Author: Lester L. Potot, Dennishe S. Tumulak, Jhonwindel B. Tibalan, Erwin S. Quiamco

Abstract: This study examined the comparative test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Reading and Listening (RL) performances of 194 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students from Taiwan enrolled at the Center for English Language Studies (CELS) of Lapulapu-Cebu International College during the 2024–2025 academic year. Using a descriptive quantitative research design, the study analyzed students’ pretest and posttest TOEIC scores to assess the efficacy of an intense English immersion program lasting one month. Four to five focused language modules that provided 24 hours of in-person training per course made up this pedagogical intervention. The 90-minute daily sessions operationalized structured language exposure using a Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) framework that balanced performance-driven communicative output activities specific to standardized test domains with real-world listening and reading input. Results revealed a notable improvement in students’ overall proficiency, with the mean score increasing from 423.25 (SD = 152.57) in the pretest to 503.89 (SD = 173.25) in the posttest. A paired sample t-test indicated a statistically significant difference between the two means (t = 11.93, p < .001), confirming the positive impact of the intervention. Furthermore, 85% of participants demonstrated score gains, and 48 students advanced to higher CEFR levels. The findings suggest that focused instruction, task-based learning, and consistent TOEIC-oriented practice significantly enhance learners’ communicative competence. This study underscores the effectiveness of short-term intensive English programs in improving EFL students’ test performance and overall language proficiency.

Keywords: TOEIC RL, EFL learners, language proficiency, test performance, English instruction, CELS, CEFR level

Article Info: Received: 20 April 2026; Received in revised form: 22 May 2026; Accepted: 26 Jun 2026; Available online: 29 Jun 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.113.84