TOEICテスト対策 · 2026/01/30

TOEICテスト対策として６００点以上を目指したい人は何から勉強すべきか？英語講師が考える対策（英語編）

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Today, I’d like to explain what you should study first to reach 600+ on the TOEIC exam, based on my experience as an English teacher.

For learners who cannot reach 600 on the TOEIC, in most cases, their overall basic English skills have not yet been fully established.

Before focusing on test-taking techniques, building a solid foundation of English is the shortest and most reliable path to improvement.

In short, the top three priorities are:

・Junior-high-level grammar and word order
・Basic vocabulary (around 2,000–3,000 words)
・The ability to read and listen to short English sentences accurately

Clear evidence from ETS (TOEIC official data)

There is clear evidence for this approach.

According to the score descriptors published by ETS, the organization that administers the TOEIC, test takers below 600 often have difficulty with:

・Understanding basic grammar and vocabulary
・Accurately grasping meaning at the sentence level

(Reference: ETS TOEIC Official Website)

This clearly shows that strengthening fundamental English skills is far more effective than focusing only on test strategies at this stage.

Here is what students should start with

① Review junior-high-level grammar

This is the most important step.

Pay special attention to:

・Verb tenses (present, past, present perfect)
・Passive voice
・Infinitives and gerunds
・Comparatives and superlatives
・Relative pronouns

Recommended study method:

・Use easy-to-understand grammar books that review basic English
・Study 2–3 units per day with reading aloud
・Focus more on understanding and speaking example sentences than on doing large numbers of grammar drills

② Build a solid base of TOEIC vocabulary

To exceed 600 points, at least 2,000–3,000 words are necessary.

This is supported by vocabulary research and TOEIC score analysis.

Key points:

・Choose basic TOEIC vocabulary books rather than very difficult ones
・Learn meaning, part of speech, and usage together
・Study 15–20 minutes every day consistently

Vocabulary is one of the factors most directly connected to TOEIC scores.

It is no exaggeration to say:
“Those who master vocabulary, master the TOEIC.”

③ Practice short listening and careful reading

There is no need to jump straight into long passages or Parts 3 and 4.

Recommended order:

・Part 1 (Photo Description)
・Part 2 (Question-Response)
・Part 5 (Incomplete Sentences)

Reasons:

・The sentences are short
・The answers are clearly right or wrong
・They allow students to apply basic grammar and vocabulary in real test conditions

For each question, the ideal goal is to be able to explain in Japanese:

“Why is this answer correct?”

④ Use mock tests as a tool for confirmation

At this level, doing too many full tests can lead to frustration:

“Low score → Disappointment → Loss of motivation”

Once a month is enough.

The purpose of mock tests is:

・To check improvement
・To identify weaknesses
・Not to be emotionally affected by the score itself

Summary: What learners below 600 really need

In summary, for learners below 600, what they truly need is not:

“TOEIC techniques”

but rather:

“basic English strength.”

・Junior-high grammar
・Core vocabulary
・Accurate understanding of short sentences

If this is continued for about three months, many learners begin to feel:

“I can read more.”
“I can understand more when I listen.”

The TOEIC is not a test of talent.

It is a very honest exam in which steady effort directly becomes a score.

With the right order of study, reaching 600 points is a realistic and achievable goal for anyone.