What Words Do Learners Need to Achieve 600+ TOEIC Scores?
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Abstract
This study aims to establish essential TOEIC words for intermediate learners. The word list used to trace the TOEIC word list is from Browne and Culligan (2016a). Two groups of participants, the group with 600 or more TOEIC scores, B1 level, and the group with unknown TOEIC scores, respond to 800 selected words from the TOEIC word list in a YES/NO test. The compared responses are classified by frequency rank, CEFR level, suffix, and theme before being arranged in five 40-word sub lists primarily based on frequency rank. 188 unique words are extracted. Most of them are of unknown CEFR level and the highest concentration of frequency rank is at 701-800, approximately 20%, suggesting that one in five words known to high-achievers is exclusive. Suffixes from all word classes are present, notably noun suffixes. The prevalent themes among words in the word list belong to the hospitality or service industry, thanks to its abstract nature. To achieve target TOEIC scores effectively, practitioners and learners should consult relevant TOEIC level-specific word list.
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References
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