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2019 Report on Test Takers Worldwide

TOEIC L&R 2018 Report on Test Takers Worldwide - ETS Home · 2020. 9. 29. · Relationship Between TOEIC® Listening and Reading Scores The correlation between the two sections of

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  • 2019 Report on

    Test Takers Worldwide

  • 1 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    ContentsThe TOEIC® Background Questionnaire ........................................................................................................................................2

    Description of TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test Takers in 2019 ......................................................................................3

    Mean TOEIC® Scores Across Native Countries ............................................................................................................................4

    Relationship Between TOEIC® Listening and Reading Scores ..............................................................................................6

    Test Takers by Demographic Variables .........................................................................................................................................6

    Age ..................................................................................................................................................................................................12

    Gender ............................................................................................................................................................................................13

    Education .......................................................................................................................................................................................14

    Academic Major ..........................................................................................................................................................................15

    Employment Status ...................................................................................................................................................................16

    Type of Industry ..........................................................................................................................................................................17

    Type of Job ...................................................................................................................................................................................19

    Years Spent Studying English ................................................................................................................................................20

    Type of Language Skill Most Emphasized When Studying English ..........................................................................21

    Daily English Use Requirement .............................................................................................................................................22

    Most Frequently Used Language Skill .................................................................................................................................23

    Difficulty with English Affecting Communication ..........................................................................................................24

    Time Spent in a Native English-Speaking Country .........................................................................................................25

    Purpose for Time in a Native English-Speaking Country ..............................................................................................26

    TOEIC® Test-Taking Experience ..............................................................................................................................................27

    Purpose for Taking the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test ........................................................................................28

    APPENDIX A—TOEIC® Background Questionnaire ..................................................................................................................29

    APPENDIX B—Response Rates to Each Background Question ..........................................................................................31

    APPENDIX C—Correlations Between Listening and Reading Scores by Region ..........................................................32

  • 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T 2

    The TOEIC® Background Questionnaire is a self-survey that gathers information about TOEIC test takers’ educational background, work experience, English language study and use, and the TOEIC test-taking experience. Responses to the questionnaire enable users to learn more about the backgrounds of people who take the test and some of the factors that affect their TOEIC scores and related improvement in English proficiency. Test takers are asked to complete the TOEIC Background Questionnaire before taking the TOEIC test.

    The TOEIC Background Questionnaire is presented in Appendix A.

    This report is based on the information gathered from all test takers who completed the TOEIC Background Questionnaire administered in 2019.

    The vast majority of test takers included in this report are from Asia so the results may not be representative of other regions. In addition, the response rates varied across different background questions (Appendix B). Consequently, care should be taken in making inferences based on this data.

    Please note that all percentages within the text are rounded to the nearest whole number and in some cases may sum to more than 100 percent. Also note that all tables and figures reflect results only for categories containing 500 or more test takers.

    The TOEIC® Background Questionnaire

  • 3 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    Description of TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test Takers in 2019

    Background information was collected from all of the test takers who took the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test in 2019, through either the Public Testing Program or the Institutional Testing Program. The following are highlights about TOEIC test takers based on the collected data. As noted earlier, the number of test takers who responded to each background question varied across questions.

    • The largest proportion of test takers (40%) were between 21 and 25 years of age.

    • 53% of test takers were male.

    • 50% of test takers had an undergraduate degree or were pursuing one.

    • 26% of test takers majored in engineering while 19% and 18% majored in liberal arts and business, respectively.

    • 52% of test takers were full-time students, while 37% were employed full-time.

    • 14% of test takers worked in the manufacturing-electronic industry and another 14% in the service-other industry.

    • 30% of test takers worked in scientific/technical professional positions, and 15% and 14% worked in marketing/sales and clerical/administrative positions, respectively.

    • 79% of test takers had spent more than 6 years studying English.

    • 23% of test takers indicated listening and speaking as their most emphasized skills when studying English.

    • 43% of test takers indicated that they used English 1 to 10% in their daily life.

    • 19% and 32% of test takers selected listening and reading, respectively, as their most often used English language skills.

    • 35% of test takers indicated that they “sometimes” had difficulty with English communication.

    • Only 11% of test takers had spent six months or more in a native English-speaking country.

    • When spending time in English-speaking countries, travel (30%) and participation in language programs (30%) were indicated by test takers as the most frequent purposes.

    • 40% of test takers indicated that they had previously taken the TOEIC test three or more times.

    • 31% of test takers had taken the TOEIC test for learning, 24% for job application, and another 24% for graduation.

  • 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T 4

    Mean TOEIC® Scores Across Native Countries

    Figure 1, below, shows the mean and standard deviation of TOEIC® Listening and Reading scores by geographic region. Table 1, on the following page, is organized by the native country of test takers and shows the average test scores of all individuals from

    a given country. Please keep in mind that the native country of a test taker is not necessarily the country in which the test taker took the TOEIC Listening and Reading test. Only countries with more than 500 TOEIC test takers are included in this table.

    Worldwide Report 2019 5 Mean TOEIC® Scores Across Native Countries

    Figure 1, below, shows the mean and standard deviation of TOEIC® Listening and Reading scores by geographic region. Table 1, on the following page, is organized by the native country of test takers and shows the average test scores of all individuals from a given country. Please keep in mind that the native country of a test taker is not

    necessarily the country in which the test taker took the TOEIC Listening and Reading test. Only countries with more than 500 TOEIC test takers are included in this table.

    *Note: All charts reflect results only for categories containing 500 or more test takers. Mexico is included in the data for North America.

    2019 Worldwide TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores

    Figure 1: Mean TOEIC Scores by Region

    Listening Means (SD) Reading Means (SD)

    Europe

    Africa

    South America

    North America

    Asia

    0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

    318(99)

    256(106)

    340(117)

    290(119)

    341(108)

    305(111)

    363(101)

    315(102)

    381(91)

    342(100)

    2019 Worldwide TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores

    Figure 1: Mean TOEIC Scores by Region

    *Note: All charts reflect results only for categories containing 500 or more test takers. Mexico is included in the data for North America.

