TEST YOURSELF

GIA

СПЕЦИФИКАЦИЯ The TOEIC Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing test Name________________________________________________________ Passing Date__________________________________________________ General Score_________________________________________________ GENERAL RESULTS:___________________________________________ International Proficiency Working Proficiency Plus Limited Working Proficiency Elementary Proficiency Plus Elementary Proficiency Memorised Proficiency No Useful Proficiency UNIT I Listening Score_________________________________________________ TOEIC Listening part 1: photographs__________________________________ Part 2: Question – Response________________________________________ Part 3: Short conversation__________________________________________ Part 4: Short talks: 30 questions______________________________________ UNIT II II Reading Score__________________________________________________ II TOEIC Reading 5 : incomplete sentences__________________________ You see an incomplete sentence. Four words or phrases, marked A-D are given beneath each sentence. You are to choose the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence. Example1:Despite having four years of experience in software programming, Mr. Jones hadn't used a word processing program __________. Next you will read four choices. Choose the word or phrase that best fits into the blank. A) prior B) advanced C) previous D) before Explanation 1: Choices A is an adjective.(I have a prior engagement.) Choice B is a verb.(I advanced the money to her.) Choice C is an adjective.(That was my previous job.) The correct answer is D. The sentence requires an adverb. 1:The person who is taking the minutes will be seated __________ the chairman. A) from B) to C) next D) by 2:The employees __________ about the closure before the announcement was made public. A) know B) known C) knew D) have known 3: __________ it was a holiday, the doctor performed the emergency surgery on the heart patient. A) During B) Even C) Although D) So 4: Seasons Greetings. As a _______ customer, we wanted you to be among the first to know about our upcoming holiday sale. All craft paper, specialty printer paper, and decorative envelopes will be reduced by 50% for the month of December. (A) value (B) valued (C) valid (D) validate 5:As per tradition at Sid's Stationery, we will be having a Christmas raffle. This year the grand prize is a 2-night stay for two at the Meridian Inn _______ Toronto Island. The winner will receive a free double occupancy stay in the penthouse suite as well as a free dinner on the moonlit patio. (A) through (B) on (C) over (D) at 6:Money from ticket sales will be _______ to The Family Foundation, a local organization that provides food and clothing to those who need it most this Christmas. (A) purchased (B) donated (C) funded (D) collected 7. Please be aware that there was a misprint in an advertisement for our store in this week's local free press. The ad states that on Saturday all men's formal footwear is on for 55% percent off rather _______ 15% off. (A) that (B) than (C) then (D) they're 8. Cstomers come in and ask about this sale, please _______ and explain the printing error. Offer them an additional 5% off coupon to thank them for coming into our store. The coupon can be given out even if the customer decides not to purchase any shoes. (A) apologize (B) compromise (C) categorize (D) analyze 9. Please call a manager to the sales floor _______ you encounter any customers who have the ad with them and demand to receive the 55% discount. These cases will be handled on an individual basis. (A) because (B) whether (C) if (D) before 10:Currently topping the charts are : Caddaffi populist subjects such David Beckham and pop singer Avril Lavigne and, of course __________. (A) croquet (B) Natural History Museum (C) Steve Jobs (D) Resigns II Part 6: Error recognition__________________________________ 1. The most safest way to watch a solar eclipse is for one to look at it in a mirror while wearing dark glasses. 2.The amino acids serves as the building blocks of protains. 3. Harriet Monroe's verse survive today as evidence of her undiscouraged zeal for the advancement of modern poetry. 4. In 1941 Orson Welles produced Citizen Kane, a film noted for its technical brilliant, structural complexity, and literate treatment of a controversial biographical subject. 5. The relationship of Latin American music for Black music in the United States is clearly evident in the unaccented beats that are common to both. 6. Of all the Native Americans in the United States, the Navajos form largest group. 7.Each sentence is gotten randomly. You also get other one by clicking on the New button. Hope that you enjoy it. 8.A question often posed about journalism is "How much freedom should reporters have interpreting any given news item?" 9.Over forty years ago, Helen Hall's outstanding contributions as a settlement organizer catch the attention of president Franklin Roosevelt, who appointed her to his advisory committee on economic security. 10.Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin has called the first truly successful North American opera. UNIT III III Writing Score__________________________________________________ Write sentences about pictures_______________________________________ III Write an email response________________________________________ Read the email To: Home Owner From: Taryn Kent Subject: Your home Sent: January 7 Hello. I've been looking at the photo gallery of your online home buyer's ad. Congratulations on trying to sell your home without a real estate agent. It is difficult (we have done it twice) but is worth the effort if you find a reasonable buyer. My sister is interested in buying a home in your region. Your home could be ideal if you are willing to negotiate the price. Your asking price is about $10, 000 above her budget. She also wants to live near an elementary school and a bus route. I'm not sure if your home is near these amenities. Could you let me know about these details? Most importantly, are you open to negotiation on the price? Please let me know when the house would be available for viewing. Thank you. Sincerely, Taryn Kent Directions: Respond to the email as if you are trying to sell your house privately. Answer the questions and provide at least TWO details about the neighbourhood and ONE reason why you can or can't negotiate the price. