TOEIC Part 3 and Part 4 tips
Part 3 (39 questions) and Part 4 (30 questions) give you three questions per audio. Read the three questions before the audio starts, listen for answers in the same order as the questions, and choose answers that paraphrase what you heard instead of repeating the exact words.
Preview the questions
While the directions or previous audio end, read the next three questions and underline the key words: who, problem, next step, suggestion. You then know exactly what to listen for.
Answers usually come in order
Question 1 is usually answered early, question 3 near the end. The last question is often about what will happen next or what someone will do.
Question types in the new format
- Three-speaker conversations: track who says what.
- Graphic questions: look at the chart, schedule or map before listening.
- Implied meaning: 'What does the woman mean when she says…?' Think about the purpose in context.
Watch for paraphrasing
The audio says 'the printer is out of order', the answer says 'a machine is broken'. Correct options usually use synonyms, while wrong options often repeat exact words from the audio.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in TOEIC Part 3 and Part 4?
Part 3 has 39 questions (13 conversations) and Part 4 has 30 questions (10 talks).
Should I read the answer options before listening?
Read the questions first. Read the options too if you have time, especially for graphic questions.
How do I improve at TOEIC Part 3 and 4?
Practice with transcripts: answer, check the transcript, listen again, then shadow the audio to train your ear to natural speed.
