This course is for students who have already studied for or taken the TOEFL test but hope to raise their score. It trains students' English skills in English with special focus on listening and speaking. It also introduces them to basic academic vocabulary and expressions useful for studying abroad for a short period of time.
By the end of the course students will be able to understand a few-minute speech or conversation discussing academic topics and to explain its main points and some details in short simple sentences.
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
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This course will be taught by a bilingual journalist who has been reporting and writing in both English and Japanese on a wide range of issues for a variety of publications. Throughout the course, the instructor will use her knowledge and expertise in the art of story-telling, to help students acquire communication skills that are necessary for presenting ideas effectively and clearly in English to people from culturally diverse backgrounds. |
TOEFL, Study abroad, Communication, Speaking and listening skills in English
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
We continue to explore various issues using audio lectures (TOEFL), news clips, and discussions. Students are expected to study the vocabulary and come to class prepared for a discussion. In addition to improving their listening and speaking skills, students will learn basic skills that are essential for creating and delivering effective presentations. The class is highly interactive. Therefore, students’ strong commitment and active participation are the keys to success, not only for themselves, but also for the entire class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
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Class 1 | Course introduction Speaking exercise | Students are expected to actively participate in group discussions. |
Class 2 | TOEFL listening and speaking exercise Listening to a news story | Students are responsible for reading handouts. Listening exercise: transcribing |
Class 3 | TOEFL listening and speaking exercise Pronunciation exercises | Students will be asked to make tongue twisters using L/R sounds. |
Class 4 | TOEFL listening and speaking exercise Developing presentation skills | Students are responsible for reading handouts. |
Class 5 | Presentation: Each student will deliver a presentation on a given topic. | Students are responsible for preparing a presentation. |
Class 6 | Instructor feedback on Speech Vocabulary Quiz | Students are expected to prepare for the Vocabulary Quiz. |
Class 7 | Class: Wrap-up of TOEFL strategies Exam (listening and speaking) | Students are responsible for preparing a short speech. |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Handouts
Handouts
Suggested Websites and smartphone apps:
VOA Learning English https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
NPR http://www.npr.org/
VOA and NPR provide video transcripts.
Scientific American (video and podcasts “60-second science”) http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC http://www.bbc.com/news
National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
The grade for the quarter will be determined as follows.
Class participation: 20% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Vocabulary Quiz: 20%
Presentation: 30%
Exam: 30%
NA
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 7.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.