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.
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
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An instructor with work experience as a performer will provide hands-on experience in the performing arts, based on practice in the field that fosters critical thinking and encourages creativity and self-expression. |
TOEFL Study-abroad, Communication, Four skills in English
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
This course focuses on developing TOEFL Reading and Writing 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 | |
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Class 1 | 1. Introduction to Course 2. Lesson 1 (Reading): Detail Questions and Referent Questions | identify course aims; acquire reading skills for the TOEFL |
Class 2 | 1. Lesson 2 (Reading): Negative Fact Questions and Function Questions 2. Lesson 3 (Reading): Inference Questions and Vocabulary Questions | acquire reading skills for the TOEFL |
Class 3 | 1. Lesson 4 (Reading): Sentence Summary Questions and Passage 2. Lesson 5 (Reading): Add Text Questions and Table Completion Questions 3. Review: Reading, Lessons 1-5 | acquire reading skills for the TOEFL; consolidate, apply, and integrate skills, materials, and key concepts |
Class 4 | 1. Midterm Exam (Reading) 2. Lesson 1 (Writing): Integrated Writing Task | demonstrate knowledge of class material; acquire reading and writing skills for the TOEFL |
Class 5 | Lesson 1 (Writing): Integrated Writing Task | acquire writing skills for the TOEFL |
Class 6 | Lesson 2 (Writing): Integrated Writing Task | acquire writing skills for the TOEFL |
Class 7 | 1. Review: Writing, Lessons 1-2 2. Final Exam (Writing) | consolidate, apply, and integrate skills, materials, and key concepts; demonstrate effective writing skills for the TOEFL |
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.
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.