    2019 Worldwide TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores

    Reading Means (SD)Listening Means (SD)

  • 5 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    CountryListening Reading Total

    Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)*CANADA 463 (50) 414 (68) 877 (111)

    GERMANY 431 (72) 381 (96) 812 (163)

    LEBANON 417 (82) 365 (98) 782 (174)

    BELGIUM 400 (88) 372 (94) 772 (175)

    ITALY 394 (85) 369 (91) 763 (170)

    PORTUGAL 394 (90) 342 (106) 736 (190)

    FRANCE 385 (90) 348 (99) 733 (183)

    TUNISIA 391 (87) 342 (92) 733 (172)

    ARGENTINA 381 (112) 346 (115) 727 (221)

    RUSSIA 387 (95) 338 (110) 726 (200)

    MOROCCO 390 (88) 336 (97) 725 (178)

    SPAIN 373 (93) 349 (97) 722 (183)

    PHILIPPINES 389 (74) 324 (88) 713 (154)

    COSTA RICA 388 (84) 325 (99) 713 (178)

    MADAGASCAR 367 (97) 324 (102) 691 (193)

    CHILE 357 (116) 322 (120) 679 (229)

    KOREA (ROK) 375 (84) 303 (103) 678 (178)

    ALGERIA 361 (97) 311 (102) 673 (193)

    PERU 356 (94) 312 (96) 667 (181)

    JORDAN 363 (105) 303 (112) 666 (210)

    INDIA 347 (109) 315 (102) 662 (200)

    COLOMBIA 339 (111) 307 (112) 646 (217)

    BRAZIL 338 (105) 299 (110) 637 (209)

    TURKEY 349 (91) 274 (108) 623 (190)

    GREECE 345 (74) 278 (76) 623 (141)

    REUNION 333 (107) 287 (113) 620 (214)

    ECUADOR 321 (113) 299 (104) 620 (209)

    CAMEROON 325 (112) 291 (98) 616 (198)

    COTE D`IVOIRE (IVORY COAST) 325 (102) 288 (99) 614 (194)

    MALAYSIA 342 (97) 269 (110) 611 (200)

    GABON 325 (92) 277 (94) 602 (178)

    GUADELOUPE 326 (108) 275 (111) 601 (213)

    SENEGAL 316 (116) 272 (107) 588 (216)

    CONGO REPUBLIC 316 (98) 265 (99) 581 (190)

    MYANMAR (BURMA) 313 (97) 266 (100) 580 (190)

    EL SALVADOR 309 (100) 268 (103) 577 (196)

    MEXICO 308 (123) 264 (123) 572 (240)

    CHINA, PEOPLE`S REPUBLIC 294 (98) 277 (100) 571 (189)

    POLAND 313 (121) 255 (130) 568 (245)

    TAIWAN 307 (101) 255 (107) 562 (200)

    MARTINIQUE 302 (111) 251 (109) 554 (215)

    HONG KONG 307 (105) 234 (114) 541 (211)

    JAPAN 291 (92) 232 (97) 523 (181)

    MACAO 298 (94) 218 (102) 516 (190)

    ALBANIA 268 (98) 228 (92) 496 (184)

    VIETNAM 261 (89) 230 (93) 490 (174)

    THAILAND 282 (105) 203 (98) 485 (197)

    INDONESIA 263 (102) 208 (98) 471 (192)

    MONGOLIA 274 (98) 194 (98) 468 (189)

    Table 1: Mean Performance by Native Country

    *SD = Standard Deviation

  • 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T 6

    Relationship Between TOEIC® Listening and Reading ScoresThe correlation between the two sections of the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test was about 0.85. (Appendix C presents the correlations between Listening and Reading across regions). This is consistent with previous research and with the findings presented in the 2018 Report on Test Takers Worldwide. This level of correlation indicates that

    the two measures are closely related, given that both measured test takers’ proficiencies in using English in business communication and test takers tended to put forth the same amount of effort to study both skills together.

    Test Takers by Demographic VariablesTable 2 presents the number and percentage of test takers falling into different demographic categories, as well as the average TOEIC listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and total

    scores for each category. More in-depth information about test takers in these categories is shown later in this report. The categories used in this report are those found in the TOEIC Background Questionnaire.

  • 7 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories

    % of Test takersListening Reading Total

    Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)*

    Age

    26 – 30 14.8 354 (93) 293 (104) 646 (189)

    21 – 25 39.7 336 (98) 274 (106) 609 (195)

    31 – 35 7.3 332 (98) 274 (107) 606 (197)

    36 – 40 5.6 314 (98) 262 (105) 577 (195)

    41 – 45 3.9 310 (97) 257 (106) 567 (196)

    Over 45 5.8 304 (99) 252 (107) 555 (199)

    Under 20 22.9 284 (97) 220 (100) 504 (189)

    Gen

    der Female 46.7 333 (98) 266 (107) 600 (197)

    Male 53.3 312 (100) 257 (108) 570 (200)

    Educ

    atio

    n

    Graduate school 11.5 363 (87) 319 (97) 682 (177)

    Undergraduate college 50.1 343 (92) 282 (102) 625 (186)

    Elementary school 0.2 295 (113) 234 (111) 529 (215)

    Junior high school 0.6 300 (106) 225 (107) 525 (205)

    High school 7.1 290 (106) 226 (112) 516 (209)

    Community college 22.6 273 (90) 212 (91) 485 (173)

    Vocational school after high school 3.8 273 (100) 200 (98) 472 (190)

    Language institution 1.4 273 (99) 191 (97) 464 (187)

    Vocational school 2.8 255 (87) 186 (86) 441 (165)

    *SD = Standard Deviation

  • 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T 8

    Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories (Continued)

    % of Test takersListening Reading Total

    Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)*

    Maj

    or

    Business related 17.9 334 (99) 281 (107) 614 (199)

    Social studies 10.7 333 (97) 277 (106) 610 (194)

    Liberal arts 19.1 338 (96) 270 (106) 608 (194)

    Health related 5.2 329 (96) 271 (105) 600 (194)

    Sciences 11.4 321 (95) 270 (104) 591 (191)

    Engineering 26.3 307 (96) 250 (103) 557 (191)

    Other 9.3 302 (103) 237 (108) 539 (203)

    Curr

    ent S

    tatu

    s Not employed 6.2 368 (86) 301 (99) 668 (176)

    Part-time employee 4.1 343 (103) 285 (113) 627 (209)

    Full-time employee 37.3 312 (98) 255 (107) 567 (198)

    Full-time student 52.4 313 (99) 252 (106) 566 (197)

    Type

    of I

    ndus

    try

    Service-Foreign Affairs 0.1 391 (91) 347 (104) 738 (188)

    Service-Education (High school or below) 2.1 374 (90) 324 (100) 698 (183)

    Mass Media 1.0 366 (90) 310 (103) 675 (186)

    Public Utility Production 1.3 357 (89) 309 (98) 666 (180)

    Service-Education (College or above) 2.6 358 (97) 307 (109) 665 (198)

    Other 4.3 354 (97) 300 (107) 654 (196)

    Trading 3.0 340 (92) 283 (102) 623 (186)

    Finance 5.5 335 (96) 287 (105) 622 (193)

    Manufacturing-Pharmaceuticals 2.0 333 (90) 285 (99) 618 (182)

    Manufacturing-Clothing 0.4 343 (93) 272 (105) 615 (191)

    Service-Legislative 3.8 331 (96) 280 (106) 611 (196)

    Agriculture 0.4 330 (99) 278 (106) 608 (197)

    Service-Health 2.4 333 (93) 274 (104) 607 (189)

    Insurance 1.7 327 (92) 278 (101) 605 (185)

    Real Estate 0.6 331 (95) 274 (103) 604 (190)

    Service-Armed forces 2.2 327 (103) 275 (114) 602 (210)

    *SD = Standard Deviation

  • 9 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    % of Test takersListening Reading Total

    Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)*

    Type

    of I

    ndus

    try

    (con

    t.)