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ III Write an essay_______________________________________________ In this part of the test you will be asked to write an opinion essay in which you state, explain, and support reasons about your opinion. You will have 30 minutes to plan and write your essay. Leave a little time to proofread and edit your essay. Your essay should be 4-5 paragraphs in length. It will be rated in terms of organization, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. Question: Some companies block their employees from using social media networks and websites such as Facebook. Do you think managers should trust employees to use time wisely, or do you think it is smart of companies to block access to some sites? Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion. Type your outline (5-10 minutes): _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Type your essay (15 minutes): _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ UNIT IV IVSpeaking Score_________________________________________________ IV Reading aloud (tests pronunciation Responding to questions (tests fluency)_______________________ Easy level Applying for a job at the local library: Why do you want to work at the library? How will you balance working and studying? What will you do if we hire you and you don't end up liking the job? IV Proposing a solution_____________________________________ For this question you will listen to a problem and you will have to offer a solution. Problem: Hi, this is Angelina Robinson. I'm calling from room 23 down the hall. We are a family of six, and there are only two small beds in this room. The man at the front desk said this was the only room available, and he must have assumed it was only for me and my husband. We can't possibly all fit on these two beds. We have two teenagers, a toddler and a baby. Are you sure there are no other rooms available? All of the other hotels in town are booked because of the marathon tomorrow. My husband is one of the competitors and he needs a good night's rest. Your solution:_________________________________________________ IV Expressing an opinion________________________________________ Some people wish they could live in warm climates all year round. These places get very hot during certain months of the year. In fact, studies show that heat can lead to greater crime. Do you think that people in warm climates lead happier lives or not? State your opinion and provide reasons for your view. Your oppinion:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ APPENDIX Comments on_____________________________________________________ Listening_________________________________________________________ Reading_________________________________________________________ Writing__________________________________________________________ Speaking________________________________________________________ TOEIC GENERAL SCORING Passing date: 07.11m - 14.07.11 Company name: Bridgestone-SNG 1) DENIS CHEPILKO 913(International Proficiency)/896(Self Estimation) Listening 233/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 100%) Grammar 250/250 (incomplete sentences 100%; error recognition 100%) Writing 218/250 (pictures 75%; outline 90%;email response 95%; essay 90%) Speaking 160/250 (pronunciation 90%; solution 80%; opinion 100%) 2) SOFIA BAIGAZINA 866(International Proficiency)/864(Self Estimation) Listening 237/250 (photographs 90%; response 100%; short conversation 95%) Grammar 250/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 184/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 195/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 70%; opinion 70%) 3) LAURA ARUTYUNYAN 840(Working Proficiency Plus) Listening 158/250 (photographs 60%; response 60%; short conversation 90%) Grammar 160/250 (incomplete sentences 100%; error recognition 60%) Writing 186/250 (pictures 80%; outline 80%;email response 75%; essay 73%) Speaking 175/250 (pronunciation 80%; solution 70%; opinion 70%) 4) ILLIA SHISHINKOV 834(Working Proficiency Plus) Listening 245/250 (photographs 100%; response 90%; short conversation 90%) Grammar 212/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 70%) Writing 169/250 (pictures 80%; outline 40%;email response 40%; essay 68%) Speaking 208/250 (pronunciation 80%; solution 80%; opinion 90%) 5) SERGEY ANDREEV 824(Working Proficiency Plus)/- - -(Self Estimation) Listening 237/250 (photographs 90%; response 100%; short conversation 95%) Grammar 250/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 184/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 195/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 70%; opinion 70%) 6) ILLIA SUSLOV 823(Working Proficiency Plus)/755(Self Estimation) Listening 216/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 80%) Grammar 187/250 (incomplete sentences 70%; error recognition 80%) Writing 175/250 (pictures 80%; outline 70%;email response 60%; essay 70%) Speaking 160/250 (pronunciation 55%; solution 70%; opinion 90%) 7) SERGEY BIRYUKOV 771(Working Proficiency Plus)/ Listening 175/250 (photographs 60%; response 80%; short conversation 70%) Grammar 162/250 (incomplete sentences 80%; error recognition 50%) Writing 185/250 (pictures 80%; outline 80%;email response 65%; essay 70%) Speaking 180/250 (pronunciation 68%; solution 83%; opinion 85%) 8) PAVEL KOLTSOV 724 (Limited Working Proficiency)/752 (Self Estimation) Listening 225/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 200/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 209/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 140/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 60%; opinion 60%) 9) ALEXEY LOBANOV 720(Limited Working Proficiency)/752 (Self Estimation) Listening 225/250 (photographs 80%; response 100%; short conversation 90%) Grammar 150/250 (incomplete sentences 80%; error recognition 40%) Writing 185/250 (pictures 85%; outline 80%;email response 75%; essay 57%) Speaking 160/250 (pronunciation 30%; solution 83%; opinion 80%) 10) KAZBEK RAMAZANOV 704(Limited Working Proficiency)/752 (Self Estimation) Listening 204/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 225/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 132/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 160/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 70%; opinion 70%) 11) MARINA BOCHKAREVA 654(Limited Working Proficiency)/752 (Self Estimation) Listening 192/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 150/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 138/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 141/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 60%; opinion 60%) 12) IRINA BUTIKOVA 642(Limited Working Proficiency)/752 (Self Estimation) Listening 181/250 (photographs 60%; response 60%; short conversation 80%) Grammar 138/250 (incomplete sentences 70%; error recognition 40%) Writing 160/250 (pictures 50%; outline 50%;email response 80%; essay 75%) Speaking 163/250 (pronunciation 30%; solution 86%; opinion 80%) 13) SHEROZIA VALENTIN Listening 000/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 