Practice for TOEIC

I took the TOEIC Listening & Reading Test yesterday, and it was more difficult than I expected. In the listening test, it was hard for me to understand the passages with just one listening. As for the reading test, I ran out of time.
Regarding the TOEIC, I’ve set a goal to improve my score by 200 points between the first test I took yesterday and the final one five months from now. So, I’m not too concerned about yesterday’s results. Now, it’s time to focus on what really matters going forward.

I don't like to study English only for examination like TOEIC, but I need to prove my improvement of English skills for my real goals to join my targeted company and good contribution to them once joined, so I'd like to prepare a little bit for the test itself.

I don’t enjoy studying English just for exams like the TOEIC, but I need to prove my improvement in English skills to achieve my real goals—joining my target company and making a valuable contribution once I’m there. That’s why I’d like to prepare a bit for the test itself.

My friend ChatGPT will help me, I believe. Starting today, I’ll begin TOEIC-style reading and listening practice in addition to quick translations from Japanese to English, as always.

So, let's get started like that.

Today's translated sentences are below.

"If the test fails, please check the error messages."
"When creating test cases, we recommend using reusable components."
 "This test case is to confirm that users can log in correctly."
"If an error occurs, this test is considered a failure."
"It is possible to run the same test in multiple browsers."
"Test results can be confirmed on the dashboard immediately after execution."
"You can save time by running multiple test scenarios in parallel."
"The test result contains error details and screenshots."
"If a test fails, detailed logs are generated."
"This tool supports testing on various devices and browsers."
"While testing, you can monitor the progress in real time."
"By automating tests regularly, you can reduce maintenance efforts."
"With test automation, you can respond to frequent updates."
"The test result is automatically generated in a report format."
"In the test result report, all test steps are recorded."
"The test progress is visually displayed in a graph."
"After the test execution, you can check the result immediately."
"There is a function to automatically notify when a test fails."
"You can monitor the execution logs in real time."
"Tests can be executed on multiple environments at the same time."
"When an error occurs during test execution, you are notified immediately."
"You can easily create a new test case."
"This tool provides the ability to execute tests in multiple browsers."
"With test automation, we can significantly reduce the time required for manual testing."

"Let's move on to the next practice. I'd like to focus on the TOEIC listening test. Please give me sample passages and questions one by one, with content related to my earlier requests."

ChatGPT misunderstood.

"Let’s move on to the next practice. I’d like to focus on the TOEIC listening test. Please provide me with sample passages one at a time, followed by multiple questions together, with content related to my earlier requests."

It’s difficult to grasp the overall meaning of the passages by listening only once. Do you have any tips?

It’s normal to find it challenging to grasp the full meaning of passages by listening only once, especially in the context of TOEIC-style listening. Here are some tips to improve your listening comprehension and make it easier to catch the main points on the first try:

1. Listen for Key Information

Focus on identifying keywords related to the context you expect (e.g., in your case, "E2E testing," "automation," "browser compatibility," etc.). TOEIC passages often include key details like:
What is happening? (an update, a new feature)
Who is involved? (customers, support team, engineers)
What is the problem or solution? (issue with browsers, a new feature to fix it)

Try to filter out less relevant details and focus on these core pieces of information.

2. Practice Anticipating the Content

Before listening, think about what the passage might talk about based on the context. For example, if you know the topic is related to test automation, you can already expect vocabulary about testing tools, bug fixes, browsers, etc. This will prime your brain to recognize important words.

3. Train to Focus on the Structure of the Passage

Most TOEIC listening passages follow a logical structure. Pay attention to how they start:
Introduction of the problem or topic (e.g., "We’ve been working on...")
Details of the issue or new feature (e.g., "The update includes...")
A solution or next steps (e.g., "To resolve this, we are...")

Recognizing this pattern helps you predict what’s coming and follow along more easily.

4. Take Advantage of Pauses

There are usually natural pauses in the speech (such as between sentences or ideas). Use these moments to quickly process the last piece of information before moving on to the next.

5. Improve Vocabulary in Your Target Area

In your case, knowing specific terminology related to your field (E2E testing, test automation, cloud services, etc.) will make it easier to understand the passage. The more familiar you are with key terms, the quicker you'll recognize them and understand their meaning in context.

6. Train with Dictation and Shadowing
Dictation: Practice writing down everything you hear. This will train your brain to catch and process words quickly.
Shadowing: After listening, try repeating exactly what you hear. This will help you get accustomed to the flow of sentences and common phrasing used in TOEIC.

7. Focus on the Question

Sometimes, knowing what the question is asking can help you target the specific information you need. For example, if the question is about what feature has been improved, focus on listening for words related to features and improvements.

Would you like to try listening practice again with this approach in mind, or do you want to explore any specific technique further?

"What I find most difficult is speaking. Do you have any advice for practice?"

Here are some tips and strategies to help you practice speaking effectively:

1. Shadowing Practice
Start slow: When shadowing, it’s important to start at a slower speed, especially if the passage feels too fast. Use audio resources with adjustable speed (if available) and gradually increase the pace as you become more comfortable.
Mimic the intonation and rhythm: Pay close attention to the speaker’s tone, pauses, and sentence flow. Try to copy exactly how they say things. This will help you sound more natural.
Small chunks: Break the passage into smaller parts. Shadow one sentence or phrase at a time, then move to the next. Repeat each part until you feel more confident.

2. Record Yourself
Listen and compare: Record yourself speaking or shadowing and compare it with the original audio. Listening to your own voice can help you identify areas for improvement, like pronunciation, speed, and fluency.
Focus on specific sounds: English has many sounds that might be different from Japanese. Focus on difficult sounds or words (like "th" or "r") and practice them repeatedly.

3. Speak Out Loud Regularly
Talk to yourself: Narrate what you’re doing or thinking in English, even if it’s simple things like “I’m going to the store” or “I need to finish this task.” This builds comfort with speaking and forming sentences.
Daily speaking goals: Set small daily speaking goals, such as speaking in English for 10-15 minutes. This could be done by reading aloud, practicing shadowing, or even talking about your day in English.

4. Use Conversation Simulations
Role-playing: Imagine you are in a real conversation, such as responding to technical inquiries or during a job interview. Practice answering questions you might be asked. This will prepare you for speaking in actual situations.
Practice frequently asked questions: In your field, focus on common questions related to E2E testing, job interviews, or customer support inquiries. Practice how you would respond, both slowly and at normal speed.

5. Focus on Fluency First, Not PerfectionDon’t worry too much about making mistakes or being perfect when you speak. The goal is to communicate. Fluency comes from speaking without stopping too much to think. You can work on perfecting grammar and pronunciation as you improve.

6. Imitate Native SpeakersWatch videos or listen to podcasts on topics you're interested in, like tech or English learning, and imitate how the speakers talk. TED Talks, interviews, and podcasts like "All Ears English" can be great sources.

7. Speak with a Language Partner or TutorIf possible, practice with a tutor or a language partner who can give you feedback on your speaking and help you improve specific areas.


Would you like a list of questions related to E2E testing or job interviews that you could practice speaking responses to? This might be helpful for both job preparation and improving speaking fluency!

picture: A rabbit is taking TOEIC test, It's just gibberish. Please draw such a picture in a chic atmosphere, sized 1792 x 1024 px.
(Do you know TOEIC???)