    Service-Traveling 2.3 337 (100) 264 (107) 601 (198)

    Manufacturing-Food 1.4 325 (96) 270 (105) 594 (194)

    Telecommunication 1.7 326 (91) 268 (103) 594 (186)

    Service-Other 14.0 323 (94) 264 (104) 586 (190)

    Retail/Wholesale 1.7 322 (100) 259 (108) 581 (202)

    Transportation 3.7 317 (96) 252 (102) 569 (190)

    Manufacturing-Petroleum 0.9 302 (102) 255 (110) 557 (206)

    Manufacturing-Other 3.0 306 (105) 249 (113) 555 (211)

    Manufacturing-Chemicals 3.8 302 (93) 251 (100) 553 (186)

    Construction 2.3 302 (104) 246 (110) 548 (208)

    Manufacturing-Glass 0.4 296 (94) 247 (100) 543 (188)

    Manufacturing-Metals 2.2 289 (95) 240 (103) 530 (191)

    Manufacturing-Machinery 6.6 289 (96) 232 (102) 522 (192)

    Manufacturing-Vehicles 7.8 287 (91) 227 (99) 514 (183)

    Manufacturing-Fabric 1.0 277 (95) 224 (103) 501 (191)

    Manufacturing-Electronic 13.8 276 (94) 220 (101) 496 (188)

    Type

    of J

    ob

    Teaching/Training 4.9 367 (98) 316 (109) 683 (200)

    Management 5.3 346 (99) 303 (106) 648 (197)

    Professional Specialist 9.4 338 (92) 292 (102) 630 (187)

    Services 6.0 343 (97) 279 (106) 622 (194)

    Clerical/Administrative 14.4 337 (99) 277 (108) 614 (199)

    Marketing/Sales 14.6 320 (95) 261 (104) 581 (192)

    Technician 6.5 301 (103) 244 (107) 545 (202)

    Scientific/Technical Professionals 30.2 298 (90) 244 (100) 542 (183)

    Other 8.5 296 (111) 240 (118) 537 (222)

    Other 8.8 292 (109) 237 (116) 529 (219)

    Year

    s Sp

    ent

    Stud

    ying

    Eng

    lish > 10 years 44.0 362 (88) 305 (101) 667 (181)

    6 – 10 years 35.4 302 (92) 244 (98) 546 (182)

    4 – 6 years 11.6 278 (95) 216 (98) 494 (185)

    < = 4 years 9.0 267 (97) 202 (98) 470 (187)

    Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories (Continued)

    *SD = Standard Deviation

  • 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T 1 0

    % of Test takersListening Reading Total

    Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)*

    Lang

    uage

    Ski

    lls M

    ost

    Emph

    asiz

    ed

    Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing 20.8 361 (96) 305 (108) 666 (197)

    Speaking 15.9 328 (97) 262 (105) 590 (194)

    Listening and Speaking 23.0 329 (96) 260 (104) 589 (192)

    Reading and Writing 6.7 317 (97) 269 (108) 586 (198)

    Reading 18.3 293 (88) 248 (95) 541 (175)

    Listening 12.5 295 (97) 232 (102) 527 (191)

    Writing 2.9 283 (104) 230 (111) 513 (208)

    Tim

    e Sp

    ent D

    aily

    Usi

    ng

    Engl

    ish

    51–100% 4.5 393 (87) 333 (106) 726 (186)

    21–50% 12.6 364 (90) 302 (105) 666 (188)

    11–20% 19.7 344 (93) 283 (105) 627 (191)

    1–10% 42.9 314 (95) 255 (103) 569 (190)

    None 20.3 280 (93) 224 (98) 504 (183)

    Engl

    ish

    Lang

    uage

    Ski

    lls

    Use

    d M

    ost O

    ften

    Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing 9.4 372 (92) 312 (108) 684 (192)

    Reading and Writing 7.3 346 (94) 293 (106) 638 (193)

    Listening and Speaking 16.7 335 (95) 264 (104) 599 (191)

    Reading 31.5 311 (93) 264 (102) 575 (187)

    Listening 19.0 311 (101) 248 (108) 558 (201)

    Speaking 12.8 307 (99) 240 (104) 547 (196)

    Writing 3.3 298 (103) 243 (108) 541 (204)

    Diffi

    cult

    y W

    ith

    Engl

    ish

    Com

    mun

    icat

    ion

    Sometimes 34.7 339 (93) 280 (103) 619 (188)

    Seldom 22.8 325 (100) 269 (109) 594 (201)

    Frequently 17.6 325 (90) 262 (100) 587 (181)

    Almost never 16.5 298 (106) 244 (113) 542 (212)

    Almost always 8.5 292 (97) 229 (102) 521 (191)

    Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories (Continued) Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories (Continued)

    *SD = Standard Deviation

  • 1 1 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    % of Test takersListening Reading Total

    Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)* Mean (SD)*

    Tim

    e in

    Eng

    lish-

    Spea

    king

    Co

    untr

    y

    Yes, > 2 years 3.4 418 (80) 354 (102) 772 (174)

    Yes, 1–2 years 2.4 398 (85) 331 (103) 729 (180)

    Yes, 6–12 months 4.8 393 (81) 323 (99) 716 (172)

    Yes, < 6 months 24.5 337 (89) 274 (101) 611 (182)

    No 64.9 305 (96) 249 (104) 553 (193)

    Purp

    ose

    For T

    ime

    in

    Engl

    ish-

    Spea

    king

    Cou

    ntry To study 18.9 383 (92) 321 (109) 704 (193)

    Other 7.3 377 (97) 308 (111) 684 (200)

    To work 14.6 357 (94) 300 (107) 657 (193)

    To participate in language program 29.5 359 (84) 288 (98) 646 (173)