000/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 000/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 000/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 60%; opinion 60%) 14) VALENTINA VINOKUROVA Listening 000/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 000/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 000/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 000/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 60%; opinion 60%) 15) ANNA RUDNEVA Listening 000/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 000/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 000/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 000/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 60%; opinion 60%) 16) MAXIM BARINOV Listening 000/250 (photographs 100%; response 80%; short conversation 65%) Grammar 000/250 (incomplete sentences 90%; error recognition 90%) Writing 000/250 (pictures 60%; outline 40%;email response 50%; essay 60%) Speaking 000/250 (pronunciation 40%; solution 60%; opinion 60%) TOEIC SELF ESTIMATION Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing test Name________________________________________________________ Passing Date__________________________________________________ General Score_________________________________________________ GENERAL RESULTS:___________________________________________ International Proficiency Working Proficiency Plus Limited Working Proficiency Elementary Proficiency Plus Elementary Proficiency Memorized Proficiency No Useful Proficiency UNIT I Listening Score_________________________________________________ Part 1: photographs__________________________________ Part 2: question – Response________________________________________ Part 3: short conversation__________________________________________ Part 4: short talks: 30 questions______________________________________ UNIT II Grammar score__________________________________________ Part 1: incomplete sentences__________________________ Part 2: error recognition____________________ UNIT III Writing Score__________________________________________________ Part 1: about pictures IN ONE sentence___________________ Part 2: email response ________________________________________ Part 3: outline __________________________________________ Part 4: essay NETWORKS BLOCKING_____________________ UNIT IV Speaking Score_________________________________________________ Part 1: reading aloud __________________________________ Part 2: HOTEL ACCOMODATION solution______________ Part 3: WARM CLIMATE opinion________________________________ Where and when did you study English____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Who do you want to study with (impersonally)?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Which aspects of the language would you like to intensify?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The TOEIC Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing test Name________________________________________________________ Passing Date__________________________________________________ General Score_________________________________________________ GENERAL RESULTS:___________________________________________ International Proficiency gold (860–990) Working Proficiency Plus blue (730–855) Limited Working Proficiency green (470–725) Elementary Proficiency brown (220–465) No Useful Proficiency orange (10–215) UNIT I Listening Score_________________________________________________ Part 1: photographs__________________________________ Part 2: question – Response________________________________________ Part 3: short conversation__________________________________________ Part 4: short talks: 30 questions______________________________________ UNIT II Grammar score__________________________________________ Part 1: incomplete sentences__________________________ Part 2: error recognition____________________ UNIT III Writing Score__________________________________________________ Part 1: about pictures __________________________________ Part 2: email response ________________________________________ Part 3: outline __________________________________________ Part 4: essay ______________________________________ UNIT IV Speaking Score_________________________________________________ Part 1: reading aloud __________________________________ Part 2: solution ________________________________________ Part 3: opinion __________________________________________ Who is it for? The Test is used by organisations to determine whether an employee is suitable for a particular task. If you work or want to work for a large organisation, particularily in Asia, then the TOEIC test will be useful to you. In some countries you can also take a Speaking and Writing exam along with the Reading and Listening. Overview The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is "an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment." [edit]TOEIC Listening & Reading Test The TOEIC Listening & Reading Test is a two-hour multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions evenly divided into listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each candidate receives independent scores for written and listening comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495 points. The total score adds up to a scale from 10 to 990 points. The TOEIC certificate exists in five colors, corresponding to achieved results: orange (10–215) brown (220–465) green (470–725) blue (730–855) gold (860–990) [edit]TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test The TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test was introduced in 2006. Test takers receive separate scores for each of the two tests, or can take the Speaking test without taking the Writing test. The Speaking test assesses pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and fluency, while the Writing test examines vocabulary, grammar, and overall coherence and organization. The tests are designed to reflect actual English usage in the workplace, though they do not require any knowledge of specialized business terms. The TOEIC Speaking Test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete; the TOEIC writing test lasts approximately 60 minutes. Each test has a score range between 0-200, with test takers grouped into eight proficiency levels. [edit]Institutional TOEIC Test In addition to the official TOEIC tests, there are also versions that individual businesses and educational institutions can purchase for internal use. These "Institutional" TOEIC tests can be administered at the organization's own choice of location and time to their employees or students. [edit]History The Educational Testing Service (ETS) developed the TOEIC test to measure achievement in using English