Content and Format of the TOEIC^® Speaking and Writing Tests

The TOEIC^® Speaking and Writing tests assess English-language skills that are used in daily life and the workplace. Test takers have to respond to real-world questions and scenarios in spoken and written language. The tests use common everyday vocabulary, phrases and key expressions used in workplace environment.

The Speaking and Writing tests can be taken together or separately in the following formats:

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 a test taker's speaking ability. For each question, test takers will be given specific directions, including the time allowed for preparing and speaking their response. The test takes about 20 minutes.

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

Questions	Task	Description
1–2	Read a text aloud	Test takers will read out loud the text on the screen. They will have 45 seconds to prepare. Then they will have 45 seconds to read the text out loud.
3–4	Describe a picture	Test takers will describe the picture on their screen in as much detail as they can. They will have 45 seconds to prepare their response. Then they will have 30 seconds to speak about the picture.
5–7	Respond to questions	Test takers will answer three questions. They will have 3 seconds per question to prepare their response. They will have 15 seconds to respond to questions 4 and 5. They will have 30 seconds to respond to question 6.
8–10	Respond to questions using information provided	Test takers will answer three questions based on information provided. They will have 45 seconds to read the information before the questions begin. They will have 3 seconds per question to prepare their response. They will have 15 seconds to respond to questions 7 and 8. They will have 30 seconds to respond to question 9.
11	Express an opinion	Test takers will give their opinion about a specific topic. They will have 30 seconds to prepare their response. Then they will have 60 seconds to speak.

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 a test taker's writing ability and takes about one hour. For each type of question, test takers will be given specific directions, including the time allowed for writing their response.

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