TOEIC Part 2 tips: question–response
TOEIC Part 2 has 25 questions with three spoken responses. Focus on the first words of the question (Who, When, Where, Why, How, yes/no) to know what kind of answer to expect, and remember that the correct answer is often indirect, such as 'Let me check' or 'It has been postponed'.
Listen for the question word
- When → a time or 'not until…'.
- Where → a place or a person who knows.
- Why → a reason, often with 'because' or 'to…'.
- Yes/no questions → the answer may not contain yes or no at all.
Indirect answers are often correct
In real conversations people do not always answer directly. 'When is the meeting?' can be answered with 'Didn't you get the email?' or 'It was cancelled.' These natural responses are often the correct option in the new TOEIC format.
Traps to avoid
- An option that repeats a word from the question is often wrong.
- Sound-alike words: 'copy' / 'coffee', 'contact' / 'contract'.
- A wrong tense or wrong person (he vs you).
How to practice
Practice in short sets of 10–25 questions. After each set, read the transcript, listen again, and note which question type you missed most.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in TOEIC Part 2?
Part 2 has 25 questions, each with a spoken question and three spoken responses (A–C).
Why is TOEIC Part 2 difficult?
Nothing is printed, the answers are short, and the correct answer is often indirect, so you must understand the intent, not just the words.
What if I miss the start of a Part 2 question?
Choose an answer quickly and get ready for the next item. Never let one question make you miss the next.