in a business setting. The Asahi Shimbun national daily's evening edition [5] interviewed Yasuo Kitaoka (???? Kitaoka Yasuo) who was the central figure of the Japanese team that conceived the basic idea of the TOEIC test. According to an Aug. 11, 2009 Japan Times article, "In the 1970s, Kitaoka began negotiating with ETS to create a new test of English communication for use in Japan. ETS responded that it required a nonprofit organization to work with as their partner. Kitaoka tried to enlist the help of the Ministry of Education, but their bureaucrats did not see the need for a new test to compete with the STEP Eiken, an English test already backed by the ministry. To overcome this opposition, Kitaoka received help from his friend, Yaeji Watanabe. Watanabe's influence as a retired high-ranking bureaucrat from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (renamed the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, or METI) proved crucial to TOEIC's establishment. Watanabe had remained in contact with his old ministry while working on the board of directors for the World Economic Information Services (WEIS) and as chairman of the Japan-China Economic Association, both public-interest corporations operating under MITI. Watanabe declined an interview request, but his memoirs describe how he overcame Ministry of Education opposition to the TOEIC by taking cover "behind the ministry of trade shield." Watanabe convinced his old ministry it should play the lead role in establishing a new English test, and formed a TOEIC Steering Committee under the WEIS umbrella. Members of the committee included other retired MITI bureaucrats and influential business leaders. Government support secured, ETS began developing the test in 1977. In 1979, English learners in Japan filled in the first of many TOEIC multiple-choice answer forms."[1] ETS's major competitor is Cambridge University, which administers the IELTS, FCE, CAE, and CPE. [edit]The New TOEIC Tests A new version of the TOEIC Listening & Reading test was released in 2006. The changes can be summarized as follows: Overall, passages are longer. Part 1 has fewer questions involving photograph descriptions. The Listening Section hires speakers of English from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and North America, and uses an equal distribution of the dialects.[2] However all the voice actors for the speaking test have lived in the United States for an extended period.[citation needed] Part 6 no longer contains an error-spotting task, criticized as unrealistic in a corporate environment, instead adopting the use of a task wherein the test taker fills in blanks in incomplete sentences. Part 7 contains not only single-passage questions but also double-passage questions wherein the test taker reads and compares the two related passages, such as an e-mail correspondence. According to a survey conducted in 2006 by the Institute for International Business Communication (???? ????????????????? Zaidanhojin Kokusai Bijinesu Komyunikeshon Kyokai?), 56.8% of the respondents who took both the older and the revised versions of the TOEIC test in Japan find the latter version more difficult.[3] The lower the score the test taker achieves, the more marked this tendency becomes. As many as 85.6% of those who earned scores ranging from 10 to 395 points find the revised TOEIC test more difficult, while 69.9% of those who earned 400 to 495 points think this way, as do 59.3% of those who earned 500 to 595 points. Among those who achieved 600 to 695 points 58.9% agree with these findings. 700 to 795 points 48.6%, 800 to 895 points 47.9%, and 900 to 990 points 39.8%. 2006 also saw the addition of TOEIC Speaking & Writing tests. In 2007 there were additional changes to the TOEIC Reading & Listening test that decreased emphasis on knowledge of grammatical rules. [edit]TOEIC in Japan The Institute for International Business Communication (???? ????????????????? Zaidanhojin Kokusai Bijinesu Komyunikeshon Kyokai?) operates the TOEIC test in Japan, where a total of nearly 1.5 million people take the test per year. There are two ways to take the TOEIC test properly. One is called the TOEIC SP Test (Secure Program Test; ????? Kokai Tesuto?), in which one can take the test either individually or in a group on specified dates at a test centre specified by the TOEIC Steering Committee. The other is the TOEIC IP Test (Institutional Program Test; ???????? Dantai Tokubetsu Juken Seido?), in which an organization can choose the date and administer the test at its convenience in accordance with the TOEIC Steering Committee. The TOEIC SP Test was renewed on May 2006, followed by the TOEIC IP Test in April 2007 in line so that it would be with the SP Test. More and more companies use TOEIC scores for personnel assessment instead of the homegrown STEP Eiken test organized by the Society for Testing English Proficiency (STEP) (???????????????????????? Nihon Eigo Kentei Kyokai Shusai Jitsuyo Eigo Gino Kentei Shiken "Eiken"?). The TOEIC Speaking Test/Writing Test started on January 21, 2007 in addition to the TOEIC SP Test and the TOEIC IP Test. [edit]TOEIC Scandal in Japan The Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC), the non-profit organization that administers the TOEIC in Japan, was the subject of a scandal in 2009. In May and June 2009, articles in the Japanese weekly magazine FRIDAY accused the IIBC’s 92 year-old Chairman Yaeji Watanabe of nepotism when he appointed the son of his girlfriend to the position of Chairman of the IIBC Board of Directors. To force the appointment, half of the volunteers serving on the Board were forced out by Watanabe. The magazine article also questioned why Watanabe only showed up for work about one day a week. In his defense, Watanabe claimed that he held a ceremonial title and was Chairman in name only. As a result Watanabe claimed that he had little to do with the decision to appoint the son of his girlfriend to the position. The magazine article concluded by asking why someone who is Chairman only in name and only working one day a week should receive an annual salary in excess of 25 million yen. In August 2009, the online version of the English-language newspaper The Japan Times published a two-part series examining the TOEIC’s origins and early history as well as the use of test-taker fees by the IIBC on the internet. The August 18th article examined the questionable uses of test-fees, including, a fivefold increase in utility expenses in one year, 13 million spent annually on research about adapting to Chinese culture, sponsorship of poetry readings by the Chinese Poetry Recitation Association, and membership fees to join the Beautiful Aging Association, for which Watanabe also happened to be Chairman. The article also questioned the relationship between the IIBC and its for-profit partner International Communications School with which it shared office space. International Communications School is responsible for selling the TOEIC Institutional Program Test given by companies and schools, and also publishes IIBC approved TOEIC preparation textbooks and administers the TOEIC Japanese language Web site. Also, one of International Communications School's subsidiaries is E-Communications, which administers the TOEIC’s online application system and provides online TOEIC study materials. In 2009, Watanabe suddenly resigned from the IIBC, leaving the son of his girlfriend in charge of the non-profit. Watanabe received a 25 million yen retirement payment. The IIBC lowered the price of the TOEIC Secure Program Test from 6,615 yen to 5,985 yen starting with the September 13, 2009 test. The price had to be lowered due to pressure from the Ministry of Trade, which instructed the IIBC to reduce the profits being generated by the test.