The course further develops all four English skills (with a focus on speaking in the fourth Quarter) for students who are interested in studying for a year (or longer) abroad at the Graduate School. The course introduces students to a number of skills such as note-taking, presentation and debate etc. which will enable students to understand lectures and participate in seminars when they study abroad in an English-speaking environment.
- Students are able to grasp the overall contents of the lecture and conversation extracts and summarize their contents for the purpose of succeeding in the TOEFL test.
- Students are able to give presentations about the reading assignment for the class.
- Students answer questions in English clearly and fluently to other students in a classroom.
- Students are able to have debate about their specialist topics in English.
TOEFL Study-abroad, Communication, Four skills in English
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Each week, we will discuss a new topic, requiring students to actively participate in class activities, debates, and presentations, and developing students’ test taking strategies for the TOEFL iBT. Students are required to listen to and/or read assigned materials before class, preparing for focused discussions of their content. (Note: Syllabus is subject to change based on the level, needs, and actual number of students.)
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction to course Lesson 1: Detail Questions and Referent Questions (Reading) | Identify course aims. Acquire reading skills for the TOEFL. |
Class 2 | Lesson 2: Negative Fact Questions and Function Questions (Reading) Lesson 3: Inference Questions and Vocabulary Questions (Reading) | Acquire reading skills for the TOEFL. |
Class 3 | Lesson 3: Inference Questions and Vocabulary Questions (Reading) Lesson 4: Sentence Summary Questions and Passage (Reading) | Acquire reading skills for the TOEFL. |
Class 4 | Lesson 4: Sentence Summary Questions and Passage (Reading) Lesson 5: Add Text Questions and Table Completion Questions | Acquire reading skills for the TOEFL. |
Class 5 | Midterm Exam Lesson 1: Integrated Writing Task (Writing) | Demonstrate knowledge of class material. Acquire writing skills for the TOEFL. |
Class 6 | Lesson 1: Integrated Writing Task (Writing) | Lesson 1: Integrated Writing Task (Writing) |
Class 7 | Lesson 2: Independent Writing Task (Writing) | Lesson 2: Independent Writing Task (Writing) |
Class 8 | Lesson 2: Independent Writing Task (Writing) Final Exam | Lesson 2: Independent Writing Task (Writing) Final Exam |
Skills for the TOEFL iBT Test: Reading and Writing. 2012. London: Collins. (ISBN: 978-0007460595)
Additional reading materials may be assigned throughout the term.
Class Participation: 25%
Homework and In-class Assignments: 25%
Midterm Exam: 25%
Final Exam: 25%
none
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar 15.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.