Learning English Economically:
Utilizing online sources in preparation for the TOEIC
中臺科技大學
蔣蕙華、謝梓郁、朱羽萱、范嘉芬、林婉茹、李玟錚、黃思萍
hhchiang@ctust.edu.tw, eg19820318@yahoo.com.tw, anna78819@hotmail.com,
mandy00058@yahoo.com.tw, qtmini724@hotmail.com, hj9920@hotmail.com, anna78819@hotmail.com
Abstract
The purpose of the research was to provide TOEIC learners and applicants
another way to strengthen their English ability without incurring costs, as there are
plenty of resources for learning English on Internet that allow them to prepare for the
TOEIC test when and where they choose. As part of this research, TOEIC preparation
websites were classified according to three main areas: listening, vocabulary and
reading. Next, a SWOT analysis was performed to analyze the selected free websites.
Results were displayed on charts to clearly assist learners to understand the strengths
and weakness as well as opportunities and threats for each of the three areas when
using such websites to prepare for the TOEIC.
Keywords: TOEIC, Learning English, Graduation Benchmark
Introduction
1.1 Background and Motivation
TOEIC is an acronym for the Test of English for International Communication,
which is held by the American Education Service (ETS). The TOEIC test emphasizes
business language for both listening and reading. The contents of the TOEIC test are
geared toward the use of English in the international workplace situation, making it
highly valuable in terms of practical application. Today, the TOEIC has become a
world famous English language test for the workplace. In Taiwan, the TOEIC is
offered by the Language Training and Testing Center, and is used to test examinees on
their ability to use English in the workplace to communicate with others. In recent
years more and more large enterprises consider the TOEIC scores to be important and
are using them as one of the criteria upon which to gauge English proficiency (茅野夕
樹，2001). Thus, high TOEIC scores not only demonstrate English proficiency but can
also assist people in obtaining jobs.
Today we are witnessing an increased frequency and amount of international
exchanges. The use of English in the workplace has become a modern trend (張雅
惠，2008). Moreover, with such a competitive international situation, many
government agencies, multinational corporations and international organizations are
using the TOEIC test to evaluate the English level of staff as a criterion for their
acceptance or as part of their job qualifications (劉毅，2009). In Taiwan, students take
the test to prepare for future employment and office workers prepare for the test not
only to assist them in the workplace but also for the sake of continuing their education.
The Internet provides many opportunities for free, online learning, including the area
of TOEIC preparation.
1.2 Purpose of the Research
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In our globalized world, more and more people are paying attention to
English – an international communication tool. Stated that learners need to
comprehend and associate with information that will help them to become
multilingual. Therefore, obtaining a high TOEIC test score to prove one’s English
ability is very important. There are lots of cram schools that assist learners to prepare
for the TOEIC. However, they are usually costly and are designed for people who
have a great deal of free time. Those needing to work or go to school usually prefer to
prepare for the test on their own.
The purpose of this study is to introduce some free websites that allow learners
to prepare for the TOEIC test more flexibly. However, since hundreds of websites are
available on the Internet, this research is mainly aimed at helping English learners
who need to or are interested in preparing for and taking the TOEIC the exam on
their own.
1.3 Research Questions
Based on the above research purposes, the following research questions have
been formulated.
1. What free websites are available to individuals wanting to prepare for the TOEIC
test?
2. What are the SWOT analysis results for the preparation for the TOEIC through
free websites?
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Chapter 2
Literature Review
2.1 The Importance of the TOEIC test
2.1.1 Graduation Benchmark
English is an international communication tool; therefore, many colleges and
universities in Taiwan have established criteria to meet the current needs of the
workplace, which is called the “graduation benchmark” for students. Some examples
of college graduation benchmarks regarding the TOEIC of are illustrated below.
Colleges
School
TOEIC Benchmark
College of Foreign Languages &
Literature, NCCU
Above 750
Nation Taiwan Normal University,
Department of English
Above 750
National Cheng Kung University,
Department of Foreign Languages
Above 700
National Formosa University,
Department of Applied Foreign
Languages
Above 700
National Kaohsiung First University of
Above 550
Science and Technology
University
Technology
Of
Department of Applied Foreign
Language, Chaoyang University of
Technology
Above 700
South Taiwan University, Department of
Above 730
Applied English
Central Taiwan University of Science
and Technology, Department of Applied Above 550
Foreign Languages
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2.1.2
Job Promotion
Nowadays, with many public and private enterprises growing internationally,
numerous companies are requiring their employers to increase their English
proficiency more than ever (朱華勳，2010). Moreover, many large, domestic
enterprises have adopted TOEIC as their index for raising salaries or promoting their
staff. Such companies include B&Q, LG, China Steel, Hitachi, Taiwan Mobile, China
Trust, Teco, and Sampo, and many others (王彩鸝，2007).