[4] In July 2010, the Tokyo Tax Bureau announced that International Communications School, IIBC's for-profit partner, hid 100 million yen in income and had to pay 30 million yen in back taxes and fines.[5] [edit]TOEIC in the Republic of Korea Toward the end of 2005, there was a shift in South Korea, regarded as the second biggest consumer of TOEIC per capita.[6] As noted in The Chosun Ilbo (????; ????; Korea Daily Reports) national daily [6], a number of major corporations have either removed or reduced the required TOEIC score for employment. An official from the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK; Kiup Bank; ????; ??????) says, "TOEIC isn't an appropriate indicator of actual English skills." However, a person's TOEIC score is still a major factor in hiring persons for most professional jobs in South Korea. Starting in 2011, Korean universities will no longer be allowed to use TOEIC and TOEFL scores as part of the admission process.[7] This is apparently to discourage private English education (there are many private institutions that teach TOEIC-based classes). Another English proficiency test, TEPS (developed by Seoul National University, Chosun Ilbo), has been developed and may replace the status of TOEIC. [edit]TOEIC in Europe In France, some Grandes ecoles require a TOEIC score of at least 785 to award the diploma. This policy has been criticized, as it makes state-awarded diplomas dependent on a private institution—despite the fact that it was not the private institution that set the 785 mark but a recommendation from the Commission des Titres d'Ingenieurs indicating a B2+ level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. If the student cannot achieve a 785 mark, he/she is offered to validate his/her diploma by other means in most of the schools. Some institutions delay the diploma for 1 year after the end of the studies in that case. In Greece, TOEIC is accepted by ASEP, the organisation responsible for hiring new employees to work for the government. In Italy, TOEIC is often used by universities as an exam to pass degree level qualifications. All universities require that students pass an English examination to be allowed to partake in degree courses and to receive diplomas. A TOEIC score of 450 is usually required to complete 3 years of study and a score of 600 is usually required to obtain the diploma. Many universities allow alternative qualifications to the TOEIC, such as the Cambridge certificate and TOEFL tests. Most universities do not offer either language preparation or language tests, requiring students to seek external preparation and examination for a requirement enforced by the department of education for all degrees. [edit]TOEIC in the United States Both the TOEIC Listening & Reading and the TOEIC Speaking & Writing tests are now available in the United States. While the TOEIC Listening & Reading test has been available for decades, the TOEIC Speaking & Writing test was introduced in the United States only in 2009. Registration for the TOEIC Speaking & Writing test is handled by the English4Success division of the nonprofit organization Amideast. [edit]TOEIC Bridge ETS also administers a simplified version of the TOEIC test called TOEIC Bridge. The TOEIC Bridge test targets beginning and intermediate speakers and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, requiring about one hour of testing time. TOEIC is a test that evaluates your ability to understand, use and communicate in English. TOEIC stands for Test Of English for International Communication. TOEIC was developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and this is the official organization that administers the test. When you take the official TOEIC test, you will register and send your money to ETS. The TOEIC test began in 1979. Initially it was only used in Japan, but it's use has spread globally over the years and is a well established standard to measure a person's English communication skills. Although ETS based the TOEIC test off of their TOEFL test, the focus and format of the TOEIC test is quite different. The TOEIC test is designed to assess a person's ability to use English sucessfully in the workplace. For businesses, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions, the TOEIC test is an effective and accurate tool for them to use to determine if you are qualified to be hired, where to place you, if you continue to meet their standards, or whether to promote you. So should you take the TOEIC test? It might not be a choice if your ambition is to have a career at a company where the primary language is English. If your goal is to be on the international business scene, then having a TOEIC score is something that will help you to achieve that goal. TOEIC might seem easier than TOEFL, but it's just as challenging. You must have strong vocabulary and grammar skills as well as being able to read and listen to English fluently. You have to be able to quickly understand and respond to the workplace situations you are presented with in the test. The test is an accurate reflection of what you will encounter in the business world. Are you prepared? If you've had less than five years of intensive English study then no. Since the TOEIC test is meant to represent real world corporate situations from the factory level all the way up to the boardroom, the test as evolved over the years. It started out as a 200 multiple choice question paper test consisting of a Listening and Reading section. In 2006, the Listening and Reading section question formats and number of questions of each type were modified, and the content was updated. The total time for the test is still the same, about 2.5 hours. The other big change in 2006 was the introduction of a new additional and