Does the TOEIC® test measure speaking and writing?
The TOEIC® test measures listening and reading skills directly. These skills can be tested objectively, cost-effectively, and efficiently. Testing speaking and writing directly requires considerable time and expense, both for administering the test and for scoring. Direct tests of speaking and writing are generally not only less objective, but also less reliable. The decision to test only listening and reading directly on the TOEIC® test was a response to the needs of clients and test takers for a rapid, affordable, and convenient service, as well as for high reliability. However, the TOEIC® test provides an indirect measure of speaking and writing. Studies with large samples of non-native speakers of English from around the world have confirmed a strong link between TOEIC® results and an oral interview. Smaller studies have shown a similar link with writing skills.
