Introduction
Hi, I'm Duc. If you're feeling lost with English and worried about tackling the TOEIC, this post is for you. I've been in that exact position, and I've found ways to make real progress without spreading myself too thin.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Being Selective Matters
- 2. Set Realistic Goals
- 3. What to Focus On
- 4. Effective Study Methods
- 5. What to Skip
- 6. Conclusion
1. Why Being Selective Matters
When you're busy with work or school, studying everything at once will leave you exhausted and with little to show for it. I've tried many different approaches and learned that being selective about what you study is crucial. It lets you focus on what actually matters for the TOEIC.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Before you start studying, I recommend setting clear, realistic goals. For example, if you only have 30 minutes a day, commit to covering one specific section of the TOEIC each day.
Example:
If you decide to work on Listening, break it down like this:
- Day 1: Part 1 (Photographs)
- Day 2: Part 2 (Question–Response)
- Day 3: Part 3 (Conversations)
3. What to Focus On
I recommend focusing on the sections where you're weakest. For me, Listening was the hardest part, so I spent the most time on it. Rather than reviewing everything at once, pick a few sections and go deep on those.
Specific Areas:
- Listening: Get comfortable with the question types in each Part.
- Reading: Practice comprehending short passages and completing fill-in-the-blank exercises.
4. Effective Study Methods
I've experimented with a lot of study methods, and here are the ones I've found most effective:
- Listen every day: I spend at least 15 minutes a day listening to English — TOEIC practice audio or podcasts.
- Vocabulary practice: I use flashcards to memorize new words, especially vocabulary relevant to my work.