optional Speaking and Writing test. The Speaking and Writing test is used to further test a person's English communcation proficiency. This test is done only on a computer. It's used primarily in Japan, Korea, USA and Canada currently while the original TOEIC is used in 90 countries. We'll be covering each section of the test in more detail later on, but here's a quick overview. You have 45 minutes to complete 100 multiple choice questions for Listening. There are 4 different sections, each with a different kind of stimulus. Reading is also 100 multiple choice questions, but you have 75 minutes to complete it. There are 3 different sections, each with a different kind of stimulus. When you take the official test, ETS expects you to complete a survey which has an allotted time of 30 minutes. For the optional Speaking and Writing test, the Speaking part consists of 11 tasks and will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. The Writing section has 8 tasks and you have up to 1 hour to complete it. You can only take the official TOEIC test from ETS. ETS offers it 12 times a year in the United States. If you take it in the USA, the cost is $75. You need to go to the ETS page and choose your country from the list in order to find the contact center for you. You need to contact the center to learn when you can take the test. The center will also inform you of the cost. If your country isn't in the list, then you need to contact ETS and they will make arrangements. Make sure to register as soon as you can so you can get the date that you want. Selecting a date that fits into your schedule may not be easy. You also want to choose a date that will give you enough time to practice and prepare. The optional Speaking and Writing test can be taken once per month in locations around the world. Cost varies from country to country. You need to contact a representative in your country. As with the standard TOEIC test, you can find a representative on the ETS site. You can get more information on the official TOEIC test by going to the ETS website. You can go through the web pages, or you might want to read through their Handbook PDF. If you rather not read through all the pages, ETS has created a flash presentation you can watch instead. Part I: Photographs In Part I of the TOEIC you will look at ten photographs. For each photograph you will hear four statements. You will have to choose which statement has the best description of the picture. Example 1: First you will look at a photograph: Next you will listen to four statements. Choose the one that best describes what you see in the picture. Explanation 1: Choice A is incorrect because the glasses are on the table. Placement of objects is a common distractor in Part I. Choice B is incorrect because the note is on the monitor not the keyboard. Choice D is incorrect because the lamp is beside the computer. Prepositions are very common distractors found in Part I. Make sure to review your prepositions of location for the TOEIC. The correct answer is C. Transcript: A) The woman is wearing glasses. B) There is a note on the keyboard. C) The woman is facing the monitor. D) There is a lamp above the computer. Example 2: Explanation 2: Choice A is incorrect because the people are wearing life-jackets not coats. Types of clothing are often tested in Part I. Choice B is incorrect because the boat is not yet in the water. The people are pulling the boat into the water. When you are analysing a photo make sure that you note the main action that is taking place. Choice C is incorrect because the life-jackets are on the people, not in the boat. Be careful not to choose a statement just because you recognize a vocabulary word from the photo. The correct answer is D. Transcript: A) The people are wearing coats. B) The boat is in the water. C) The life-jackets are on the boat. D) The drum is in front of the chair. Example 3: Explanation 3: Choice B is incorrect because the mountains do not have any snow on them. It is summertime. You may be asked to distinguish between seasons in Part I. Choice C is incorrect because the man is wearing a cap. Remember you will not be able to read the choices in this section. Wearing and carrying sound similar. Listen carefully. Choice D is incorrect because the sandals are on the man's feet. Both vocabulary words are in the photo, but the context is incorrect. The correct answer is A. Transcript: A) The man is on a pathway. B) The mountains are covered with snow. C) The man is carrying a cap. D) The sandals are in the water. Part II: Question and Response In Part II of the TOEIC you will be tested on your ability to respond to a question. It is very important that you can understand and identify wh-questions. You will listen to three possible responses. Only one of the responses is correct. Example 1: First you will hear a question. Then you will hear three answer choices. Explanation 1: Choice A has a distractor called a related word. When you hear the words, "how many" your brain automatically looks for a response with a number in it. This is an error that the test maker expects you to make. Also, the response is in the past tense, but the question asks about the future. Choice B is a distractor called a repeated word. The word "coming" is in the question but the answer B does not make sense.This is another common error that the test maker expects you to make. The correct answer choice is C. Transcript: How many people are coming to the conference? A) There were 70 people there. B) I don't think she is coming. C) At least 150 people. Example 2: Explanation 2: Choice A contains related words. The test taker wants you to associate "lunch" with "hamburger and fries". Try not to get tricked this way! Choice C is a distractor called similar sounds. The word "boss" sounds similar to the word "bus". This is another common error that you need to watch out for. The correct answer is B. Transcript: Do you think the boss will take us out for lunch today? A) I had a hamburger and fries. B) He's probably too busy today. C) I didn't take the bus. Example 3: Explanation 3: Choice A contains a related word. You might have associated the word "letter" with "type". Choice C contains another distractor called a homonym. A homonym is a word that sounds the same but is spelled differently. On the real test you will not be able to read the answer choices. You have to be able to understand which word is which by the context. In this case the homonyms are "fax" and "facts". In the question, "fax" is a verb. In the answer choice it is a noun. You should make a list of all of the homonyms you come across. Other homonyms week/weak add/ad hear/here knot/not right/write weight/wait The correct answer is B. Transcript: Did you fax the letter to the client? A) I'll