira1232]

In Japan, TOEFL is the requirement for students applying for overseas study. Each university/college has its own respective minimum TOEFL requirement for international students.
TOEIC is considered an exam for adults in general. A lot of Japanese businesses encourage employees to take the test and assign those with high scores to operations related to international business.
As Glenski noted, there are "schools" that provide really effective tips and techniques for getting high scores in these tests without having real English ability. A lot of people know that, but these tests are still considered the standard for measuring English ability in Japan.
High scores get your foot in the door, but how you fare after that depends on your real ability. So, I think it's fair enough...

Ahhh I see. There are some students that do make the effort to speak english and those kinds of students actually do really well. One friend I know speaks very good english and she has never set foot outside of Japan yet (she will be leaving for a Canadian university at the end of July). There's also another student who spent a year in Boston and we often have language exchange because she wants to maintain her english.

But a lot of them who tell me they want to speak in english end up speaking in Japanese...I mean thats good for me, but still I feel kind of bad since I'm trying to help them with english conversation. I usually scale myself back to very simple sentences and even then sometimes its still a struggle. I'm not sure what i should do :?

 

[Ashikaga]

I received an e-mail from the good folks at Educational Testing Service, the organization that runs TOEIC, telling me that the test result had been made available online. So I went to the site, logged in and saw my score....

I scored 990! Yay!

I don't know why I am so excited. It's not like I've won any prize .... I am just glad that I know I could do well on a test. I never did that well in school and I think this is the first time in my life I have gotten a perfect score on anything. I hope this will help me finding an English-related job in some way sometime in the near future.

MTR guessed the correct score, and I might have said something silly.... like I would give a fantabulous gift to whoever guessed my score. Although I never thought someone would actually get it right, I am a man of my word. MTR, please send me a PM with your address and I will send you something from the city of Ashikaga. Oh, you're an avid collector of postcards? Great!

Thank you for those who have posted on this thread for your advice and moral support.