TOEIC Listening Tips

The following TOEIC listening tips will help you beware of test traps, and direct you to the right answer. Remember, it is possible to get a score of 100% in the listening section. Many students have done so before you, and you can too, so keep your eyes and ears open and your motivation high.

Photographs

In the first part of the TOEIC listening section, you will see photographs and then be asked to select a sentence which best describes the pictures. The key to doing well is to read each of the four options carefully. The three incorrect answers may have:

• words that sounds similar but are in fact different
• the right words used inaccurately
• the right words used in a confusing manner
• answers that are only partially true
  
• words that refer to a context other than the one shown in the picture
• words related to, but not in the picture

The best way to approach these questions is to scan the picture completely and identify what's happening, just like a journalist or a spy. Ask yourself: who, what, where, why? Listen for any words that are stressed, as they may hold a clue.

Question - Response

In the second part of the TOEIC listening section, you will be asked a question about almost anything and you need to choose a suitable answer. The trick here is to watch out for:

• words that sound similar but have different meanings
• wh- questions - who what, when, where, why, what - that need logical answers
  
• questions with question tags
• yes / no questions which may have no direct yes / no answers

To do well, keep the question clearly in mind as you scan the possible answers. Choose the one that makes the greatest sense. If in doubt, guess. You won't lose points.

Short Conversations

In the third part, you will hear a short dialogue and then be asked a question about what you have heard. You need to use your short-term memory well. The best strategies are to beware of:

• similar-sounding words
• inaccurate words
  
• confused word order
• words that change the meaning
• negative words (hardly, not, etc.)
• words associated with time (always, never, etc.)

It will help if you can read the question, and possibly even the answers, before you hear the dialogue. Check all the options and don't choose too quickly. Try and picture the speakers and where they are.

Short Talk

In the fourth part of the listening section, you will hear a monologue and then be asked a question about it. The same precautions should be exercised as in the earlier sections, but you will need to concentrate more carefully to remember the details. Pay close attention to the context. Try to read the questions beforehand if you have time, and listen to the entire talk before choosing an answer. Use your time wisely or else guess at an answer. Don't get left behind or lose important information related to the next question.