Ultimate Strategies for TOEIC Listening Part 1: How to Achieve Perfect 6/6 Scores

TOEIC Listening Part 1 - Photographs Description is the first and easiest section of the TOEIC Listening test. While this section is considered one of the most straightforward parts to score well on, not everyone knows how to practice effectively and maximize their potential here. In this article, PREP will share powerful strategies to master TOEIC Listening Part 1 at home!

I. Overview of TOEIC Listening Part 1

1. Overview of TOEIC Listening Part 1

TOEIC Listening Part 1 is the first section of the TOEIC test, focused on evaluating your ability to understand descriptions of pictures that depict everyday situations or activities. This part includes short descriptions accompanying illustrative images.

• Number of questions: 6 questions

• Question type: Test-takers listen to a short description and select the answer that best matches the image

• Time allocation: Approximately 5 minutes for the entire Part 1

Common question formats in TOEIC Listening Part 1:

• Action descriptions: Focus on action verbs (e.g., "He is writing a letter.")

• State descriptions: Emphasize conditions or situations in the image (e.g., "The chair is placed next to the table.")

2. Differences Between Paper-Based and Online Tests in TOEIC Part 1

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper-Based and Online TOEIC Part 1

II. TOEIC Listening Part 1 - Object Description Questions

The object description questions in TOEIC Listening Part 1 typically focus on the state, position, and arrangement of objects in the picture. To excel in this type, you need to understand the sentence structures and vocabulary commonly used to describe these situations.

1.  Sentence Structures Describing Object States

1.1. Objects in Fixed Positions

Structure:

The object + is + preposition + place/position.

Examples:

• The chair is next to the table.

• The books are on the shelf.

Common prepositions:

• On: The phone is on the desk.

• Under: The bag is under the chair.

• In: The files are in the drawer.

• Next to: The vase is next to the lamp.

• Between: The table is between the chairs.

• Above: The clock is above the door.

1.2. Partially Hidden or Unclear Objects

Structure:

• The object is partially/completely hidden by something.

Examples:

• The table is partially hidden by the chair.

• The box is completely covered with papers.

2. Structures Describing Object Arrangements

2.1. Objects Placed Somewhere

Structure:

The object + is placed/arranged + preposition + place.

Examples:

• The books are placed neatly on the table.

• Chairs are arranged around the table.

2.2. Scattered Objects

Structure:

The object(s) + are scattered/spread out + preposition + place.

Examples:

• Papers are scattered on the desk.

• Toys are spread out across the floor.

2.3. Stacked Objects

Structure:

The objects + are stacked/piled up + preposition + place.

Examples:

• Books are stacked on the floor.

• Boxes are piled up next to the wall.

3. Structures Describing Objects in Use

Structure:

The object + is being used by someone

Hoặc

The object is being cleaned/repaired/moved.

Examples:

• A computer is being used by a person.

• The table is being cleaned by a woman.

4. Structures Describing Object Conditions

Structure:

The object] looks adjective.

Hoặc

The object is in a condition.

Examples:

• The table looks clean.

• The chair is in a broken state.

III. TOEIC Listening Part 1 - People Description Questions

People's description questions in TOEIC Listening Part 1 focus on actions, states, or positions of one or more people in the image. To excel in this section, you need to master structures for describing actions, states, and details related to people.

1. Sentence Structures Describing Object States

1.1. Present continuous tense

Structure:

S + is/are + V-ing + (object).

Examples:

• The table is partially hidden by the chair.

• The box is completely covered with papers.

1.2. Actions with Objects

Structure:

S + is/are + V-ing + (object) + preposition + place.

Examples:

• A man is picking up a book from the shelf.

• A woman is writing notes on a piece of paper.

2. Structures Describing People's States

2.1. Static States

Structure:

S + is/are + preposition phrase.

Examples:

• The man is standing next to the table.

• The woman is leaning against the wall.

2.2. Posture or Unchanging Actions

Structure:

S + is/are in a posture/condition.

Examples:

• The man is in a relaxed posture.

• The workers are in uniform.

3. Structures Describing People's Positions

3.1. Positions Related to Objects

Structure:

S + is/are + preposition + object.

Examples:

• The man is next to the table.

• The woman is in front of the whiteboard.

