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.
TOEFL, reading and writing skills of English, Studying abroad
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
For each class, students read a reading passage, answer questions, and send questions about difficult vocabulary or sentence structure in the passage by Google Form.
The class is divided into three parts. In the first 15-20 minutes, we will listen to a short passage and have a group discussion. Next, for 20-30 minutes,we have a group discussion about the reading assignment and listen to a follow-up lecture. The lecturer will answer questions sent via Google Form or asked on the spot. Then, we study different skills to tackle with questions in TOEFL iBT test. If time allows, we will have a brief discussion about a given topic and write a summary of the discussion or a paragraph on the given topic.
Both Japanese and English are used in the course. If the majority of students wish this class to be taught only in English, it can be arranged. Instructor will mainly speak to you in English and students are also encouraged to use English when they have discussions in class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | What is TOEFL iBT test? Introduction | Students learn the overall content of TOELF iBT test. |
Class 2 | Reading section: Structure and narrative patterns | Students learn the structure and types of reading passages. |
Class 3 | Writing section 1: Integrated Writing Paraphrase and summary Mini-quiz 1 | Students learn how to use paraphrase and summarize skills in integrated writing section. |
Class 4 | Reading Section: Academic disciplines and writing styles | Students learn the variety of academic disciplines and their argument styles. |
Class 5 | Independent writing How to make a plan for your essay | Students learn how to plan an essay effectively in independent writing. |
Class 6 | Integrated writing and independent writing Characteristics of score 5 essay Mini-quiz 2 | Students learn the characteristics of high-scoring essays. |
Class 7 | Independent writing Peer-critique of your essay | Students learn how to peer-crique their peer's essay and improve the quality. |
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
ETS TOEFL (2021), The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
Information about other materials will be provided in class.
Pre-class and in-class Google Forms: 40%
2 Mini-tests 30%
Independent writing one essay: 30%
None
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.