Get your free TOEIC 2018 mini-test

Every TOEIC preparation teacher needs sample tests because they are shorter: from 30 to 45 minutes compared to the two-hour full test. The sample tests give a fairly accurate estimation of the expected results on the full test and with different versions available, they can be used to measure progress before, during and after TOEIC training. Besides, it’s easier for you to persuade a reluctant student to at least “try” the test in this shorter format.

Here are three sample tests you can use. The first one is from ETS the official website for the TOEIC. It’s a pdf you can download with an MP3 file on a separate download. The last two are online tests from websites that also offer a TOEIC training course.

[Update Jan 2021] All these links were tested in Jan 2021 but things can change quickly in the online world. I sincerely hope you don’t run into any dead links.

N°1 The official TOEIC sample test from ETS

Here’s the official sample test that I had previously offered as a download. The Listening Section lasts 16 minutes. For the Reading Section, set a timer for 30 minutes.

Advantages: official test, no signup required, a percentage score, test-takers can go back through the test to look over mistakes.

Disadvantages: no auto-corrections just an answer sheet, answers not explained. This sample test takes 46 minutes instead of the two hours for a full practice test. Print this ‘blank answer sheet’ to record the answers, compare them with the sample test answers given, then calculate a percentage score for Listening and Reading.

With a percentage score, you can estimate “roughly” your student’s TOEIC score using the correlation table at the end of this blog post. See “Estimate a TOEIC score from % of correct answers on a sample test” below.

After extensive research online I found 2 free online sample tests you can direct your students to take online that I’m positive are the updated version of the test released in 2018. Your students can report their results back to you and take screenshots of corrections that they don’t fully understand.

N°2 TestDen sample test

Advantages: 3 timed sample tests, percentage score is given

Disadvantages: Signup required, corrections not explained

TestDEN looks like a fun website. Students’ scores are posted on the site and the person with the highest score that month has a chance of winning an iPod. The 50 questions take 30 minutes. With three sample tests available, test takers can keep trying to improve their scores. NB: when students finish the test, go back to the home page, click on “start now” to see results and take the next test.

This website is designed to help students find a job with a good TOEIC target score of 85%. Additional preparation courses are offered for students wishing to do a masters. There is also a “school search” to help students find a university abroad in the US, Canada, or the UK.

With a percentage score, you can calculate their estimated Listening and Reading TOEIC scores using the table I’ve provided at the end of this blog post. See “Estimate a TOEIC score from % correct on a sample test” below.

Here’s the demonstration video for the TestDen.com mini-test that I made for students.

N°3 Practice-the-TOEIC-test sample test

Advantages: Excellent voices for listening, answers explained, tapescripts given, percentage scores given for both the Listening and Reading sections.

Disadvantages: The Listening is not timed. Test takers can stop or stop the audio as they like.

Practice-the-TOEIC-test is a low-pressure website. The sample test is free and then full practice tests are available for $8. The voices are really good, varied accents and proper pace. That’s a good price for an online practice test.

With this percentage score for the number of correct answers in the Listening and in Reading sections, you can estimate your student’s expected score. See “Estimate a TOEIC score from % correct on a sample test” below.

Here’s the demonstration video for the Practice-the-TOEIC-test mini-test that I made for students.

How you can recognize a 2018 version of a TOEIC sample test online

The TOEIC test was last updated in 2018 and the 2007 version looks at first glance to be very similar. It’s not easy to find the latest updated version of sample and practice tests online because it’s so new. You’ll easily find the 2007 version and sometimes even the oldest and completely out-of-date version. These practice tests that you find on YouTube, are copies of copyrighted tests. Don’t be tempted to download these stolen tests. It will make you look unprofessional. See this blog post of mine with recommended Practice test books that you can buy.

So be careful before you or your student wastes time studying old versions. Here are my tips for finding a 2018 version online or in print when you want to buy a book of practice tests.

First: Count the number of photos in Part 1

Second: Part 6 should not be “error recognition” but incomplete texts.

Third: Part 7 reading comprehension has little tables of information to analyze

Here’s the full table of the difference between the three versions. You can download it here. There’s a blog post of mine in more detail called “TOEIC test updated in June: Teachers get Ready”.

Estimate a TOEIC score from a % of correct answers on a sample test

Estimate a TOEIC score from a CEFL level

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has cleared up all doubts about proficiency levels in English. Each level from A1 Basic User up to C2 Independent User has a clear list of CAN/DOs associated with it.

If your students have a CEFR level, you can give your students an idea of their expected TOEIC score with this table. Many universities require a B2 level (or a 785 combined score). Some countries require this level as well when applying for a student VISA. Encourage your students to set 785 as their target score.

Here’s the official correlation table from ETS showing the listening score and the writing score separately with the equivalent CEFR level and its description. Note that for a total score of 785 students need 400 in listening and 385 in reading.

Share your knowledge with colleagues

If you want to become the ‘go-to-guy’ at your language school for TOEIC,  organize a teacher training session about the new updates to the TOEIC and have your colleagues take a sample test online.  Then use my slide deck on LinkedIn Slide Share or show this video during your training session to explain the updates and the seven parts of the test. This blog post has all the details about the updates including links to the slide deck and YouTube video. /toeic-test-changing-in-june-teachers-get-ready/

Interested in TOEIC Grammar Games for your class?

You may also like to read these related TOEIC preparation posts I’ve written which include free TOEIC grammar and vocabulary games ready to print and use.

TOEIC ‘Linking Words’ grammar game:   /teaching-toeic-linking-words-fun-way

TOEIC ‘Phrasal Verbs’ grammar games:   /4-phrasal-verb-games-business-english/

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