    To travel 29.8 334 (92) 272 (103) 605 (187)

    Num

    ber o

    f Tim

    es

    TOEI

    C Te

    st W

    as T

    aken Three times or more 39.8 343 (89) 280 (99) 623 (180)

    Twice 12.3 323 (96) 263 (104) 586 (192)

    Once 18.6 313 (99) 255 (108) 568 (199)

    Never 29.4 302 (105) 248 (113) 550 (210)

    Purp

    ose

    For T

    akin

    g

    TOEI

    C Te

    st

    For job application 24.1 348 (93) 280 (104) 628 (189)

    For graduation 23.5 317 (103) 261 (111) 578 (207)

    For learning 30.8 316 (98) 258 (106) 574 (196)

    To assess language program 10.2 310 (99) 253 (106) 563 (197)

    For promotion 11.4 297 (95) 237 (102) 534 (188)

    *SD = Standard Deviation

    Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories (Continued)

  • 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T 1 2

    Table 2: Mean Performance by Demographic Categories (Continued)

    Age

    A closer look at the demographic categories revealed that across all countries, the typical TOEIC® test taker was between 21 and 25 years of age (40%), 23% of test takers were under 20 years of age, 15% were between 26 and 30 years of age, and the remaining 23% were 31 years of age or older. Canada (74%), the Philippines (60%), and Hong Kong (59%) had the highest percentages of test takers who were under 20 years of age. Macao (77%), Morocco (72%), Italy (72%), Vietnam (69%),

    and Belgium (68%) had the highest percentages of test takers between 21 and 25 years of age. For the 26 to 30 years of age group, Gabon (33%), Myanmar (32%), Senegal (32%), and Algeria (31%) had the highest proportions of test takers.

    Figure 2 shows the mean total TOEIC scores as illustrated by a composite of listening comprehension and reading comprehension scores.

    11:11 Thursday, March 12, 2020 13

    Age

    A closer look at the demographic categories revealed that across all countries, the typical TOEIC® test taker was between 21 and 25 years of age (40%), 23% of test takers were under 20 years of age, 15% were between 26 and 30years of age, and the remaining 23% were 31 years of age or older. Canada (74%), the Philippines (60%), and Hong Kong (59%) had the highest percentages of test takers who were under 20 years of age. Macao (77%), Morocco (72%), Italy (72%), Vietnam (69%), and Belgium (68%)

    had the highest percentages of test takers between 21 and 25 years of age. For the 26 to 30 years of age group, Gabon (33%), Myanmar (32%), Senegal (32%), andAlgeria (31%) had the highest proportions of test takers.

    Figure 2 shows the mean total TOEIC scores as illustrated by a composite of listening comprehension and reading comprehension scores.

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Age Levels

    Figure 2: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Age Levels

    Listening Reading

    26–30

    21–25

    31–35

    36–40

    41–45

    Over 45

    Under 20

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    284 220

    336 274

    354 293

    332 274

    314 262

    310 257

    304 252

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Age Levels

    Figure 2: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Age Levels

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Age Levels

    Listening Reading

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

  • 1 3 2 0 1 9 R E P O R T O N T E S T T A K E R S W O R L D W I D E — TOEIC® L I S T E N I N G & R E A D I N G T E S T

    Gender

    Overall, a larger proportion of males than females took the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test (as shown in Table 2). Countries that had a large male test-taking population include Jordan (67%), Chile (62%), Turkey (61%), and Japan (61%).

    In some countries, however, there were higher proportions of female than male test takers. These

    countries include Ecuador (74%), Thailand (66%), Albania (64%), Costa Rica (64%), and Russia (62%).

    Figure 3 shows that females had higher average total scores than males for both listening and reading.

    11:12 Thursday, March 12, 2020 14Gender

    Overall, a larger proportion of males than females took the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test (as shown in Table 2). Countries that had a large male test-taking population include Jordan (67%), Chile (62%), Turkey (61%), and Japan (61%).

    In some countries, however, there were higher proportions of female than male test takers. These

    countries include Ecuador (74%), Thailand (66%), Albania (64%), Costa Rica (64%), and Russia (62%).

    Figure 3 shows that females had higher average total scores than males for both listening and reading.

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Gender

    Figure 3: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Gender

    Listening Reading

    Female

    Male

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600

    333 266

    312 257

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Gender

    Figure 3: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Gender

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Gender

    Listening Reading

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

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    EducationHalf of test takers (50%) held an undergraduate degree or were pursuing an undergraduate degree at the time that they answered the TOEIC® Background Questionnaire. A higher percentage of women (52%) than men (49%) held or were pursuing an undergraduate degree. In contrast, a higher percentage of men (13%) than women (9%) held or were pursuing a graduate degree.

    Because of differences among countries in educational systems, comparisons of educational

    level are somewhat subjective. Results show that Thailand (80%), the Philippines (77%), Korea (77%), Mexico (70%), and Macao (70%) had the highest proportions of test takers holding or pursuing an undergraduate degree, while Gabon (74%), Morocco (73%), Ivory Coast (69%), and Algeria (66%) had the largest proportions of test takers holding or pursuing a graduate degree. Peru (70%) and Chile (69%) had the highest proportions of test takers with a vocational degree after high school.

    11:13 Thursday, March 12, 2020 15Education

    Half of test takers (50%) held an undergraduate degree orwere pursuing an undergraduate degree at the time that they answered the TOEIC® Background Questionnaire. Ahigher percentage of women (52%) than men (49%) held or were pursuing an undergraduate degree. In contrast, a higher percentage of men (13%) than women (9%) held or were pursuing a graduate degree.

    Because of differences among countries in educational systems, comparisons of educational level are somewhat subjective. Results show that Thailand (80%), the

    Philippines (77%), Korea (77%), Mexico (70%), andMacao (70%) had the highest proportions of test takers holding or pursuing an undergraduate degree, while Gabon (74%), Morocco (73%), Ivory Coast (69%), and Algeria (66%) had the largest proportions of test takers holding or pursuing a graduate degree. Peru (70%) and Chile (69%) had the highest proportions of test takers with a vocational degree after high school.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Education

    Figure 4 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Education

    Listening Reading

    Graduate school

    Undergraduate college

    Elementary school

    Junior high school

    High school

    Community college

    Vocational school after high school

    Language institution

    Vocational school

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    295 234

    300 225

    290 226

    255 186

    273 200

    273 212

    343 282

    363 319

    273 191

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Education

    Figure 4: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Education

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Education

    Listening Reading

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

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    Academic Major

    The largest percentage of TOEIC® Listening and Reading test takers majored in engineering (26%). The highest percentages of test takers with engineering majors were in Lebanon (47%), Tunisia (46%), Gabon (46%), Cameroon (46%), and Myanmar (46%). Liberal arts (19%) and business-related (18%) were the second and third most popular majors. Countries with high percentages of test takers with business-related majors include

    Ivory Coast (52%), Ecuador (51%), and Martinique (48%). Countries with high percentages of test takers with liberal arts majors include Costa Rica (49%), India (43%), and Macao (31%).