Common prepositions:

• Next to: The woman is next to the chair.

• Behind: A man is behind the counter.

• In front of: A teacher is in front of the students.

3.2. Positions Related to Space

Structure:

S + is/are + prepositional phrase indicating space.

Examples:

• The people are sitting around the table.

• The children are playing in the park.

4. Structures Describing Interactions Between Multiple People

4.1. Group Actions

Structure:

S + is/are + V-ing + with other people.

Examples:

• Two men are shaking hands.

• A group of people is having a conversation.

4.2. Group Activities

Structure:

S + is/are + V-ing + as a group.

Examples:

• The team is working together on a project.

• The audience is clapping their hands.

IV. Effective Tips for TOEIC Listening Part 1

1. Effective Strategies for Paper-Based TOEIC

TOEIC Part 1 (Listening) requires you to listen to short descriptions and select answers that match the images. When choosing the paper-based test, home practice should focus on image observation skills, accurate listening, and quick answer processing. Here's a detailed guide for effective practice:

1.1. Preparing Materials and Tools

• Standard TOEIC preparation books: Use reliable materials like ETS 2024, ETS 2023, ETS 2022, or other preparation books with TOEIC Listening Part 1 sections.

• Audio files: Ensure clear, high-quality audio files. These typically come with ETS books or can be downloaded from reputable TOEIC learning websites.

• Paper-based test simulations:

  • Print question papers with images to practice like the real test.

  • Have pencils and erasers ready for marking answers.

• Timer: Manage practice time precisely as in the real test.

1.2. Steps for Practicing TOEIC Listening Part 1 at Home

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Structure and Question Types

• Understand Part 1 requirements:

  • Each question has 4 descriptive answers (A, B, C, D).

  • You'll hear only once and must select the correct answer.

• Learn common description types:

  • Action descriptions: Focus on verbs (e.g., "The man is holding a pen.").

  • State or position descriptions: Pay attention to state and position phrases (e.g., "The table is next to the window.").

Step 2: Observe and Analyze Images

• Image observation skills:

  • Carefully examine important details: people's actions, object positions, overall context.

  • Ask yourself: Who is doing what? Where are objects placed? What actions might be happening?

• Practice predicting content:

  • Before listening, try to predict possible descriptions based on the images.

Step 3: Listen and Answer

• Simulate real test conditions:

  • View each image and listen to the audio.

  • Mark answers directly on the answer sheet.

  • Listen only once without rewinding to simulate actual test conditions.

• Time management:

  • Each Part 1 question only lasts a few seconds. Focus on listening and selecting answers within that time frame.

Step 4: Check and Analyze Results

• Compare answers:

  • Check your answers against the answer key in the book.

  • Mark incorrect answers for analysis.

• Error analysis:

  • Review images and listen to the audio again to understand why you chose incorrectly.

  • Note vocabulary, sentence structures, or pronunciations that caused confusion.

1.3. Techniques and Tips for Effective Listening Practice

Training Techniques

• Practice action and state vocabulary:

  • Find lists of verbs commonly appearing in Part 1 and learn how to use them (e.g., holding, sitting, standing, carrying, arranging).

  • Combine vocabulary learning with images for better retention.

• Practice standard pronunciation:

  • Focus on standard pronunciation of easily confused words (e.g., writing vs. riding).

  • Pay attention to ending sounds and intonation in sentences.

Tips for Paper-Based Tests

• Focus on the image and audio: Observe the image carefully before listening. When listening, focus only on the audio content, don't get distracted by looking at the image again.

• Prioritize actions and positions: If the question describes people, pay attention to actions. If it describes objects, focus on positions.

• Eliminate wrong answers: Immediately rule out inappropriate answers (e.g., descriptions of actions not appearing in the image).

• Don't skip any questions: If you're unsure of an answer, make a choice and continue. Don't leave blanks as there's no penalty for wrong answers.

1.4. Home Practice Schedule for TOEIC Listening Part 1

Weeks 1-2: Familiarization and Foundation Building

• Practice 10-15 questions daily (equivalent to 2-3 Part 1 sets).

• Learn vocabulary describing actions and states, combined with image practice.

Weeks 3-4: In-Depth Practice

• Complete entire Part 1 sections from ETS exams (2022, 2023).

