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Why English Is Essential for Success on the Global Stage
Today, the fields of research and education extend far beyond national borders. English proficiency is an essential skill for communicating research findings to the world, accessing the latest knowledge, and collaborating with international peers. By developing English-language skills, opportunities for research, learning, and career advancement expand significantly.
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©The Institute for International Business Communication . Last Update 2026-02-02
Content／学習内容
The Importance of English in Academic Fields
English communication skills to succeed globally
As education and research continue to globalize, English proficiency is required in all aspects of academic activity and has become indispensable for international communication and exchange. Strengthening English skills enables individuals to seize more opportunities and broaden their potential to succeed on the global stage.
1. Academic Writing and Conference Presentations
By writing papers in English and presenting at international conferences, researchers can share their work with a global audience. English presentations and participation in Q&A sessions enhance professional evaluation and often lead to new opportunities for international collaboration.
2. Access to the Latest Knowledge
A large proportion of academic papers and specialized publications worldwide are produced in English. The ability to gather information in English enhances research quality and serves as a driving force for generating new ideas and research topics.
3. International Collaborative Research and Networking
Participation in discussions and projects with researchers from overseas requires effective communication in English. Exposure to diverse perspectives fosters new insights and expands opportunities for collaboration.
4. Study Abroad and International Training
English plays a vital role in all aspects of studying abroad, including attending classes, writing reports, daily life, and cultural exchange. Confidence in English deepens experiences and greatly expands personal and academic growth.
English Skills Needed to Expand Your Field of Achievement
To perform effectively in academic fields, it is important to develop a balanced command of the four English skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. English communication skills serve as a driving force for opening up future possibilities.
1. Listening
The ability to accurately understand presentations and discussions in English at international conferences, seminars, and research meetings. Extracting key points amid diverse accents, speaking speeds, and technical terminology is essential for participating in discussions, engaging in collaborative research, and building international networks.
2. Reading
The ability to accurately and deeply comprehend a wide range of English materials, including academic papers, specialized books, and international reports. As many cutting-edge studies and key theories are published in English, the ability to handle technical terms and complex sentence structures is essential. Critical reading skills form the foundation for expanding both the quality and scope of research.
3. Speaking
The ability to clearly and logically communicate ideas and research findings during conference presentations, discussions, and meetings with research partners. Persuasive explanations and appropriate responses during Q&A sessions are indispensable for expressing opinions and expanding researcher networks in international settings.
4. Writing
The ability to write research outcomes and ideas clearly and logically in academic papers, reports, grant applications, conference manuscripts, and email correspondence with overseas partners. Clear structure, accurate expression, appropriate use of technical terminology, and presentation of evidence and data are essential, directly contributing to submissions to international academic journals and project proposals.
Four English Skills Assessed by the TOEIC® Program
The TOEIC Program provides an objective indicator of practical English communication skills required in international contexts. By enhancing English proficiency through the TOEIC Program, individuals can expand their potential to succeed in global environments.
The TOEIC Program consists of two brands, each designed to measure the four English skills—listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Tests can be selected according to the skills and proficiency levels you wish to assess.
TOEIC® Tests
Globally recognized tests that measure practical English skills used in everyday life and global business environments.
TOEIC Listening & Reading Test: Measures listening and reading skills
TOEIC Speaking & Writing Tests: Measures speaking and writing skills
Together, these tests provide a comprehensive assessment of English communication ability. Test content covers a wide range of situations, from daily life to business contexts, and scores are widely used for decisions related to corporate promotion, academic advancement, and employment.
TOEIC Bridge® Tests
Designed for beginner to intermediate learners, these tests measure practical English skills used in everyday life.
TOEIC Bridge Listening & Reading Tests: Measures listening and reading skills
TOEIC Bridge Speaking & Writing Tests: Measures speaking and writing skills
By assessing all four skills, these tests are ideal for learners who wish to evaluate their English proficiency from the basics or prepare as a stepping stone before taking the TOEIC Tests.
The TOEIC® Program’s Commitment to Quality
The TOEIC Program is developed and administered by ETS, a nonprofit test development organization based in the United States. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, ETS is one of the world’s largest nonprofit assessment organizations and develops approximately 200 tests, including TOEFL® and the GRE® General Test. Guided by its mission, “Advancing the Science of Measurement to Power Human Progress,” ETS rigorously ensures that all tests meet the following standards.
Reliability
Reliability
Ensuring stable and consistent evaluation based on the same standards across repeated administrations
Validity
Validity
Accurately measuring the abilities, knowledge, and skills the test is designed to assess
Fairness
Fairness
Ensuring that no test-taker is advantaged or disadvantaged due to linguistic or cultural background
ETS maintains strict guidelines not only for test content but also for administration procedures and score reporting. The TOEIC Program avoids questions that require knowledge of expressions or cultural references specific to certain countries or regions, ensuring fair assessment of English proficiency as a global language.
In addition, ETS employs specialists in research, statistics, and measurement who conduct rigorous checks at every stage of test development and administration. These ongoing efforts ensure consistency and alignment in evaluation while continuously verifying that the tests accurately measure their intended skills. Through this meticulous approach, the TOEIC Program maintains high levels of reliability and validity and continues to enhance test quality and precision.
Expanding Future Possibilities with the TOEIC® Program
English proficiency is a valuable asset not only in education and research, but also for graduate studies, job searches, and career advancement. The TOEIC Program supports you in achieving the future you aspire to build.
ETS, PROPELL, TOEIC and TOEIC BRIDGE are registered trademarks of ETS, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, and used in Japan under license. The Eight-Point logo is a trademark of ETS. Portions are copyrighted by ETS and used with permission.