2.1.3 Key to Well-known Companies
Based on the investigation of 104 websites, about 66% of the population has
earned more than one certificate in the area of Computer Applications, Finance, and
Languages. The research showed that currently 90% of people with such certificates
are more likely to get interview opportunities than those that do not. In addition, there
is a correlation between certificates and jobs; about 65% of the enterprises prefer to
hire employees who have a certificate (張中昌，2009).
2.2 About TOEIC
The trend of English as an international language in this modern society has led
the development of TOEIC as a worldwide language proficiency test for non-English
speakers (ETS). Over 4,000 companies worldwide use this test as a benchmark for the
English proficiency of their employees. There is no doubt as to the importance of
TOEIC. To do well on the TOEIC, one should first become familiar with what the
TOEIC is and how to prepare for it.
The new TOEIC test is divided into two parts, which include a listening &
reading and a speaking & writing sections. The test is two and half hours long. The
first 30 minutes is devoted to the filling out of personal information. Next come the
listening and reading tests, which last for 45 and 75 minutes respectively. The degree
above the intermediate level between the GEPT(General English Proficiency Test),
5
below the senior level is divided into five points, which adds up to a total score of 990
points (南台科技大學語言中心,n.d.). The speaking and writing test time is 110
minutes. This is broken down into 30 minutes for the profile, 20 minutes for the
speaking test and 60 minutes for the writing test, with the total score of 400 points (萬
冠/英吉利國際教育機構, n.d.). For this research, we will only discuss the listening
and reading sections.
2.3 TOEIC Preparation
There are many ways to increase listening and reading skills in preparing for the
TOEIC, and among these are self-study books and cram schools for TOEIC
preparation. However, researchers have found that not all learners have enough time
or money to buy books, or to attend cram schools (李盈穎，2010). Thanks to the
abundance of resources available on the Internet, learners can prepare for the TOEIC
for absolutely free. In fact, there are many free websites that can assist with TOEIC
preparation on the Internet, including Yahoo, BBS, Youtube, and personal Blogs.
2.4 Benefits of Learning Online
Learning online can be a very positive and active process (李庭邦，2009). First
of all, learning online allows learners to prepare study at home with time flexibility.
Secondly, a person can adjust the level of difficulty to match one’s own pace.
Moreover, through the use of websites, learners can also integrate the reading of texts
with images and sounds. Finally, learning online can raise learning interest and
promote efficiency (李琮堯，1990).
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Chapter 3
Research Method
3.1 Research Design
In this study, the researchers used a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity,
and Threat) analysis as the research method. SWOT is used widely in management
and market analysis but can also be used by individuals (楊政學，2007). Also, it can
help both decision-makers individuals clarify their strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats (范揚松，2009). Hence, the researchers adopted SWOT
analysis to analyze the content of selected TOEIC preparation websites.
3.2 Subjects
Eight free websites, divided into listening, vocabulary and reading three sections,
have been collected for learners to help them prepare for the TOEIC online. SWOT
analysis is used to analyze these three sections.
3.3 Procedures
The researchers did an extensive search of websites to find those that were
suitable for learners who want to prepare for the TOEIC through self-study as well as
enhance their English ability. After two months of searching through the Internet and
becoming familiar with various sites, the researchers finally selected 8 websites. The
selection criteria were based firstly, on whether the information provided on the
websites was relevant to the requirements for the reading, listening, and vocabulary
sections of TOEIC, and secondly according to their level of convenience.
3.4 Data Analysis
After the 8 websites were determined, researchers classified these sites into the
categories of listening, reading, and vocabulary. Each site was then introduced.
Finally, a SWOT analysis was used to investigate these three sections.
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Chapter 4
Research Results
Research Question 1: What free websites are available to individuals wanting to
prepare for the TOEIC test?
Eight selected free websites were divided into three parts listed as below.
4.1 Listening
4.1.1 http://edition.cnn.com/BUSINESS/
CNN provides the international news for all countries on its website. Not only
can people stay informed of the major events around the world, but they can also
improve their listening skills.
8
4.1.2 http://alt-usage-english.org/audio_archive.shtml
This site contains English from different countries and is therefore a good place to get
familiar with various English accents.
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4.1.3 http://www.english-listening-world.com/toeic-shadowing.html
The Listening Section-TOEIC has many articles, which are categorized. Learners
can follow their own learning needs when selecting its contents.
4.1.4 http://www.examenglish.com/TOEIC/TOEIC_listening_part1.htm
This site provides a number of TOEIC simulated exams to enable learners to get
familiar with TOEIC and its testing style.
4.2 TOEIC Vocabulary
4.2.1 http://www.english-test.net/vocabulary/toeic_vocabulary_words_ab-ag.html
After entering the website, you will see a column for TOEIC vocabulary and
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vocabulary quizzes. TOEIC vocabulary includes all of the important words that you
need to learn. After studying the vocabulary, you can participate in practice
vocabulary quizzes.
4.2.2 http://toeic.youpla.be/words
At this website, learners can see TOEIC vocabulary, which is organized from A
to Z.
