Test Content

The TOEIC® tests assess language skills that are used in daily life and the workplace. Test takers speak and write in English their responses to real-world questions and scenarios. The tests use common everyday vocabulary, phrases and key expressions used in business.

You do not need specific business knowledge to do well on the test.

The TOEIC Speaking Test Format

Content: 11 questions
Time: approximately 20 minutes
Score scale: 0–200

Below is an overview of the TOEIC Speaking Test, which includes 11 questions that measure various aspects of your speaking ability. For each question, you will be given specific directions, including the time allowed for preparing and speaking your response.

It is to your advantage to say as much as you can in the time allowed. It is also important that you speak clearly and answer each question according to directions.

The test takes about 20 minutes.

Questions	Task	Description
1–2	Read a text aloud	You will read out loud the text on the screen. You will have 45 seconds to prepare. Then you will have 45 seconds to read the text out loud.
3	Describe a picture	You will describe the picture on your screen in as much detail as you can. You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response. Then you will have 45 seconds to speak about the picture.
4–6	Respond to questions	You will answer three questions. No preparation time is provided. You will have 15 seconds to respond to questions 4 and 5. You will have 30 seconds to respond to question 6.
7–9	Respond to questions using information provided	You will answer three questions based on information provided. You will have 30 seconds to read the information before the questions begin. No additional preparation time is provided. You will have 15 seconds to respond to questions 7 and 8. You will have 30 seconds to respond to question 9.
10	Propose a solution	You will be presented with a problem and asked to propose a solution. You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response. Then you will have 60 seconds to speak. In your response, be sure to: Show that you recognize the problem Propose a way of dealing with the problem
11	Express an opinion	You will give your opinion about a specific topic. You will have 15 seconds to prepare your response. Then you will have 60 seconds to speak.

For more information, review the Sample Tests.

The TOEIC Writing Test Format

Content: eight questions
Time: approximately 60 minutes
Score scale: 0–200

Below is an overview of the TOEIC Writing test, which includes eight questions that measure different aspects of your writing ability and takes about one hour. For each type of question, you will be given specific directions, including the time allowed for writing.

Questions	Task	Description
1–5	Write a sentence based on a picture	You will write 1 sentence that is based on a picture. With each picture, you will be given 2 words or phrases that you must use in your sentence. You can change the forms of the words and you can use the words in any order.
6–7	Respond to a written request	You will show how well you can write a response to an email. You will have 10 minutes to read and answer each email.
8	Write an opinion essay	You will write an essay in response to a question that asks you to state, explain and support your opinion on an issue. Typically, an effective essay will contain a minimum of 300 words.