TOEIC 2021 Test Format, Syllabus, Scoring Guide
TOEIC logo

TOEIC Exam Pattern: Check Exam Format, and Scoring Guide

Shubhankar Das logo

Shubhankar Das

Content Writer - Study Abroad

TOEIC exam pattern mainly contains three types of test; listening and reading, speaking and writing, and the Bridge Test. TOEIC syllabus of the bridge test covers the four sections of the English language. TOEIC course syllabus of listening and reading exam assesses intermediate to advanced English-language listening and reading skills needed in the workplace. TOEIC exam pattern of speaking and writing demonstrates intermediate to advanced English-language speaking and writing proficiency needed in the workplace.

alt tags

If you are opted for TOEIC Bridge test, you will be allocated 112 minutes for the test. The Bridge Test format of TOEIC test will contain 50 multiple choice questions grouped into 4 parts for listening, and 50 questions grouped into 3 parts for the reading section. TOEIC Bridge speaking test include 8 questions grouped into 6 task type, and the writing section contain 9 question grouped into 5 task types. TOEIC exam pattern total score ranges from 10 to 990, in five-point increments. TOEIC score for the reading section is rages on 5 to 495 level, and 5 to 495 for the listening Section.


TOEIC exam format of listening and reading exam has 200 multiple-choice questions; 100 for listening and 100 for reading. You will be allocated a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the reading and listening test. TOEIC Listening section is roughly 45 minutes long. There are 12 TOEIC exam dates available in a year. You must have a better understanding of the exam pattern before completing TOEIC Registration.

TOEIC Test Format 

TOEIC consists of three tests- Listening and Reading Test, Speaking and Writing Test and the Bridge test. All tests are set in a way to evaluate certain aspects of exam takers English proficiency. Candidates can choose the test suitable to them as per their needs. An overview will be tabulated below:

TOEIC Test Format Listening and Reading Test Speaking and Writing Test Bridge Test
Sections

Listening Test

Reading Test

Speaking Test

Writing Test

Listening Test

Reading Test

Duration 2 hours 30 minutes 1 hour 20 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of Question 200 questions 19 questions 100 questions
Mode of test Objective type Descriptive and viva-voce Objective type
Negative marking No No NO

Detailed format of each test is described right below.

Must Read TOEIC Preparation Tips

TOEIC Listening and Reading Test Format

This test is conducted in pen and paper based mode. It can be further divided in Listening Test and Reading Test. All the questions are multiple choice type questions. Both tests carry 100 questions each.

The test has to be attempted in 2 hour 30 minutes. However, each section has to be finished in stipulated time:

  • Listening section – 45 minutes
  • Reading section – 75 minutes
  • Biographical questions – 30 minutes

TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test Format

This test includes two sections – Speaking Test and Writing Test. There is an option of taking both the tests together or one at a time. Candidates have to speak and write on the topics discussed in the content section below in the article.

  • Speaking Test has 11 questions that have to be attempted in 20 minutes.
  • Writing Test consists of 8 questions which consumes about 60 minutes.

TOEIC Bridge Test Format

Bridge test is suitable for the beginners to intermediate level. It contains Listening Test and Reading Test. It is an easier version of TOEIC Listening and Reading Test.

  • It carries 100 multiple choice questions to be attempted in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Listening section has 50 questions and consumes 25 minutes.
  • Reading section also consists of 50 questions requiring 35 minutes to complete them.
  • Both above sections involves some education and work history questionnaire that can be finished in 30 minutes.

TOEIC Scoring Guide

ETS performs a meticulous scoring procedure to make sure each test taker is awarded with right grade. Multiple certified ETS raters rate the tests to ensure fairness evaluation. Each test is scored on a varying scale range:

Name of the Test Sectional Scoring Scale Total Scoring Scale
Listening and Reading Test

Listening Test: 5 – 450

Reading Test: 5 – 450 

Total Score: 10 - 900
Speaking and Writing Test

Speaking Test: 0 - 200

Writing Test: 0 – 200

Total Score: 0 – 400
TOEIC Bridge Test

Listening Test: 10 – 90

Reading Test: 10 - 90

Total Score: 20 – 180

Since, a person’s proficiency level of a language keeps on changing over time, TOEIC score will be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of result declaration.


