TOEIC® Scores and English Communication
For many Japanese people, the TOEIC® test is an important tool for improving English conversation skills for overseas travel and business. However, having a high TOEIC® score doesn’t necessarily mean conversations will go smoothly.
English Skills for Business Purposes
What’s needed in business isn’t just knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, but how to convey your message and how to use language in actual conversations. As Hika says, even with a score of 860 points, business conversations might not go smoothly, while someone with 600 points might be able to communicate properly in business settings.
| TOEIC® Score | Business Communication Ability |
|---|---|
| 600 | Easy chatting |
| 860 | Might have some difficulties depending on the situation |
| 900 | Generally OK but might not be perfect |
To improve everyday conversation skills and business conversation abilities, it’s recommended to use daily English conversation practice or English conversation schools, not just focus on improving your TOEIC® score.
The Role of the TOEIC® Test
The TOEIC® test is said to check basic English skills rather than practical conversation abilities. If you particularly want to improve your conversation skills, it’s more important to acquire practical skills than to obsess over scores.
The TOEIC® test was created to measure everyday English ability in international business settings (according to ETS). Therefore, to enhance English conversation skills, you need to practice actually speaking, like through online English conversation courses, not just rely on TOEIC®.
What the TOEIC® test teaches you is an assessment of your understanding of basic vocabulary and grammar. It’s important to solidify the basics while aiming for high scores, then aim to improve your actual conversation skills in the next step. For beginners, practicing basic English conversation is also recommended.
The key to developing useful English conversation skills is to acquire skills tailored to actual usage situations, not just focus on scores.
EIKEN Test Overview
The EIKEN test is a popular English proficiency test in Japan. It’s relied upon as much as TOEIC for business and travel. Here, we’ll talk about the content of EIKEN and its speaking section.
EIKEN Test Content
EIKEN covers various themes. For example, social issues, animal rights, or considering the impact of technology. You need to express your own thoughts on these topics, like “Do you agree?” or “Do you disagree?” (AGreatDream).
| Test Level | Sections | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Tests advanced English skills |
| Pre-1 | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Requires English skills usable in daily life and business |
| Level 2 | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Looks at English skills needed for school and work |
| Pre-2 | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Checks basic conversation skills |
EIKEN Test Speaking Section
The speaking part of EIKEN checks your speaking ability. It’s like “Let’s hear your opinion on virtual scenarios, environmental problems, or government policies” (AGreatDream).
| Skill | Content |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Clear and natural pronunciation is required |
| Fluency | Whether you can speak smoothly |
| Vocabulary | You need to use quite a rich vocabulary |
| Grammar | Whether you can speak with correct grammar |
| Consistency | Whether your talk is properly organized |
For speaking preparation, daily English conversation or English conversation schools are good options. Online English conversation is also convenient, and starting with materials for beginners helps build a solid foundation.
EIKEN Test Problem Format
Pronunciation Points to Note
The speaking part of the EIKEN test focuses on how naturally you can produce the sounds of words. Try to be conscious of the following when practicing:
- “TH” Sound: This sound doesn’t exist in Japanese, so it’s a bit tricky. When saying “think” or “this,” try slightly inserting your tongue between your front teeth.
- Emphasized Syllables: In English words, certain syllables are emphasized. For “opportunities,” try saying “o-PPOR-tu-ni-ties” with the second syllable slightly stronger.
- Vowel Pronunciation: English “a” and “i” sounds are a bit different from Japanese sounds. It’s important to practice pronouncing “apple” and “interesting” correctly.
Here’s how it looks when summarized nicely:
| Pronunciation Point | Examples | Practice Method |
|---|---|---|
| “TH” Sound | think, this | Check tongue movement with a mirror |
| Emphasized Syllables | opportunities | Practice one syllable at a time |
| Vowel Pronunciation | apple, interesting | Practice using pronunciation guides |
For more details, check out daily English conversation resources.
Problems Testing EIKEN Skills
EIKEN exam questions vary, and understanding them will give you peace of mind. Prepare with attention to the following formats:
- Story Creation: Create a story from pictures. Try to explain carefully using connectors like “first,” “next,” etc.
- Examples: “First of all” (まずはじめに), “Next” (つぎに), “Finally” (さいごに)
- Questions on Social Issues: These might seem difficult, but it’s important to be able to clearly state your opinion. Be prepared for questions like “Are standardized tests necessary?” or “What about animal rights?”
- Hypothetical Scenarios: You’ll get “What if?” type questions. Get in the habit of thinking logically for these situations.
- Examples: What do you think about government approaches? What’s good for the environment?
These techniques can be honed especially through beginner English conversation or online English conversation. Also try referring to the EIKEN official site and resources.
Becoming familiar with EIKEN question formats will help you stay calm during the actual test. Practice at your own pace.
