🟧 Mastering TOEIC Yes/No Questions
Say Yes Without Saying Yes
🎯 The TOEIC Test Isn’t Testing English — It’s Testing Prediction
Let’s start with what we already know — and what most people forget when they sit down for the test:
TOEIC is not testing your English.
It’s testing how well you can:
Recognize patterns
React quickly under pressure
Ignore the obvious
And trust logic, not instinct
Nowhere is that more true than in Part 2 Yes/No questions — easily one of the sneakiest parts of the test.
🧠 Here’s the Reality:
Around 80% of the time, the correct answer to a Yes/No question is not the one that says “Yes” or “No.”
TOEIC loves to present:
One answer with “Yes”
One with “No”
One that sounds strange or off-topic
Guess what?
That strange one — the one that doesn’t repeat the structure of the question — is usually the winner.
🧪 Why? Because TOEIC Is a Pattern Game
Let’s look at an example:
Q: “Did you send the report?”
You might hear:
“Yes, I will.” ❌
“No, not yet.” ❌
“It was emailed this morning.” ✅
Now ask yourself: which one adds value?
“Emailed this morning” answers the question and moves the conversation forward. The others? Just vague repetition.
This isn’t random — it’s designed this way.
TOEIC wants you to go for the obvious — so it can punish you for it.
💡 Coaching Tip: Play the Percentages
If you’re unsure, here’s how to think like a strategist — not a student.
Let’s say you get a Yes/No question and:
One answer is clearly wrong (off-topic or absurd)
The other two are:
A) One with “Yes” or “No”
B) One that sounds odd, short, or incomplete
Now do the math:
TOEIC chooses “Yes” or “No” only 20% of the time
That means the “strange” answer is correct 80% of the time
So if you’re down to those two, you’re looking at a 4-to-1 advantage if you pick the strange one.
Let’s get nerdy for a second:
If 1 of 2 answers is strange and 1 is Yes/No, and history shows strange wins 80% of the time…
Then your probability-adjusted score jumps massively when you trust the pattern.
This is not about guessing — this is about playing the odds like a pro.
🤖 Think Like the Test, Not Like a Person
Remember — TOEIC isn’t measuring your friendliness. It’s measuring your ability to choose the most logical answer fast.
And in real conversation, “Yes” or “No” is just a starter. But TOEIC doesn’t give follow-up questions.
It gives you one shot — and the best answers are the ones that:
Add detail
Resolve ambiguity
Allow the conversation to move forward
🧠 Common Ways TOEIC Says “Yes” Without Saying It
Here are some classic correct answers that imply “yes”:
“I submitted it this morning.”
“It’s already been processed.”
“The manager approved it yesterday.”
“They arrived 10 minutes ago.”
“She’s working on that now.”
“It’s scheduled for 3 PM.”
They don’t say “Yes,” but they answer the question. That’s what TOEIC is after.
Now here’s how TOEIC says “No” without using the word:
“Not yet, I’m still reviewing it.”
“She hasn’t arrived.”
“That’s been delayed until Friday.”
“I wasn’t informed about that.”
“Nothing has been confirmed.”
If the response gives a clear status, it’s likely correct — even if it “feels wrong” in the moment.
🚫 Don’t Fall for These Traps
Let’s go real-world:
Q: “Do you know where the meeting is?”
“Yes, I did.” ❌ ← Too vague
“No, I forgot.” ❌ ← Natural but incomplete
“It’s in Room 402.” ✅ ← Clear and useful
Q: “Are they arriving today?”
“No, I don’t think so.” ❌ ← Weak
“Yes, that’s right.” ❌ ← Sounds helpful, adds no info
“They’ll be here at 3 PM.” ✅ ← No Yes/No, full answer
If it doesn’t move the situation forward — it’s not the right answer.
🧭 Your Takeaway Strategy
When you hear a Yes/No question in TOEIC:
Eliminate any choice that’s clearly irrelevant
Compare the “Yes/No” answer with the “strange but informative” one
Remember the math:
“Yes/No” = ~20% chance
Indirect = ~80% chance
Go with the odds — and go with logic
This is test-taking, not chatting. You're here to win points, not make friends.
🧱 Final Word: Trust the Pattern
You’re not being rude for skipping “Yes” and “No.”
You’re being smart.
When it comes to TOEIC Yes/No questions:
What sounds like gold is usually fool’s gold.
The weird answer is often the right one.
And guessing becomes strategy when you know the numbers.
🔗 Missed Part 1? Go Back and Read:
📘 Mastering TOEIC Part 2 – The Right Answer Sounds Wrong
→ Covers echo traps, grammar bait, and why the most natural-sounding answer is usually a lie.