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2020　TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 1 2

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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.)
Wed3-4(W371)  
Group
2
Course number
LAE.E155
Credits
1
Academic year
2020
Offered quarter
1Q
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
・be able to find better ways to answer the questions in the TOEFL test (especially of reading and writing sections) through various exercises.
・develop academic skills in English and apply those skills to general situations.

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

This course is designed to help students develop reading and writing skills that are applicable to the TOEFL iBT test. Each week, we will explore a different issue using readings, audio lectures, and discussion. 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, Class activity Reading exercise: Timed reading Students will learn how to read faster and better.
Class 2 TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the vocabulary question Students are responsible for understanding the definition of vocabulary question and completing the assigned exercises.
Class 3 TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the referent question Students are responsible for understanding the definition of referent question and completing the assigned exercises.
Class 4 TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the fact and detail question Vocabulary quiz Students are responsible for understanding the definition of fact and detail question and completing the assigned exercises. They are also expected to review the vocabulary for the quiz.
Class 5 TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the negative fact question News Brief Small-group discussion Students are responsible for understanding the definition of negative fact question and completing the assigned exercises. They are also asked to read a news story and write a summary. (Due Week 5)
Class 6 TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the coherence question Students are responsible for understanding the definition of coherence question and completing the assigned exercises.
Class 7 Class: Wrap-up of TOEFL strategy Exam on all material covered Students are expected to review the five TOEFL question types covered in this quarter as they prepare for the exam.

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 WEB SITES /SMARTPHONE APPS
VOA Leaning English: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
NPR: http://www.npr.org/ TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/
* VOA, NPR, and TED provide video transcripts.
Scientific American (podcasts “60-second science”): http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Assessment criteria and methods

Class participation: 20% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Vocabulary quiz: 20%
News Brief: 20%
Exam: 40%

Related courses

  • LAE.E156 ： TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 2

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

None

Other

It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 2.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.

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