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.
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.
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
---|---|
TOEFL, reading and writing skills of English, Studying abroad
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
We continue to explore various issues using readings, audio lectures, and discussions. Students are expected to study the vocabulary, complete all readings or TOEFL exercises, and come to class prepared to express their opinions. In addition, students are encouraged to develop speed-reading skills and expand academic vocabulary.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Course introduction, Timed-reading exercise TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the inference question | Students will be ask to read a passage within a time limit. |
Class 2 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the purpose question Writing exercise: writing headlines for news stories | Students will be ask to read a news story and write a headline within a time limit. |
Class 3 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the paraphrase question Developing essay-writing skills | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of paraphrase question and completing the assigned exercises. |
Class 4 | Reading test 1 Developing essay-writing skills | Students are expected to review the three question types: inference, purpose, and paraphrase. |
Class 5 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the summary question Writing exercise | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of summary question and completing the assigned exercises. |
Class 6 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the organization question Writing exercise | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of organization question and completing the assigned exercises. |
Class 7 | Reading test 2 | Students are expected to review the 5 TOEFL reading question types 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
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/
Class participation: 20% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Reading tests: 30%
Writing assignment: 50%
None
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 1.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.