type it after lunch. B) No, I sent it by email. C) I collected some important facts. Example 4: Explanation 4: Choice B is another common distractor that uses the same word with a different meaning. In the question, the word "long" refers to amount of time. In the answer choice, the word "long" refers to distance. Choice C associates the word "wait" (which could be confused for "weight") with "pounds". The test maker wants to trick you twice! The correct answer is A. Transcript: Did you have to wait very long? A) No more than an hour. B) I hate long line-ups. C) I've gained twenty pounds. The TOEIC Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing test Name_____Pavel Koltsov____________________________________ Passing Date___________07.11.2011 – 14.11.2011___________________ General Score_________________________724_____________________ Self Estimation_________________________752_____________________ GENERAL RESULTS:___190+200+196+138_________________________ International Proficiency gold (860–990) Working Proficiency Plus blue (730–855) Limited Working Proficiency green (470–725) Elementary Proficiency brown (220–465) No Useful Proficiency orange (10–215) UNIT I Listening Score: 190/250________________________________ Part 1: photographs____________90______________________ Part 2: question – Response__________70______________________________ Part 3: short conversation_______________70___________________________ This part has determined that the employee is suitable for a task connected with listening comprehension and possesses mediocre/good/excellent skills necessary for people working in an international environment. The test taker receives 190 points out of 250 maximum score. Part I: Photographs. In Part I of the TOEIC the test taker is offered to look at ten photographs. For each photograph he hears four statements. He has to choose which statement has the best description of the picture: brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 90 points score. Part 2: question – Response. During this part of the Listening section, the test taker hears a question, followed by three possible responses. The test taker chooses the answer option that best answers the question: brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 70 points score. Part 3: short conversation. There are a total of 30 questions in this Listening section. The test taker hears a total of 10 short conversations between two people. So there are 3 questions per passage. There are always 4 answer options and only one correct answer .The test taker needs to select the best answer to each question. There are 6 types of questions he is asked. He is asked to identify who one or both of the speakers are. He is asked how or what one of the speakers will do if some action does or doesn't occur. Another type - where the speaker(s) are. Identifying the topic – place, person, or thing – is also a question type. He is asked about a specific detail mentioned in the conversation. Finally, He is asked to infer what will/won't likely happen next, or why a speaker will/won't do or did/didn't something: brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 70 points score. Conclusion:The test has assessed that aural comprehension is not bad, but needs to be improved, that the examinee feels comfortable with his listening skills, it’s enough to listen to the sound file one or two times, he can understand very much in almost all the details, he can easily fill in the gaps in understanding. UNIT II Grammar score__________200/250________________________________ Part 1: incomplete sentences___________80_______________ Part 2: error recognition________80____________ Part 1: incomplete sentences .There is a total of 10 questions in this section. Each question consists of a sentence with a blank in it. The test taker needs to decide which word or phrase best completes the sentence. Choosing the correct answer requires using knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. There are always 4 answer options and only one correct answer: brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 80 points score. Conclusion:The test revealed that there are some problems with how words are combined with each other. Part 2: error recognition. In this part of the test the examinee is supposed to select an underlined word or phrase that contains an error. It is the section which tests the knowledge of grammar and its impact on the meaning of the sentence: brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 80 points score. Conclusion:The test revealed that there are some problems with the Plural of the nouns, tense, adverbs and adverbials as well as with the Passive voice. UNIT III Writing Score___________________196/250_______________________________ Part 1: about pictures ___________70_______________________ Part 2: email response ___________80_____________________________ Part 3: outline _________________75_________________________ Part 4: essay ______________________90________________ Part 1: about pictures. For this task type the test taker needs to write one sentence based on what he sees in a picture. Along with the picture, he is given TWO words or phrases that he must use in his sentence. The words can be used in any order, and he is allowed to change the forms of the words. His sentences will be scored on the appropriate use of grammar and how relevant his sentence is to the picture. He has 30 minutes in total to complete this part of the writing section. In this exercise the test taker is supposed to be able to apply the rules of sentence structure, word order, attention to details, compounds and conjunctives.  brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 70 points score. Conclusion:The test revealed that there are some problems with conjunctives and compounds. Part 2: email response. In this part of the test the examinee is supposed to respond to an email as if he is trying to sell his house privately. He should answer the questions and provide at least TWO details about the neighborhood and ONE reason why he can or can't negotiate the price. This part of the test examines business correspondence vocabulary, grammar, and overall coherence and organization of a letter. brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 80 points score. Conclusion:The test revealed that the examinee needs to master the art of outline writing. The test revealed that the examinee needs train linking and introductory words as well as enlarge the number of patterns and cliches, business ethics. Part 3: outline. There is a great advantage in making an outline. A mere word or phrase is vague, and it may lead to wandering. The sentence is definite, and will hold the writer to the point when he comes to expand it into a paragraph or a