This course is for students who do not know much about or have never taken the TOEFL test. The course introduces students to its content and format as well basic vocabulary necessary so that they will be able not only to familiarize themselves with the test format but also study in academic institutions with English-speaking environment for a short period of time.
- Students will understand the content and format of the TOEFL test.
- Students will improve their listening and speaking skills through interactive pair and group activities in class.
- Students will be able to understand a short speech or conversations and to summarize and explain orally its main content in simple sentences in English.
TOEFL Study-abroad, Communication, Speaking Skills, Listening Skills
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Attendance is taken at each class. Students are required to complete the listening, speaking, and/or vocabulary assignments before class. Each week, we will discuss a new topic, requiring the students to actively participate in class activities, debates, and presentations, while developing the students' test taking skills for the TOEFL iBT. (Note: Syllabus is subject to change based on the levels, needs, and actual number of students.)
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction to course TOEFL iBT practice test Homework: Lessons 1-2, pp. 51-66 (Matthiesen 2014) | Identify course aims. Acquire listening skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. |
Class 2 | Listening exercises (Main idea and detail questions) Homework: Lessons 3-4, pp. 67-84 | Acquire listening skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. |
Class 3 | Listening exercises (Function and stance questions) Homework: Lessons 5-6, pp. 85-103 | Acquire listening skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. |
Class 4 | Listening exercises (Organization and inference questions) Homework: Lessons 7-8, pp. 104-121 | Acquire listening skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. Demonstrate knowledge of class materials. |
Class 5 | Midterm Exam Speaking exercises (Organizing and synthesizing information) Homework: Lessons 9-10, pp. 122-139 | Demonstrate knowledge of class materials. Acquire speaking skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. |
Class 6 | Speaking exercises (Stating opinions and summarizing) Homework: Lessons 11-12, pp. 140-157 | Acquire speaking skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. |
Class 7 | Speaking exercises (Answering conversation- and lectured-based questions; Pronunciation) Homework: Lessons 13-14, pp. 158-175 | Acquire speaking skills. Recall vocabulary list and comprehend handouts. |
Class 8 | Revision of materials Final Presentation | Consolidation, application, and integration of skills, materials, and key concepts. Identify course aims. Demonstrate effective speaking skills. |
Matthiesen, Steven, J. 2014. Essential Words for the TOEFL. 6th ed. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's. (ISBN: 978-1-4380-0296-5)
Additional reading materials and handouts will be assigned throughout the term.
Class Participation, 25%
Homework and In-class Assignments, 25%
Midterm Exam, 25%
Final Presentation, 25%
None
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 1.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.