Preparing for the TOEIC Exam: My Journey and Insights - "Reading"

Preface

I won't use a title like "Effective Strategies for Improving English Language Skills in TOEIC Exam Preparation." I may not be a professional, but I do have some experiences with the exam. I hope my insights can be helpful for all of you in your TOEIC preparation and lead to achieving high scores.

Beginning of the Journey

Initially, in March 2023, I attempted an online mock test without any prior preparation. I scored approximately 650, with 300 in the listening section and 350 in the reading section. Subsequently, I attempted numerous mock tests in an attempt to improve my English Skills within a short timeframe, but saw no progress. 

Eventually, I realized that I needed to put in serious effort if I wanted to enhance my English proficiency. So, I started memorizing English vocabulary specifically for the TOEIC examination.

Ebbinghaus's Forgetting Curve

I began utilizing the scientific method to plan my learning schedule, referencing Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve. The core idea behind Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve is that memories tend to fade over time. This means I needed to review my progress regularly as my memories started to weaken. 

Ebbinghaus proposed that through continuous repetition and practice, we can recall more details of what we've learned. Therefore, based on Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve, I designed a two-month plan to memorize the vocabulary that frequently appeared on TOEIC tests. This method proved effective after two months of preparation. I could comprehend almost ninety-five percent of the vocabulary presented in the TOEIC reading test.

The diagram below represents the Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve.

(Image source: https://www.mindtools.com/a9wjrjw/ebbinghauss-forgetting-curve )

(Commentary: There are distinct patterns for original learning, first review, second review, and third review. The more someone reviews the content, the more information they retain. )

Grammar

Apart from mastering sentence structures like adjective clauses and noun clauses, it's essential to understand the grammar rules related to present tense, past tense, and future tense, including hypothetical moods. Subsequently, you should familiarize yourself with common question types and argumentative approaches in the TOEIC exam. This way, you won't waste too much time trying to understand the questions during the test. Once you are familiar with all these grammar rules, use the principle of the forgetting curve to plan your revision schedule. Finally, after mastering common vocabulary and grammar, you can start practicing repeatedly.

Practicing a set of question banks at a specific time every day is an effective method. Continuous practice through simulated exams can enhance your sense of presence during the actual test. Reviewing and correcting wrong answers repeatedly is crucial. Understanding why you make mistakes, marking the incorrect parts, comprehending them, and then reinforcing related knowledge are the keys to improving your answering abilities.

Conclusion: Brain Familiarity

The brain tends to prefer familiar things over unfamiliar ones. So, when learning something new, it might be challenging initially. You have to allow your brain to accept and absorb the new information. As your brain becomes more familiar with what you are learning, or as it gets accustomed to you constantly 'learning new things,' tasks become much easier once the brain is familiar with the new information.