Teaching English Language

Teaching English Language

Test-Taking Strategy Instruction and TOEIC Reading Comprehension: Strategy-Use Differences in EFL College Students

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Kookmin University
10.22132/tel.2025.486022.1722
Abstract
This study examines the effects of test-taking strategy instruction on reading comprehension in the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), thus addressing one of the biggest concerns of South Korean college students. The strategy choices of 48 college students, who were divided into a test-wise group and a test-naïve group, were examined through verbal reports. The students took a total of three mock tests while receiving test-taking strategy instruction. The changes in the scores were identified through repeated-measures ANCOVA and the effect size was compared. Results indicated that while there was an increase in scores for both groups, the test-naïve group showed a larger increase than the test-wise group. This paper illuminates the necessity of teaching test-taking strategies, which are particularly helpful for students who have academic potential but have difficulty employing it effectively to achieve their goals. In addition, it is necessary to continuously monitor learners’ strategic abilities through an in-depth method like verbal protocol. It is expected that successful academic achievement experiences facilitate the learning process, allowing students to take ownership of their learning.
Keywords

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Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 1-35

  • Receive Date 29 October 2024
  • Accept Date 12 September 2025