TOEIC Myths

ScottsEnglish

Students hear myths about the TOEIC exam. Scott's English Success helps you to know the facts!

Myth #1: The TOEIC is easier than exams such as the TOEFL or the IELTS.

The TOEIC is an exam that focuses on the business world and the key skills required for international communication. The vocabulary is different from the TOEFL or the IELTS but the TOEIC is still a difficult exam.

Myth #2: The TOEIC is only listening and reading.

There are speaking and writing options for the TOEIC, too. If you wish to have your speaking and writing evaluated, contact your testing center. Some businesses require only the listening and reading, others all four tests. 

Myth #3: The TOEIC can be used to go to university.

The TOEIC is not recognized as an academic test of English by most universities. For a test of academic English, choose the IELTS, the TOEFL or the Cambridge Exams. There are some universities which require a certain score on the TOEIC in order to graduate, and many businesses use the TOEIC to evaluate their employees.

Myth #4: The TOEIC is an American exam and uses American English.

While the TOEIC is made by Educational Testing Services (ETS), an American company, the exam uses accents from different parts of the English-speaking world. The listening questions include discussions between many native, and non-native accents. To prepare, listen to a variety of different English accents, such as American, English, Australian, and Canadian.

Myth #5: It is difficult to find a testing centre.

The TOEIC listening and reading exams are offered at many different locations around the world, including sessions at most universities and testing centres. Have a look on the internet to find a testing centre near you.