6 Tips to help you in the Listening Part 1

Are you preparing to take the TOEIC test soon but don’t know where to start? Let me share my experience and simple techniques. Like you, I have been in the situation of having to prepare for the test. I’ve taken the test several times and finally have achieved the score I needed.  First of all, don’t think that the test is too hard to deal with. Nothing is too difficult if you tell yourself you can do it. Be confident! If millions of people around the globe can do it, you can too!

To make it easy for you to follow, I’ll go through each part of the test, starting from Listening Part 1 - Photograph.

In this part, you will see 10 photographs in this part and 4 possible statements spoken for each. Only one statement is correct. For example, you will see this photo:

You will hear the following 4 statements:

(A) They are running with the horses.

(B) They are chasing the horses.

(C) They are next to the horses.

(D) They are riding the horses.

The correct statement is (D) “They are riding the horses.”

When you first look at it, it looks straightforward as you are given clear photos and simple statements. However, it is not all that simple. What you need to know is that there are some traps you have to be aware of. Here are 6 tips to help you avoid being tricked and succeed in doing this part:

1. Preview the pictures

When you enter the test room, sit down and are allowed to open the test book, the audio does not start playing the statements for Picture 1 right away. The proctors will have the audio played for almost one minute for sound checking, and that’s your chance to flip through the first 10 pages in your test book to see the 10 pictures. Use this time to scan for details (who, what, where, etc.)! It may sound like simple advice, but it can make a difference as you will be able to anticipate what is coming.

2. Think of the words that represent what you see in each picture.

 Do it as fast you can. 3-4 words for each will do. You should think of:

- nouns (people, man, woman, children, dogs, motorcycles)

- pronouns (he, she, they)

- verbs (riding, eating, talking, smiling)

- prepositions (on, opposite, under)

3. Take notes or remember those words!

If you want, you can write these words down beside the pictures (personally, I think it’s easier just to keep them in mind).

4. Listen, scan and match

When the audio starts with Picture 1, turn to the first page. Listen carefully, scan the picture again, and match the words you have thought of with the statements you are listening to.

5. Remember that the correct statement must describe only what is in the picture!

Any statements consisting of anything or anyone that is not in the context of the picture are incorrect.

6. Don’t be tricked

Beware of common traps as similar or identical sounding words (e.g. horse – course, share – chair). Try to practice to distinguish pairs of these words. I recommend that you use an online dictionary where the pronunciation of a word is available for you to click and hear. List pairs of words which are similar or identical in sounds and check with the dictionary. Regular practice will help you improve your skill. Trust me, it will make a big difference!

I hope you get some useful techniques here. Make sure to read my tips about Listening Part 2. Stay tuned for what’s coming up next!