TOEIC Part 2: Wh-When Questions — Response Patterns & Practice

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Example: The speaker will explain two things: (1) what the new policy is about and (2) when it will be implemented. Respond in one sentence.

Model Answers at Different Score Bands

Score Band 400-500 (Basic Competence)

Model Answer:

The new policy is about working hours and it will start next month.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 3/5 – Includes both required elements (what and when) but lacks detail.
• Language Use: 3/5 – Simple sentences, minor grammatical errors.
• Comprehension: 5/5 – Understands the question but provides minimal information.
• Topic Development: 2/5 – Very brief, lacks elaboration.

Score Band 500-600 (Intermediate)

Model Answer:

The policy concerns flexible working hours, and it will be implemented starting from the first of next month.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 4/5 – Clear and complete, includes both elements.
• Language Use: 4/5 – More complex sentence structure, few errors.
• Comprehension: 5/5 – Fully understands the question.
• Topic Development: 3/5 – Provides sufficient detail but lacks depth.

Score Band 600-700 (Good Competence)

Model Answer:

The new policy focuses on adjusting working hours to better suit employee schedules, and it will be put into effect at the beginning of next month.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 5/5 – Complete and detailed, covers all aspects.
• Language Use: 5/5 – Well-structured, varied sentence types, minimal errors.
• Comprehension: 5/5 – Fully grasps the question.
• Topic Development: 4/5 – Provides clear and relevant details.

Score Band 700-800 (Advanced)

Model Answer:

The revised policy aims to introduce flexible working hours to enhance work-life balance, and it will be officially implemented on the first day of next month.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 5/5 – Comprehensive and precise, covers all required elements.
• Language Use: 5/5 – Sophisticated vocabulary and grammar, no errors.
• Comprehension: 5/5 – Fully understands the question.
• Topic Development: 5/5 – Detailed and coherent, logically ordered information.

Key Vocabulary

1. Policy (noun): A set of rules or a course of action. Example: The new company policy requires all employees to attend a safety training session.

1. Implement (verb): To put into effect. Example: The changes will be implemented next quarter.

1. Flexible (adjective): Able to be easily modified. Example: Flexible working hours allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives.

1. Timeline (noun): A schedule of events. Example: The project timeline includes several key milestones.

1. Discuss (verb): To talk about something in detail. Example: The team will discuss the new strategy in the meeting.

1. Concern (verb): To relate to or be about something. Example: The memo concerns the upcoming changes in the company.

1. Adjust (verb): To alter slightly. Example: We need to adjust the schedule to accommodate everyone's needs.

1. Effective (adjective): Successful in producing a desired result. Example: The new policy will be effective starting next month.

1. Enhance (verb): To increase or improve something. Example: The new software will enhance our productivity.

1. Official (adjective): Authorized or accepted. Example: The official announcement will be made next week.

1. Balance (noun): A state of equilibrium. Example: Achieving a good work-life balance is important for well-being.

1. Quarter (noun): A three-month period. Example: The company's performance will be reviewed at the end of the quarter.

1. Strategy (noun): A plan of action. Example: The marketing strategy aims to increase sales by 20%.

1. Memorandum (noun): A short official message. Example: The memorandum was sent to all department heads.

1. Productivity (noun): The rate at which work is completed. Example: The new tools have significantly improved our productivity.

1. Quarterly (adjective): Happening every three months. Example: The quarterly report was submitted on time.

1. Announcement (noun): A public declaration. Example: The announcement was made during the annual meeting.

1. Well-being (noun): The state of being healthy and happy. Example: Employee well-being is a priority for our company.

1. Schedule (noun): A plan for performing tasks. Example: The project schedule includes several deadlines.

1. Milestone (noun): A significant event. Example: Completing the first phase of the project was a major milestone.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Incomplete Responses: Forgetting to include either the 'wh-' question or the 'when' question.
2. Grammatical Errors: Using incorrect verb tenses or subject-verb agreement.
3. Lack of Clarity: Providing vague or ambiguous information.
4. Overly Complex Sentences: Trying to include too much information in one sentence, leading to confusion.
5. Misunderstanding the Context: Misinterpreting the question and providing irrelevant details.

Practice Tips

1. Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the details provided in the audio.
2. Identify Key Information: Note down the 'wh-' and 'when' elements as you listen.
3. Practice Speaking: Regularly practice speaking in complete sentences to improve fluency.
4. Use Transitional Phrases: Phrases like 'and it will be implemented' can help structure your response.
5. Review Model Answers: Study high-scoring responses to understand what makes them effective.

Get your own response scored by AI on English AIdol.