• Increase speed and focus on time management when answering.

Week 5 and Beyond: Real Test Simulation

• Complete entire Part 1 sections under real test conditions:

  • Choose complete tests, listen once, mark answers on answer sheets.

  • Evaluate results and analyze errors for improvement.

2. Practicing TOEIC Listening Part 1 at Home for Online Tests

TOEIC Part 1 (Listening) is the first section requiring test-takers to listen to short descriptions and select correct answers based on images. When choosing the computer-based test (CBT), you need to familiarize yourself with computer operations, how to observe images on screen, and process answers quickly. Here's a detailed guide for effective home practice.

2.1. Preparing Materials and Tools

Essential tools:

• Official TOEIC materials: Preparation books like ETS 2024, ETS 2023, ETS 2022, or online practice resources for computer-based TOEIC.

• On-screen images and audio files: Images and audio should be displayed on your computer to properly simulate the actual test.

• Online TOEIC practice software: Applications like PREP, TOEIC Test Pro, or websites offering TOEIC CBT practice.

• Quality headphones: For clear listening without ambient noise.

• Timer: To ensure you practice within realistic time constraints.

2.2. Steps for Practicing TOEIC Listening Part 1 at Home

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Computer Test Interface

• Basic operations:

  • Practice observing images on screen.

  • Practice selecting answers by clicking or using keyboard shortcuts.

• Focus on brief image displays:

  • In the real test, images appear for only a few seconds before the audio begins. Train your ability to observe quickly.

Step 2: Observe and Analyze Images

• On-screen image observation skills:

  • Carefully examine details in the image: people, actions, object positions.

  • Note key elements like the number of people, surrounding objects, and context.

• Predict description content:

  • Ask yourself: "What is the person in the image doing?" or "Where are the objects located?" before hearing the description.

Step 3: Listen and Select Answers

• Practice under real test conditions:

  • Begin listening as soon as the image appears.

  • Listen only once and click to select your answer immediately.

• Time management:

  • Each question lasts only a few seconds; focus intently and process answers within the allowed time.

• Careful selection:

  • Don't rush to choose answers when uncertain. Eliminate incorrect options and select the most accurate answer.

Step 4: Check and Analyze Results

• Answer verification:

  • Compare your results with the correct answers in the materials.

• Error analysis:

  • If incorrect, listen to the audio again and observe the image once more to understand why you were wrong.

• Note confusing vocabulary or structures:

  • This helps you avoid repeating similar mistakes.

2.3. Techniques and Tips for TOEIC Listening Part 1 on Computer

Training Techniques

• Practice common vocabulary:

  • Learn action verbs (holding, sitting, arranging, pointing) and states (standing next to, lying on).

  • Memorize phrases describing object positions (on the table, under the chair, beside the window).

• Practice listening for key words: Focus on action verbs and position adverbs, as they determine the correct answer.

• Practice concentration: Images appear for a short time, so train your ability to observe quickly and listen effectively.

Test-Taking Tips

• Maximize image observation time: When the image appears, immediately note key elements (people, actions, positions).

• Eliminate incorrect answers: If you hear descriptions that don't match the image (e.g., saying "person sitting" when the image shows "person standing"), rule them out immediately.

• Select answers as soon as you're certain: Don't wait until the end of the audio to choose your answer, as you may run out of time.

• Listen to the entire description: Don't select an answer based solely on the first word, as the meaning of the description might change at the end.

2.4. Home Practice Schedule for TOEIC Listening Part 1

Weeks 1-2: Familiarization and Foundation Building

• Practice 10-15 Part 1 questions daily on the computer.

• Learn vocabulary describing actions, states, and positions through images.

Weeks 3-4: In-Depth Practice

• Complete 2-3 full Part 1 sections daily, using ETS materials or practice applications.

• Practice quick image observation and accurate answer selection.

Week 5 and Beyond: Real Test Simulation

• Complete entire Part 1 sections under real test conditions:

  • Listen once, click to select answers on the computer.

  • Evaluate results and record errors for improvement.

These are the ultimate tips for conquering TOEIC Listening Part 1 effectively. PREP wishes you successful home preparation and high scores in your upcoming TOEIC exam!

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