    Across all test takers, in terms of percentage, more females (30%) majored in liberal arts than males (10%), and more males (39%) majored in engineering than females (11%).

    12:06 Thursday, March 19, 2020 16Academic Major The largest percentage of TOEIC® Listening and Reading test takers majored in engineering (26%). The highest percentages of test takers with engineering majors were in Lebanon (47%), Tunisia (46%), Gabon (46%), Cameroon (46%), and Myanmar (46%). Liberal arts (19%) and business-related (18%) were the second and third most popular majors. Countries with high percentages of test takers with business-related majors include Ivory Coast (52%), Ecuador (51%), and Martinique (48%). Countries

    with high percentages of test takers with liberal arts majors include Costa Rica (49%), India (43%), and Macao (31%). Across all test takers, in terms of percentage, more females (30%) majored in liberal arts than males (10%), and more males (39%) majored in engineering than females (11%).

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Major

    Figure 5 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Major

    Listening Reading

    Business related

    Social studies

    Liberal arts

    Health related

    Sciences

    Engineering

    Other

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    338 270

    333 277

    334 281

    321 270

    329 271

    307 250

    302 237

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Academic Major

    Figure 5: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Academic Major

    Figure 5: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Academic Major

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Academic Major

    Listening Reading

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

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    Employment Status

    Overall the majority of TOEIC® Listening and Reading test takers were full-time students (52%). Countries such as the Philippines (86%), Macao (82%), and India (77%) had the highest proportions of full-time students.

    Thirty-seven percent of test takers indicated they were full-time employees. Results show that testing

    populations in Brazil (65%) and Myanmar (63%) had the highest percentages of full-time employees.

    In terms of percentage, more males (46%) than females (26%) are full-time employees. More females (60%) than males (46%) are full-time students.

    11:17 Thursday, March 12, 2020 17Employment Status

    Overall the majority of TOEIC® Listening and Reading test takers were full-time students (52%). Countries such as the Philippines (86%), Macao (82%), and India (77%) had the highest proportions of full-time students.

    Thirty-seven percent of test takers indicated they were full-time employees. Results show that testing

    populations in Brazil (65%) and Myanmar (63%) had thehighest percentages of full-time employees.

    In terms of percentage, more males (46%) than females (26%) are full-time employees. More females (60%) than males (46%) are full-time students.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Current Status

    Figure 6 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Current Status

    Listening Reading

    Not employed

    Part-time employee

    Full-time employee

    Full-time student

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    312 255

    343 285

    368 301

    313 252

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Employment Status

    Figure 6: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Employment Status Figure 6: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Employment Status

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Employment Status

    Listening Reading

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

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    Type of Industry

    As seen in Table 2, most test takers who were employed full time worked in either the manufacturing or service industries.

    Figures 7a (service), 7b (manufacturing) and 7c (other than service or manufacturing) provide

    average TOEIC® Listening and Reading scores for the various industry types.

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Major

    11:18 Thursday, March 12, 2020 18Type of Industry As seen in Table 2, most test takers who were employed full time worked in either the manufacturing or service industries.

    Figures 7a (service), 7b (manufacturing) and 7c (other than service or manufacturing) provide average TOEIC® Listening and Reading scores for the various industry types.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Figure 7a : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry

    Listening Reading

    Service-Foreign Affairs

    Service-Education (High school or below)

    Service-Education (College or above)

    Service-Legislative

    Service-Health

    Service-Armed forces

    Service-Traveling

    Service-Other

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

    374 324

    358 307

    331 280

    391 347

    327 275

    333 274

    337 264

    323 264

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Figure 7a: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry (Service) Figure 7a: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry (Service)

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Listening Reading

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    11:20 Thursday, March 12, 2020 19

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Figure 7b : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry

    Listening Reading

    Manufacturing-Pharmaceuticals

    Manufacturing-Clothing

    Manufacturing-Food

    Manufacturing-Petroleum

    Manufacturing-Other

    Manufacturing-Chemicals

    Manufacturing-Glass

    Manufacturing-Metals

    Manufacturing-Machinery

    Manufacturing-Vehicles

    Manufacturing-Fabric

    Manufacturing-Electronic

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    325 270

    333 285

    302 251

    277 224

    302 255

    289 240

    289 232

    276 220

    287 227

    296 247

    343 272

    306 249

    Figure 7b: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry (Manufacturing)

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Figure 7b: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry (Manufacturing)

    11:20 Thursday, March 12, 2020 20TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Figure 7c : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry

    Listening Reading

    Mass Media

    Public Utility Production

    Other

    Trading

    Finance

    Agriculture

    Insurance

    Real Estate

    Telecommunication

    Retail/Wholesale

    Transportation

    Construction

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    330 278

    302 246

    357 309

    366 310

    326 268

    322 259

    340 283

    335 287

    327 278

    331 274

    317 252

    354 300

    Figure 7c: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry (Other)

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Figure 7c: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Industry (Other)

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Industry

    Listening Reading

    Listening Reading

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    Type of Job

    The types of jobs performed by test takers varied greatly across countries. Overall, the largest group of test takers was scientific/technical professionals (30%).

    Turkey (41%), Senegal (40%), Myanmar (40%), and Japan (40%) had the largest percentages of test takers working in scientific/technical positions. For management positions, Ecuador (51%) had the largest percentage of test takers. For teaching/

    training positions, Costa Rica (60%) had the largest percentage of test takers.

    Overall, in terms of percentage, more females (9%) worked in teaching/training positions than males (3%), and more females (24%) worked in clerical/administration positions than males (10%). More males (38%) worked in scientific/technical positions than females (15%).

    11:21 Thursday, March 12, 2020 21Type of Job

    The types of jobs performed by test takers varied greatly across countries. Overall, the largest group of test takers was scientific/technical professionals (30%).

    Turkey (41%), Senegal (40%), Myanmar (40%), and Japan (40%) had the largest percentages of test takers working in scientific/technical positions. For management positions, Ecuador (51%) had the largest percentage of test takers. For teaching/training positions, Costa Rica (60%) had the largest percentage of test takers.

