5 tips for passing the TOEIC "Reading" section

The TOEIC Reading section contains 100 questions divided into 3 parts:

• Part 5: Fill-in-the-blank sentences
• Part 6: Fill-in-the-blank texts
• Part 7: Reading Comprehension

To learn more about the TOEIC format: "What is the TOEIC?"

To maximize your chances of success in this test, we offer 5 tips that you will need to put into practice on the big day.

Don't forget our “ 5 tips for passing the TOEIC Listening section”  to really put all the chances on your side.

Tip #1: Know the typical questions well

It can't be stressed enough: the TOEIC is as much a language test as it is a method test. Question designers must adhere to precise specifications. There are therefore a defined number of exercise types that you will need to master.

First, you need to know the instructions for each of the three parts. They remain the same for all TOEIC sessions.

You then need to know the great TOEIC classics: “word family” type questions, traps concerning spatio-temporal clues, etc.

We give you some examples further down in the article.

Tip #2: Process by elimination

During your revision, you'll probably come across questions you can't answer. This is when you shouldn't panic and use a method to stay focused.

We suggest you use a process of elimination. This method is suitable for all questions in all sections of the TOEIC. It is one of the keys to success. It is important to remember that in the TOEIC, only one answer is correct. The most effective way to eliminate answers is to know the structure of wrong answers .

For tips on the TOEIC Listening section: 5 tips for passing the TOEIC "Listening" section

Tip #3: Manage your time and read diagonally

For Parts 5 and 6, your first intuition is often the right one, especially if you're familiar with the vocabulary and associated grammar. We recommend spending no more than 30 seconds on each question in Part 5. The goal is to save as much time as possible for Part 7, where time has the greatest impact on performance.

For Part 7, Reading Comprehension, it's often not necessary to read the entire passage. However, a definitive answer most often requires knowing every detail of the text in question. That's why we're offering you a foolproof method for finishing the TOEIC Reading exam on time while still ensuring your answers are correct:

• Do a quick initial reading of the text . To do this, identify logical connectives, focus on the first sentence of each paragraph, and identify technical terms that might pose a problem. The goal of this reading is to gain a general understanding of the text and the themes covered.
• Answer the questions . You will return to the text to look for details if necessary using the text outline you found.

Like the Listening section of the TOEIC , please remember to answer all questions before the time runs out as there are no negative points for wrong answers.

To learn about the TOEIC score: What score for what objective on the TOEIC?

Tip #4: Master linking words

Linking words, or logical connectives, are essential for text comprehension. They're even more important if you're sure this type of vocabulary will come up in every question. They help structure a thought, and identifying them will make your first reading easier. Indeed, once you identify them, you'll be able to quickly discern the text's structure and therefore quickly return to the passage when a question is causing you difficulty.

Be careful, some connecting words are also used in parts 5 and 6. Indeed, it is very easy to create grammatical traps with connectives such as "although, even though, though, because, because of".

Tip #5: The most important grammar points

The TOEIC tests about a dozen grammar points. This represents about 25 questions out of the 100 questions. the Reading part .

We recommend that you master in particular:

• Word families questions (you have the choice between 4 words from the same family declined in different grammatical forms, e.g.: supervision / supervisor / supervised / supervises)
• THE pronouns (confusions like “they're / they / their”
• THE phrasal verbs (verbs followed by a preposition)