TOEIC TEST Content 

The content/syllabus for all three tests – Listening and Reading Test, Speaking and Writing Test and the Bridge test is unique. Since these tests evaluates different skills and ability of the exam takers, the content of the test is set accordingly by ETS, the conducting body of TOEIC. Each test is divided in two sections. Detailed section wise content for all three tests are described below:


TOEIC Listening and Reading Test Content

Listening Test:- In the listening test, test takes are made to listen an English recording of short conversation and then they have to answer the questions based on what they understood from the recording. There will be hundred questions from the following topics:

  • Photographs
  • Question-Response
  • Conversations
  • Short Talks

Reading Test:- In the reading test, candidates have to answer questions based on a text. They have to read the text on their own pace. There will be hundred questions on the following topics:

  • Incomplete Sentences
  • Error Recognition or Text Completion
  • Reading Comprehension

TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test Content

Speaking Test:- In the speaking test, test takers are examined on their speaking skills. They should speak as much as possible in the stipulated time period and also they should speak clearly making relevant sense to question asked. They will have to speak for about 20 minutes for the following questions:

  • Read a text aloud for 45 seconds after preparing time of 45 seconds.
  • Describe a picture displayed on screen for 45 minutes for which preparation time is 30 seconds
  • Respond to 3 questions asked by a panel in 15 seconds for first two questions and 30 seconds for third question. No preparation time is provided for these responses.
  • Respond to 3 questions using provided information in 15 seconds for first two questions and 30 seconds for third question. The information can be read in 30 seconds only and no preparation time is provided.
  • Propose a solution for a problem presented in 30 seconds. Test takers will have to speak for 60 seconds and address how they acknowledge the problem and how should it be dealt with.
  • Express an opinion about a specific topic asked. They have to speak for 60 seconds after preparing in 15 seconds.

Writing Test:- In the writing test, test takers are presented with questions which tests their ability to write correctly and effectively. They have to write on the given type of format and directions in stipulated time:

  • Write a sentence each based on 5 pictures using two words or phrases given in the questions.
  • Respond to 2 written request emails in 10 minutes each including reading time.
  • Write an essay in no less than 300 words as a response to an issue presented in the question explain your views and solution to it. 

TOEIC Bridge Test Content

Listening Section:- In the listening test of Bridge test, candidates will be made to listen recordings of statements, short conversations and short talks and questions in English and will have to answer 50 questions of following kinds:

  • Photographs (15 questions)
  • Question – Response  (20 questions)
  • Short Conversation and Short Talks  (15 questions)

Reading Section:- In the reading test, exam takers will have to answer questions based what they understand by given single sentences and texts. There are 50 questions on following topics:

  • Incomplete Sentences (30 questions)
  • Reading Comprehension (20 questions)

There are two main versions: TOEIC listening and Reading and TOEIC speaking and Writing. TOEIC Bridge exam covers the four main English language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You can effectively prepare for TOEIC test from the official ETS website. The other reputed website and coaching centers offers various official study materials like practice tests and books.

FAQs

Ques: What is the TOEIC exam?

Ans: TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is a widely recognized English proficiency test designed mainly for the workplace.

Ques: What are the different types of TOEIC exams?

Ans: There are two main versions: TOEIC listening and Reading and TOEIC speaking and Writing. TOEIC Bridge exam covers the four main English language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Ques: How long is the TOEIC Listening and Reading exam?

Ans: TOEIC Listening and reading exam takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes to complete.

Ques: How many questions are on the TOEIC Listening and Reading exam?

Ans: TOEIC listening and Reading exam has 200 multiple-choice questions; 100 for listening and 100 for reading.

Ques: Is there a negative marking scheme in the TOEIC exam?

Ans: There is no negative marking in TOEIC exam. You won't be penalized for guessing the wrong answers.

Ques: What types of listening tasks are on the TOEIC exam?

Ans: TOEIC listening section includes short conversations, announcements, presentations, and descriptions of workplace situations. 

Ques: How long is the Listening section of the TOEIC exam?

Ans: TOEIC Listening section is roughly 45 minutes long. You will be allocated a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the reading and listening test.

Ques: What level of English is required for TOEIC Listening section?

Ans: TOEIC listening section tests your ability to understand everyday English used in work environments.

Ques: How long is the Reading section of the TOEIC exam?

Ans: You will be allocated more time than the listening section for TOEIC Reading section. The given time for TOEIC reading section is 75 minutes long.

Ques: What reading skills are tested in the TOEIC exam?

Ans: TOEIC reading section assesses your ability to understand information, identify main ideas, and find specific details in work-related texts.

Ques: How is the TOEIC exam scored?

Ans: Each section of TOEIC: listening and reading is scored from 10 to 100 points. The total scaled TOEIC core ranges from 10 to 990, the sum of Listening and Reading scores.

Ques: Are there any official TOEIC study materials available?

Ans: You can effectively prepare for TOEIC test from the official ETS website. The other reputed website and coaching centers offers various official study materials like practice tests and books.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

Comments



No Comments To Show