    Overall, in terms of percentage, more females (9%) worked in teaching/training positions than males (3%), and more females (24%) worked inclerical/administration positions than males (10%). More males (38%) worked in scientific/technical positions than females (15%).

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Job

    Figure 8 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Job

    Listening Reading

    Teaching/Training

    Management

    Professional Specialist

    Services

    Clerical/Administrative

    Marketing/Sales

    Technician

    Scientific/Technical Professionals

    Other

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    346 303

    298 244

    367 316

    338 292

    301 244

    320 261

    337 277

    343 279

    296 240

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Job

    Figure 8: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Type of Job

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Type of Job

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    Years Spent Studying English

    The 2019 test takers exhibited very similar patterns to those in previous years in the length of time spent studying English. Seventy-nine percent of 2019 test takers indicated that they studied English for six or more years.

    Costa Rica (42%) and Brazil (41%) had the largest percentages of test takers who studied English for less than or equal to four years.

    In contrast, countries that had high proportions of test takers who studied English for more than ten years include Malaysia (71%), Macao (71%), Hong Kong (70%), and India (69%).

    11:22 Thursday, March 12, 2020 22Years Spent Studying English

    The 2019 test takers exhibited very similar patterns to those in previous years in the length of time spent studying English. Seventy-nine percent of 2019 test takers indicated that they studied English for six or more years.

    Costa Rica (42%) and Brazil (41%) had the largest percentages of test takers who studied English for less than or equal to four years.

    In contrast, countries that had high proportions of test takers who studied English for more than ten years include Malaysia (71%), Macao (71%), Hong Kong (70%), and India (69%).

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Years Spent Studying English

    Figure 9 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Years Spent Studying English

    Listening Reading

    > 10 years

    6–10 years

    4–6 years

    ≤ 4 years

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    267 202

    278 216

    302 244

    362 305

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Years Spent Studying English

    Figure 9: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Years Spent Studying English

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Years Spent Studying English

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    Type of Language Skill Most Emphasized When Studying English

    After indicating the number of years spent studying English, test takers were asked to identify which language skills were most emphasized during their studies. Twenty-one percent of all test takers indicated that all four English-language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) were emphasized. However, a slightly higher percentage

    of test takers (23%) indicated that listening and speaking skills were the skills most emphasized.

    Test takers from India (53%), Belgium (50%), and Albania (49%) indicated an emphasis on all four English-language skills.

    11:23 Thursday, March 12, 2020 23Type of Language Skill Most Emphasized When Studying English

    After indicating the number of years spent studying English, test takers were asked to identify which languageskills were most emphasized during their studies. Twenty-one percent of all test takers indicated that all four English language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) were emphasized. However, a slightly higher

    percentage of test takers (23%) indicated that listening and speaking skills were the skills most emphasized.

    Test takers from India (53%), Belgium (50%), and Albania (49%) indicated an emphasis on all four English language skills.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Language Skills Most Emphasized

    Figure 10 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Language Skills Most Emphasized

    Listening Reading

    Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing

    Speaking

    Listening & Speaking

    Reading & Writing

    Reading

    Listening

    Writing

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    295 232

    293 248

    328 262

    283 230

    329 260

    317 269

    361 305

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Language Skills Most Emphasized

    Figure 10: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Language Skills Most Emphasized

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Language Skills Most Emphasized

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    Daily English Use Requirement

    In response to the question “How much time must you use English in your daily life?”, 43% of all test takers indicated that they had to use English for only 1 to 10% of their daily life. Countries that had large proportions of test takers in this category include Macao (46%) and Japan (46%).

    Test takers from Peru (34%), China (32%), Mongolia (31%), and Chile (31%) responded that they spent 11–20% of their daily life using English. Test takers in India (42%), El Salvador (34%), and Thailand (31%) indicated that they spent 51–100% of their daily life using English.

    11:24 Thursday, March 12, 2020 24Daily English Use Requirement

    In response to the question “How much time must you use English in your daily life?”, 43% of all test takers indicated that they had to use English for only 1 to 10% of their daily life. Countries that had large proportions of test takers in this category include Macao (46%) and Japan (46%).

    Test takers from Peru (34%), China (32%), Mongolia (31%), and Chile (31%) responded that they spent 11-20% of their daily life using English. Test takers in India (42%), El Salvador (34%), and Thailand (31%) indicated that they spent 51-100% of their daily life using English.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Time Spent Daily Using English

    Figure 11 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Time Spent Daily Using English

    Listening Reading

    51–100%

    21–50%

    11–20%

    1–10%

    None

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

    280 224

    314 255

    344 283

    364 302

    393 333

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Time Spent Daily Using English

    Figure 11: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Time Spent Daily Using English

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Time Spent Daily Using English

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    Most Frequently Used Language Skill

    Thirty-two percent of all test takers indicated that reading was the English language skill that they used most often. Brazil (40%), Taiwan (40%), Chile (39%), China (37%), Japan (36%), and Peru (35%) had the highest percentages of test takers with reading as their most used skill. For listening, 19% of all test takers indicated that was the skill used most often. Countries that had high percentages of test takers

    selecting listening include Albania (43%), Réunion (38%), and Martinique (37%). Nine percent of test takers indicated that they use all four language skills equally.

    Overall, in terms of percentage, males were more inclined than females (36% vs. 26%) to choose reading as the English language skill they used most often.

    11:24 Thursday, March 12, 2020 25

    Most Frequently Used Language Skill

    Thirty-two percent of all test takers indicated that reading was the English language skill that they used most often. Brazil (40%), Taiwan (40%), Chile (39%), China (37%), Japan (36%), and Peru (35%) had the highest percentages of test takers with reading as their most used skill. For listening, 19% of all test takers indicated that was the skill used most often. Countries that had high percentages of test takers selecting listening include Albania (43%),

    Réunion (38%), and Martinique (37%). Nine percent of test takers indicated that they use all four language skills equally.

    Overall, in terms of percentage, males were more inclinedthan females (36% vs. 26%) to choose reading as the English language skill they used most often.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across English Language Skills Used Most Often

    Figure 12 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across English Language Skills Used Most Often

    Listening Reading

    Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing

    Reading & Writing

    Listening & Speaking

    Reading

    Listening

    Speaking

    Writing

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    311 248

    311 264

    307 240

    298 243

    335 264

    346 293

    372 312

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Language Skills Used Most Often

    Figure 12: Mean TOEIC Scores Across English Language Skills Used Most Often

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Language Skills Used Most Often

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    Difficulty with English Affecting Communication

    When asked “How often has difficulty with English affected your ability to communicate?”, 35% of all test takers responded “sometimes”, 23% responded that difficulty with English “seldom” affected their

    ability to communicate, and 18% responded that difficulty with English “frequently” affected their ability to communicate.

