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.
✔ 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 Skills, Listening Skills
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
This course is designed to help students develop communication skills that are applicable to the TOEFL iBT test. Each week, we will explore a different issue using audio lectures, news clips, readings, and discussion. In addition, there will be quizzes that are designed to help students expand their academic vocabulary. Throughout the course, students will also learn to develop intercultural competence, one of the most important skills needed to be able to collaborate with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
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Class 1 | Course introduction Class activity | Students are asked to talk about themselves. |
Class 2 | TOEFL listening strategy: Understanding the main points Speaking exercises | Students are responsible for reading all the handouts. As for the speaking exercise, they will be asked to speak on a given topic during the class. |
Class 3 | TOEFL listening strategy: Developing note-taking skills Pronunciation exercises | Students will learn how to pronounce some of the most challenging English sounds. |
Class 4 | TOEFL speaking strategy: Identifying the topic and the task Listening exercises | Students are responsible for reading all the handouts. |
Class 5 | TOEFL speaking strategy: Making an outline Vocabulary quiz | Students are responsible for studying the vocabulary assigned for the quiz. |
Class 6 | TOEFL listening and speaking exercise | Students are expected to be able to demonstrate all the listening and speaking skills that they have acquired. |
Class 7 | Class: Wrap-up of TOEFL strategies Exam on all material covered | Students are expected to review the TOEFL strategies covered in this quarter. |
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
VOA Leaning English https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
TED Talks https://www.ted.com/
NPR http://www.npr.org/
TED, 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/
Class participation: 20% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Vocabulary quiz: 35%
Exam: 45%
None
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 2.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.