About TOEIC Speaking & Writing

TOEIC Speaking & Writing Content and Format

The TOEIC® Speaking and Writing tests assess English language skills used in daily life and in the workplace. Test takers have to respond to real-world questions and scenarios in spoken and written language. This exam uses common everyday vocabulary, phrases and key expressions used in the workplace.

The Speaking and Writing tests can be taken separately in the following formats:

Speaking exam format

• Content: 11 questions
• Time: approximately 20 minutes
• Scoring scale: 0–200

Below is an overview of the TOEIC® Speaking test, which includes 11 questions that measure various aspects of your ability to speak English. For each question, you will be given specific instructions, including the time allowed to prepare and give your answer. The test takes about 20 minutes.

It is in your best interest 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 the instructions.

Questions
1–2 Read a text aloud

• You will read the text on the screen aloud.
• You will have 45 seconds to prepare.
• You will then have 45 seconds to read the text out loud.

3–4 Describe an image

• You will describe the image on your screen in as much detail as you can.
• You will have 45 seconds to prepare your answer.
• You will then have 30 seconds to talk about the image.

5–7 Answer the questions

• You will answer three questions.
• You will have 3 seconds per question to prepare your answer.
• You will have 15 seconds to answer questions 5 and 6.
• You will have 30 seconds to answer question 7.

8–10 Answer the questions using the information provided

• You will answer three questions based on the information provided.
• You will have 45 seconds to read the information before the questions begin.
• You will have 3 seconds per question to prepare your answer.
• You will have 15 seconds to answer questions 8 and 9.
• Question 10 will be asked twice.
• You will have 30 seconds to answer question 10.

11 Express an opinion

• You will give your opinion on a specific topic.
• You will have 45 seconds to prepare your answer.
• You will then have 60 seconds to speak.

Writing test format

• Content: eight questions
• Time: approximately 60 minutes
• Scoring scale: 0–200

Below is an overview of the TOEIC® Writing test, which includes eight questions that measure different aspects of your writing ability and takes approximately one hour. For each type of question, you will be given specific instructions, including the time allowed to write your answer.

Questions
1–5 Write a sentence based on a picture

• You will write 1 sentence based on a picture.
• With each image, you will be given 2 words or phrases to use in your sentence.
• You can change the forms of the words and you can use the words in any order.

6–7 Responding to a written request

• It will show how well you can write a response to an email.
• You will have 10 minutes to read and respond to each email.

8 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 a topic.
• An effective essay will typically contain a minimum of 300 words.

How is the TOEIC Speaking & Writing scored?

TOEIC Score Equivalences