    11:25 Thursday, March 12, 2020 26Difficulty With English Affecting Communication

    When asked “How often has difficulty with English affected your ability to communicate?”, 35% of all test takers responded “sometimes”, 23% responded that difficulty with English “seldom” affected their ability to communicate, and 18% responded that difficulty with English “frequently” affected their ability to communicate.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Difficulty with English Communication

    Figure 13 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Difficulty with English Communication

    Listening Reading

    Sometimes

    Seldom

    Frequently

    Almost never

    Almost always

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    298 244

    325 269

    339 280

    325 262

    292 229

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Difficulty With English Communication

    Figure 13: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Difficulty With English Communication

    Figure 13: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Difficulty With English Communication

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Difficulty With English Communication

    Listening Reading

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    Time Spent in a Native English-Speaking Country

    Respondents were asked “Have you ever lived in a country in which English is the main spoken language?” Only 11% of all test takers indicated that they had spent six months or more in a country

    in which English was the main spoken language. Sixty-five percent indicated that they have never spent time in an English-speaking country.

    11:26 Thursday, March 12, 2020 27Time Spent in a Native English-Speaking Country

    Respondents were asked “Have you ever lived in a country in which English is the main spoken language?” Only 11% of all test takers indicated that they had spent six months or more in a country in which English was the main spoken language. Sixty-five percent indicated that they have never spent time in an English-speaking country.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Time in English-Speaking Country

    Figure 14 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Time in English-Speaking Country

    Listening Reading

    Yes, > 2 years

    Yes, 1–2 years

    Yes, 6–12 months

    Yes, < 6 months

    No

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

    305 249

    337 274

    393 323

    398 331

    418 354

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Time in English-Speaking Country

    Figure 14: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Time in English-Speaking Country

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Time in English-Speaking Country

    Listening Reading

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    Purpose for Time in a Native English-Speaking Country

    In response to a question asking, “What was your main purpose for living in a country in which English is the main spoken language?”, 30% indicated travel as the purpose for spending time there. Thirty percent of test takers indicated they did so for the purpose of participating in a language program.

    In terms of percentage, more females (37%) than males (22%) indicated that the purpose was to participate in a language program. More males (21%) than females (8%) indicated that the purpose was to work.

    11:27 Thursday, March 12, 2020 28Purpose for Time in a Native English-Speaking Country

    In response to a question asking, “What was your main purpose for living in a country in which English is the main spoken language?”, 30% indicated travel as the purpose for spending time there. Thirty percent of test takers indicated they did so for the purpose of participating in a language program.

    In terms of percentage, more females (37%) than males (22%) indicated that the purpose was to participate in a language program. More males (21%) than females (8%) indicated that the purpose was to work.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Purpose for Time in English-Speaking Country

    Figure 15 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Purpose for Time in English-Speaking Country

    Listening Reading

    To study

    Other

    To work

    To participate in language program

    To travel

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

    383 321

    359 288

    334 272

    357 300

    377 308

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Purpose for Time in English-Speaking Country

    Figure 15: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Purpose for Time in English-Speaking Country

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Purpose for Time in English-Speaking Country

    Listening Reading

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    TOEIC® Test-Taking Experience

    The percentages of test takers who had previously taken the TOEIC® test varied widely across countries, from a low of 15% in Belgium and in India, to highs of 76% in Korea and 78% in Japan.

    The majority of test takers (71%) had taken the TOEIC test before, with the largest percentage of test takers (40%) having taken the TOEIC test three or more times previously.

    11:28 Thursday, March 12, 2020 29TOEIC® Test-Taking Experience

    The percentages of test takers who had previously taken the TOEIC® test varied widely across countries, from a low of 15% in Belgium and in India, to highs of 76% in Korea and 78% in Japan.

    The majority of test takers (71%) had taken the TOEIC test before, with the largest percentage of test takers (40%) having taken the TOEIC test three or more times previously.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Number of Times the TOEIC Test Was Taken

    Figure 16 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Number of Times the TOEIC Test Was Taken

    Listening Reading

    Three times or more

    Twice

    Once

    Never

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    302 248

    313 255

    323 263

    343 280

    Section Scores Across Number of Times the TOEIC® Test Was Taken

    Figure 16: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Number of Times the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test Was Taken

    Figure 16: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Number of Times the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test Was Taken

    Section Scores Across Number of Times the TOEIC® Test was Taken

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    Purpose for Taking the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test

    High percentages of test takers indicated that the purpose of taking the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test was for learning (31%), job application (24%), and graduation (24%).

    A large proportion of test takers in Costa Rica (66%), Thailand (53%), and Korea (45%) took the test for job application purposes.

    For learning purposes, Japan (41%) and Hong Kong (36%) had the highest proportions of test takers.

    For graduation, Senegal (83%), Gabon (82%), Cameroon (77%), and Congo (76%) had the highest percentages of test takers.

    11:29 Thursday, March 12, 2020 30Purpose for Taking the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test

    High percentages of test takers indicated that the purpose of taking the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test was for learning (31%), job application (24%), and graduation (24%). A large proportion of test takers in Costa Rica (66%), Thailand (53%), and Korea (45%) took the test for job application purposes.

    For learning purposes, Japan (41%) and Hong Kong (36%) had the highest proportions of test takers. For graduation, Senegal (83%), Gabon (82%), Cameroon (77%), and Congo (76%) had the highest percentages of test takers.

    TOEIC®Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Purpose for Taking the TOEIC Test

    Figure 17 : Mean TOEIC Scores Across Purpose for Taking the TOEIC Test

    Listening Reading

    For job application

    For graduation

    For learning

    To assess language program

    For promotion

    Mean Total TOEIC Score0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

    348 280

    297 237

    310 253

    316 258

    317 261

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Purpose for Taking the TOEIC® Test

    Figure 17: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Purpose for Taking the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

    Figure 17: Mean TOEIC Scores Across Purpose for Taking the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

    TOEIC® Listening and Reading Comprehension Scores Across Purpose for Taking the TOEIC® Test

    Mean Total TOEIC Score

    Listening Reading

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    APPENDIX A

    Background Questionnaire

    4. If you are currently employed, which industry best describes that of your current employer?

    01. Agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining02. Construction/building design03. Manufacturing—food04. Manufacturing—pharmaceuticals05. Manufacturing—chemicals06. Manufacturing—fabric/paper07. Manufacturing—oil/petroleum/rubber08. Manufacturing—steel/other metals09. Manufacturing—machinery/fine machinery10. Manufacturing—electronic 11. Manufacturing—vehicles (includes

    manufacturing of all modes of transportation)12. Manufacturing—cement/glass13. Manufacturing—clothing14. Manufacturing—other15. Service—education (high school equivalent or

    below)16. Service—education (college equivalent or

    above, assessment, research)17. Service—court/legislative/municipal/prefecture18. Service—foreign affairs19. Service—armed forces20. Service—health/hospital/medical research 21. Service—hotel/recreation/restaurant/travel22. Service—other23. Public utilities production/management

    (electricity/water supply)24. Broadcasting/mass media25. Telecommunication26. Retail/wholesale27. Trading28. Accounting/banking/finance/security29. Insurance30. Real estate31. Transportation32. Other

    5. If you are currently employed, which of the following best describes the type of job you do? (The jobs shown in parentheses are examples only.)