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4.2.3 http://edufire.com/games/flashcards/1787-toeic-flashcards-toeic-vocabulary/play
This page allows learners to test their TOEIC vocabulary on line.
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4.3 TOEIC Reading
4.3.1 http://www.rawbusiness.com/business-articles/index.php?page=2
This page provides lots of commercial information for TOECI applicants to read.
4.3.2 http://www.time.com/time//
TIME is a famous magazine. In addition to world news, TIME contains articles
regarding many aspects of society. Therefore, there is a great deal of commercial news
related to TOEIC reading.
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4.3.3
http://www.ehow.com/info_7849623_employer-guidelines-terminate-employee.html
Here one can find numerous articles related to business as well as to TOEIC
reading.
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4.3.4 http://www.reading.gov.uk/business/
You can read lots of businesses articles here. There is a “Spoken Version” option
tab for every article, which allows learners listen while they read.
Learners can take advantage of these 8 free websites to obtain the needed
knowledge when preparing for the TOEIC. SWOT analysis is next used to analyze
selected websites concerning their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
from the point of view of a learner.
Research Question 2: What are the SWOT analysis results for the preparation for the
TOEIC through free websites?
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4.4 SWOT Analysis for Listening Resources
Strength
Weakness
1. Well categorized
1. Contents are somewhat disorganized.
2. Includes videos
2. Transcripts of news videos are not
3. Can expose listeners to accents from
the United States, Canada, England
provided.
3. The web site is not updated
and Australia
frequently enough.
4. Key words are listed
4. Contents are insufficient.
5. Articles are classified according to
5. Not all kinds of test questions are
levels, from easy to advanced.
provided.
6. Both exercises and quizzes are
provided.
7. Questions are simulated for the
TOEIC Listening.
Opportunity
Threat
1.
1. The use of audio clips without
2.
Free for learners to practice
anywhere and anytime they wish.
transcripts poses a challenge for
Simulated TOEIC exams are
students to understand difficult
provided for learners to practice the
words.
TOEIC.
3.
2. Learners are not allowed to vary the
Learners can get familiar with the
speed in accordance with their
accents of the United States,
language proficiency levels.
Canada, England and Australian
3. Infrequent updates hinder learners’
with ease.
from obtaining the latest information.
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4.5 SWOT Analysis for Vocabulary Resources
Strength
Weakness
1. Listed vocabulary consists of words
1. The format used to display words is
frequently appearing on the TOEIC.
2. Mini quizzes are available for
learners to practice.
3. Listed words contain the parts of
speech and definitions.
somewhat untidy.
2. Some words are too easy.
3. Not all of the meanings for some
words are included.
4. Words are not listed in alphabetical
4. Words repetition rate is very high.
order.
Opportunity
Threat
1. Learners would be able to increase
1. Learners may have to look up some
their knowledge of vocabulary that is
difficult words, which may lower
related to TOEIC.
their confidence when studying
2. The inclusion of parts of speech and
English.
vocabulary definitions allows learners 2. The definitions of vocabulary
to obtain a deeper understanding of
contain advanced words, which may
the words.
also frustrate learners.
3. The number of words is too high,
which may cause learners to feel that
it is too difficult when they first see
the list.
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4.6 SWOT Analysis for Reading Resources
Strength
Weakness
1. Articles with vivid pictures create
1. Website format is somewhat
interest in learners.
complex.
2. Learners can prepare for the TOEIC 2. Provided articles are short passages,
while reading the world news.
and long articles are lacking.
3. Contains lots of business articles,
which allows learners to broaden their
reading skills related to TOEIC.
Opportunity
Threat
1. Learners can enhance reading speed
1. Provided articles are not organized
by reading these free resources.
according to difficulty level, so
2. Multi-dimensional articles may
learners may find it challenging to
stimulate learners’ interest in TOEIC
preparation.
know where to start.
2. Learners may not comprehend the
3. Materials contain audio and video
meaning of the passages without
multimedia, which makes test
getting an explanation or asking
preparation enjoyable.
others.
3. Articles are available but lack the
accompanying comprehension
questions to assist learners in build
up their reading skills.
The researchers hope that through this SWOT analysis, learners can clearly see
the pros and cons of web-learning in preparing for the TOEIC listening, vocabulary
and reading portions.
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Chapter 5
Conclusion and Suggestions
The purpose of this research was to investigate what free internet resources are
available and the benefits these free websites could have for learners to prepare for the
TOEIC. Eight free websites were recommended and categorized into three areas:
Listening, Vocabulary, and Reading. In addition, SWOT analysis was used to analyze
each section’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats to
learners while adopting them as self-study tools for preparing the TOEIC test.
In the process of data collection, only 8 websites were selected and grouped into
the areas of listening, vocabulary and reading due to time restraints. Future
researchers may want to broaden the search fields (such as speaking and writing) to
include more useful websites for learners preparing for the TOEIC. In addition, as the
selected websites were only analyzed through the use of SWOT, the research may
contain some bias and therefore, additional research methods are strongly
recommended.
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