What is the TOEIC^® Speaking and Writing test?

The TOEIC® Speaking and Writing test is an internet-based test that measures a person's ability to speak and write in English in the workplace, using key expressions and common, everyday vocabulary. It measures proficiency in business English, at intermediate to advanced levels. Global business requires interactive language skills and people must communicate effectively in English — across borders and cultures — through e-mail, in person, by telephone and with video-conferencing. Introduced in 2007, this test complements the Listening and Reading test to provide a comprehensive assessment of a person’s ability to communicate in English across all four language skills. 

About the test

The TOEIC® Speaking and Writing test, which is delivered through the Internet, is a valid assessment of a person's ability to speak and write in English in the workplace.

It has been added to the TOEIC product line to complement the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test. Together, they provide a reliable measurement of all four English-language communication skills.

• There is high demand from leading global corporations for employees to speak and write in English. You must be able to communicate across borders and cultures with co-workers and clients.
• Speaking and writing in English with common, everyday expressions and vocabulary will enable you to interact successfully.
• Globalisation and technology require you to have all 4 skills for in-person, telephone and email communication.
• Promotions, transfers and other job opportunities depend on your ability to listen, read, speak and write in English.

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 business phrases, key expressions and vocabulary.

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

The TOEIC Speaking Test

• 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 1-2

Task: 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.

Question 3

Task: 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.

Questions 4-6

Task: 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.

Questions 7-9

Task: 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.

Question 10

Task: 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:

1.    Show that you recognize the problem

2.    Propose a way of dealing with the problem

Question 11

Task: 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.

The TOEIC Writing Test

• Content: 8 questions
• Time: approximately 60 minutes
• Score Scale: 0-200

Below is an overview of the TOEIC Writing test, which includes 8 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 1-5

Task: 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.

Questions 6-7

Task: Respond to a written request

• You will show how well you can write a response to an e-mail.
• You will have 10 minutes to read and answer each e-mail.

Question 8

Task: 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.

Register now to take the TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests at an ETS Global authorised test centre.