    A. Management (executive, manager, director)B. Scientific/technical professionals (engineer,

    mathematician, programmer, researcher, scientist)

    C. Teaching/training D. Professional specialist (accountant, broker,

    financial specialist, lawyer)

    Read the choices below each question and select the one best answer. Fill in only one answer for each question.

    Section I. Your educational and/or work-related background

    1. Choose either the level of education in which you are currently enrolled or the highest level that you have completed.

    A. Elementary school (primary school)B. General secondary school (junior high

    school)C. Secondary school for university entrance

    qualification or equivalent (high school)D. Vocational/technical high schoolE. Vocational/technical school after high schoolF. Community/junior college (for associate degree)G. Undergraduate college or university (for bachelor’s

    degree)H. Graduate or professional school (for

    master’s or doctoral degree)I. Language institution

    2. Choose the major that you are currently enrolled in or the major of your highest degree. (The majors shown in parentheses are examples only.)

    A. Liberal arts (education, fine arts, languages, literature, music, psychology)

    B. Social studies/law (international studies, law studies, political science, sociology)

    C. Accounting/business/economicsD. Finance/marketing/tradingE. Sciences (agriculture, computer science,

    mathematics, physics, statistics)F. Health (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public

    health)G. Engineering/architectureH. Other/none

    3. Which of the following best describes your current status?

    A. I am employed full-time (including self-employed).

    B. I am employed part-time and/or study part-time.

    C. I am not employed. (Skip to Question #6.)D. I am a full-time student. (Skip to Question #6.)

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    APPENDIX A (Continued)APPENDIX A (continued)

    E. Technician (carpenter, electrician, equipment operator, plumber)

    F. Marketing/sales (foreign exchange broker, marketing analyst, real estate agent, sales representative, travel agent)

    G. Clerical/administrative (office staff member, receptionist, secretary)

    H. Services (customer service representative, human resources representative, hotel staff member, public relations representative)

    I. Other

    Section II. Your English-language experience

    6. How many years have you spent studying English?

    A. Less than or equal to 4 yearsB. More than 4 years but less than or equal to

    6 yearsC. More than 6 years but less than or equal to 10 yearsD. More than 10 years

    7. Which of the following language skills are/were most emphasized?

    A. ListeningB. ReadingC. SpeakingD. WritingE. Listening and speakingF. Reading and writingG. Listening, reading, speaking, and writing

    8. How much time must you use English in your daily life?

    A. None at allB. 1 to 10%C. 11 to 20% D. 21 to 50% E. 51 to 100%

    9. Which of the following English-language skills do you use most often?

    A. ListeningB. ReadingC. SpeakingD. WritingE. Listening and speakingF. Reading and writingG. Listening, reading, speaking, and writing

    10. How often has difficulty with English affected your ability to communicate?

    A. Almost neverB. SeldomC. SometimesD. FrequentlyE. Almost always

    11. Have you ever lived in a country in which English is the main spoken language?

    A. No (Skip to Question #13.)B. Yes, for less than 6 monthsC. Yes, for 6 to 12 monthsD. Yes, for more than 1 but less than or

    equal to 2 yearsE. Yes, for more than 2 years

    12. What was your main purpose for living in a country in which English is the main spoken language?

    A. To study (in other than an English-language program)

    B. To participate in an English-language programC. To travel (not work related)D. To workE. Other

    Section III. Your experience in taking the TOEIC® test

    13. Before today, how many times have you taken the TOEIC test?

    A. Never B. OnceC. TwiceD. Three times or more

    14. What is your main purpose for taking today’s TOEIC test?

    A. For a job applicationB. For promotionC. To assess the effectiveness of an English-

    language programD. To assess future learning needsE. To graduate from a course of study

    Background Questionnaire - Side 2

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    APPENDIX B

    Response Rates to Each Background QuestionN Response Rate

    Total Number of People Using the Background Questionnaire 4,848,894 .

    Education 3,700,600 76%

    Major 3,361,980 69%

    Current Status 3,823,439 79%

    Type of Industry 1,480,352 94%

    Type of Job 1,266,662 80%

    Years Spent Studying English 3,361,490 69%

    Language Skills Most Emphasized 3,349,457 69%

    Time Spent Daily Using English 3,355,118 69%

    English Language Skills Used Most Often 3,323,156 69%

    Difficulty With English Communication 3,340,516 69%

    Time in English-Speaking Country 3,324,075 69%

    Purpose for Time in English-Speaking Country 1,155,019 99%

    Number of Times the TOEIC® Test Was Taken 3,353,457 69%

    Purpose for Taking the TOEIC Test 3,474,234 72%

    *Note: N = 1,582,751 was used to calculate response rates for question 4 and 5 (after excluding test takers who selected option 03 and 04 in question 3); N = 1,165,998 was used to calculate response rate for question 12 (after excluding test takers who selected option 01 in question 11).

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    APPENDIX C

    Correlations Between Listening and Reading Scores by RegionRegion Correlations

    Africa 0.86

    Asia 0.85

    Europe 0.87

    North America 0.91

    South America 0.88

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    The TOEIC® Background QuestionnaireDescription of TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test Takers in 2019Mean TOEIC® Scores Across Native CountriesRelationship Between TOEIC® Listening and Reading ScoresTest Takers by Demographic VariablesAge GenderEducationAcademic MajorEmployment StatusType of IndustryType of Job Years Spent Studying English Type of Language Skill Most Emphasized When Studying EnglishDaily English Use RequirementMost Frequently Used Language SkillDifficulty with English Affecting CommunicationTime Spent in a Native English-Speaking CountryPurpose for Time in a Native English-Speaking CountryTOEIC® Test-Taking ExperiencePurpose for Taking the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BAPPENDIX C