2020 TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 8

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Academic unit or major
English language courses
Instructor(s)
Haraga Makiko 
Class Format
Exercise    (ZOOM)
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Wed5-6(W371)  
Group
-
Course number
LAE.E258
Credits
1
Academic year
2020
Offered quarter
4Q
Syllabus updated
2020/9/18
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
English
Access Index

Course description and aims

This course is designed to develop English skills for the Reading and Writing sections of the TOEFL test through TOEFL-type exercises in reading and writing and reviewing of them.

This course aims to help students improve their TOEFL score and develop their English skills to study at universities in English speaking countries.

Student learning outcomes

In this course students will
・understand what TOEFL tests are like, especially in reading and writing sections, and how to answer the questions in each section of the test.
・develop academic skills in English and apply those skills to general situation.

Course taught by instructors with work experience

Applicable How instructors' work experience benefits the course
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.

Keywords

TOEFL, reading and writing skills of English, Studying abroad

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills Intercultural skills Communication skills Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

We continue to explore various issues using readings, audio lectures, and discussions. Students are expected to study the vocabulary, complete all readings, and come to class prepared to express their opinions. The class is highly interactive. In addition, there will be quizzes that are designed to help students expand their academic vocabulary.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Course introduction, Reading exercise TOEFL reading Type 6: Inference questions Students will learn how to become a rapid reader.
Class 2 TOEFL reading Type 7: Purpose questions Introduction to the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task Students are responsible for completing the exercises on inference questions.
Class 3 TOEFL reading Type 8: Paraphrase questions TOEFL writing strategy: Developing essay-writing skills Students are responsible for completing the exercises on Purpose questions.
Class 4 Reading Test #1 TOEFL writing strategy: Developing essay-writing skills Students are expected to review the TOEFL question types 6, 7 and 8.
Class 5 TOEFL reading Type 9: Summary questions Writing assignment (due Week 5) Students will submit a short essay on a given topic.
Class 6 TOEFL reading Type 10: Organization questions Exploring the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task Students are responsible for completing the exercises on summary questions.
Class 7 Class: Instructor feedback on the Writing assignment Reading Tests #2 Students are expected to review all the materials covered in this quarter.

Out-of-Class Study Time (Preparation and Review)

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.

Textbook(s)

Handouts

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Suggested Websites and smartphone apps:
VOA Learning English https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
NPR http://www.npr.org/
Scientific American http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC http://www.bbc.com/news
National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Assessment criteria and methods

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.)
Writing assignment: 40%
Reading Tests: 40%

Related courses

  • TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 5-8

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

NA

Other

It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 7.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.

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