How to Study for the TOEIC Writing Test

The Test of English for International Communication, or TOEIC, assesses your ability to read, speak and write in English. Some businesses use TOEIC test results to make hiring decisions -- they want workers who can effectively interact with English-speaking clients, colleagues and customers. A high TOEIC score makes you an attractive candidate for jobs and may help you advance within a company. On the writing portion of the TOEIC, you will need to write descriptions of pictures, express your opinion with an essay and answer emails in English.

Writing Practice Test

Step 1

Ask an English-speaking study partner to choose a picture for you. Below the picture, have your partner write down two words related to the picture. In English, write a sentence describing the picture that includes both words given by your partner. For example, for a picture of a man walking a dog, your partner might give you the words "dog" and "street." You could write a sentence such as "The man and the dog are crossing the street." The TOEIC contains five similar exercises.

Step 2

Have your study partner send you an email in English that requires a response. Read the email carefully, and then write a reply in English. If your partner asks questions, answer each one as best as you can. For example, your partner might email you to ask questions about a class assignment or work project. On the TOEIC, you'll have two similar exercises, and 10 minutes to answer each. You will be graded on vocabulary, email organization and the variety of your sentences.

Step 3

Ask your partner to give you a writing prompt, or choose a topic of your own. Respond to the prompt with an English essay of at least 300 words. Provide specific details and reasons to back up your opinion. For example, you might be asked to describe your favorite vacation spot or give your opinion about a news story. You have 30 minutes to complete the essay on the TOEIC. Your score is based on organization, grammar, coherence and how well you develop your ideas.

Writing Study Tips

Step 1

Select a picture at random from a magazine, book or Web page. In English, write one sentence that describes what is happening in the picture. Have an English-speaking study partner check your work to ensure that spelling and grammar are correct.

Step 2

Read English-language text from books, magazines and online articles. Seeing English words in print can help expand your vocabulary, which may improve your writing.

Step 3

Learn how to format an essay properly. An essay should always include an opening paragraph to introduce the topic to readers. Next, write two or three body paragraphs. Use one paragraph for each point, reason or explanation in your essay. Finish with a concluding paragraph that wraps up the essay. This paragraph should connect the body of the essay to the opening paragraph.

Step 4

Write a list of questions and answers for a mock job interview in English. Alternatively, have your study partner write the questions, and then write your answers in English. For example, a partner might ask you about your job experience or skills. This exercise helps you prepare to answer questions in English.

Step 5

Write a few English sentences that compare and contrast two things. For example, if the subject is lions and tigers, you might write that both are large cats, and then write that tigers have stripes and lions don't. This practice exercise will help you learn how to formulate ideas, which you'll find useful on essay questions.

Step 6

Communicate with other people in an online English-speaking chat room. Look for a chat room that focuses on a specific topic. In chat rooms, the discussion happens in real time, so you'll learn how to read and type in English quickly.

Items you will need

  • Magazines or books
  • Paper
  • Pen or pencil

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