Here are some great tips that will help you perform your best on the TOEIC Listening & Reading Test.

1. Listen to English-language news and podcasts in a variety of native accents.  Regularly listening to native speakers will condition your brain to understand English more clearly. The listening section of the TOEIC test includes US, Canadian, British, and Australian speakers, so be sure to expose yourself to different accents! NPR and BBC Radio have a wide variety of broadcasts – especially relevant topics include business, health care, or travel.
2. Change your default language to English wherever possible. Sometimes TOEIC’s reading texts are instructions on how to use machines and office equipment. By changing the language settings on your cell phone or computer into English, you will be exposed to vocabulary that could be on this part of the exam.
3. Participate in a conversation exchange. One of the best ways to improve your listening skills is to converse with native speakers. A conversation exchange partner – someone who wants to learn your language who will teach you English in exchange – is also a great resource for learning idioms and new vocabulary. Plus, it’s free!
4. Improve your short term memory. It is common for test takers to face difficulties with concentration and memory on the listening section of the exam. Try an online brain training program – Lumosity is a popular option – or do Sudoku puzzles.
5. Watch TV shows or movies. Watching films and television shows is a great way to become familiar with conversational English and get used to the speed of native speakers. The English used in the TOEIC test reflects everyday usage as encountered in offices, shops, and on the street, so pick a movie or TV show set in a real-world situation. Popularly recommended TV shows and movies for learning English include Seinfeld and The Social Network.
6. Budget your time effectively. Time management is one of the most challenging factors for many TOEIC test takers. Be aware of how much time you should spend on each question and practice skimming (quick reading to get a general idea) and scanning (quick reading to pick out specific details).
7. Set a vocabulary goal. Increasing your vocabulary will help you improve your score on the reading portion of the exam. For example, learning 5 new words each day will result in knowing over 1,800 new words in English in just a year!
8. Take an online prep course. Practice questions and tests will help you strengthen the skills that are tested on the TOEIC Listening and Reading test. Plus, diagnostic feedback will help you learn which areas you need to work on. The TOEIC® Official Learning and Preparation Course is a good option – and it’s the only course created by the maker of the TOEIC tests.
9. Don’t cram! Trying to learn everything that you need to know the day before the exam doesn’t work – plus it is stressful! A better way to approach the TOEIC is to make a solid study plan and review in the week leading up to the test. Also, make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before.
10. Make sure you understand the format of the test. A sample test for TOEIC Listening & Reading is available free online.

Listening and reading comprehension are skills that take time to develop. The only way to improve is with lots of exposure. Keep practicing and good luck with your studying!