section. Besides, reducing vague thoughts to laconic sentences is mental analysis. It means pinning the writer down to his exact meaning. It enables him to be persuaded that the vague nebula of your thought about a subject should be condensed into a system by the construction of a sentence-outline. It means hard work at the beginning and clear results in the end. brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 75 points score. Conclusion: The test revealed that the examinee needs to master the art of outline writing. Part 4: essay. For this final writing task, the test taker needs to write an essay on a given topic (some companies block their employees from using social media networks and websites such as Facebook. Do you think managers should trust employees to use time wisely, or do you think it is smart of companies to block access to some sites?), to explain and support his view on this issue. An effective essay usually will consist of a minimum of 500 words. The reply will be scored on whether the opinion is supported with reasons and/or examples, grammar, primitive or expanded vocabulary, and structural organization. The test taker had 60 minutes to plan, write, and revise his essay. The test takers are supposed (apart from vocabulary and grammar) to know and observe the following rules: Putting your reader first; Keeping your business letter to the point; Getting the right tone; Writing your business letters in plain English; Using powerful headings on your business letter; Writing a strong opening; Informative and detailed main part; Writing a strong close. brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 75 points score. Conclusion: The test revealed that the examinee needs to master the art of letter writing ( application letters, inquiry letters, complaint and adjustment letters, proposals, ads), to train in grammar and spelling, problems with Word Order and Coherence. There is a strong need to improve the knowledge of sentence structure, the structure of compounds, conjunctions, linking and introductory words. UNIT IV Speaking Score____________138/250_____________________________________ Part 1: reading aloud ______________45____________________ Part 2: solution _________________60_______________________ Part 3: opinion _____________________60_____________________ The TOEIC Speaking Test measures the ability to use English in your own life and throughout the course of your career, person’s ability to communicate in spoken English in the context of daily life and the global workplace. The test is composed of 3 tasks and takes approximately 20 minutes on each task to complete. The test is designed to provide information about language ability to speakers across a range of language proficiency levels. To this end, the tasks are organized to support the following three claims: 1.The test taker should generate language intelligible to native and proficient nonnative English speakers. 2.The test taker should select an appropriate language tone to carry out routine social and occupational interactions (such as giving and receiving directions, asking for and giving information, asking for and giving clarification, making purchases, and greetings and introductions). 3.The test taker should create connected, sustained discourse appropriate to typical daily life and the workplace. He should try his best to use the full time he is given for each task. Part 1: reading aloud. This part of the test examines pronunciation (articulation of consonants and vowels), intonation, word stress, sentence stress and fluency. The most important point in the speaking section of the TOEIC test is to speak as clearly as possible, to avoid mumbling and local accent, to speak out loud and distinctly. brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 45 points score. Conclusion:The test taker needs to improve his oratory skills considerably especially sound articulation, intonation and fluency. Part 2: solution. In this part of the test the test taker is supposed to demonstrate his problem resolution and trouble shooting skills as well as his diplomatic art coupled with business ethics and flexibility. He is offered to resolve a situation with a family with four children accommodated in one room with only 2 beds on the eve of a marathon of a husband. brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 60 points score. Conclusion:The test taker should learn the basics of problem shooting. While in a difficult situation you should show that: you understand and share the problem you use apologetic tone you choose to be positive you can generate smart ideas you can give clarifications you can select the best out of the worst you are inventive and constructive you are resourceful to find out as much information as you can about situation whether that means talking to someone who has been through it or looking it up in the yellow pages or on the internet to find resources to help you get through the situation. you fight back emotional responses you have a support team you have a sense of humor Part 3: opinion. The examinee was asked to give his opinion on a topic about advantages and disadvantages of living in a warm or hot country. In this part of the test the examinee does NOT have to give a perfect opinion! The most important thing is to show his English ability, to name and to prove his point of view, to demonstrate his ability to be convincing and to provide reasons and examples, to use a variety of grammatical structures. brilliantly/successfully/satisfactory passed with 60 score. Conclusion: the examinee needs to learn the following expression to present his point of view with the following word combinations: I’m inclined to think that… I tend to think that… I rather think as I see it… I think / consider… If you ask me… Personally I… To my mind…In my opinion…I’m absolutely sure/convinced/certain that… I definitely think that… There’s no doubt that… Also he is supposed to use structures there is/are, it is/was, tag-questions. Non-native English-speaking EXAMINEE named______ Pavel Koltsov __________________________________ having passed on___________07.11.2011 – 14.11.2011__________ a standardized test providing accurate and reliable measurement of English proficiency in everyday workplace activities demonstrated the following scoring __________724_(190+200+196+138)_________________ that corresponds to Limited Working Proficiency green (470–725) That means that the employee is suitable for particular tasks based on real-life work settings in an international environment: meetings, travel(conditionally), telephone conversations, business correspondence(conditionally), business trips(conditionally), negotiations and presentations(conditionally), and is fit to work for a large international organization.