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2022　TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 8

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Academic unit or major
English language courses
Instructor(s)
Haraga Makiko 
Class Format
Exercise    (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Wed1-2(H1104)  
Group
-
Course number
LAE.E254
Credits
1
Academic year
2022
Offered quarter
4Q
Syllabus updated
2022/4/20
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
English
Access Index

Course description and aims

This course is for students who have already studied for or taken the TOEFL test but hope to raise their score. It trains students' English skills in English with special focus on listening and speaking. It also introduces them to basic academic vocabulary and expressions useful for studying abroad for a short period of time.

Student learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to understand a few-minute speech or conversation discussing academic topics and to explain its main points and some details in short simple sentences.

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, Study abroad, Communication, Speaking and listening skills in English

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills ✔ Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

We continue to explore various issues using audio lectures (TOEFL), news clips, and discussions. Students are expected to study the vocabulary and come to class prepared for a discussion. In addition to improving their listening and speaking skills, students will learn basic skills that are essential for creating and delivering effective presentations. The class is highly interactive. Therefore, students’ strong commitment and active participation are the keys to success, not only for themselves, but also for the entire class.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Course introduction Speaking exercise Students are expected to actively participate in group discussions.
Class 2 TOEFL listening and speaking exercise Listening to a news story Students are responsible for reading handouts. Listening exercise: transcribing
Class 3 TOEFL listening and speaking exercise Focus on pronunciation: Linking words Students will learn how to pronounce linking words.
Class 4 TOEFL listening: Conversation TOEFL speaking: Understanding integrated tasks Students will practice TOEFL integrated speaking.
Class 5 TOEFL listening and speaking exercise Developing presentation skills Students will be asked to deliver a short speech on a given topic.
Class 6 Speech (Group A) Listening test 1 Students assigned to Group A will deliver a presentation on a given topic. All students are expected to review the TOEFL listening strategies for a listening test.
Class 7 Speech (Group B) Listening test 2 Students assigned to Group B will deliver a presentation on a given topic. All students are expected to review the TOEFL listening strategies for a listening test.

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.

Handouts
Suggested Websites and smartphone apps:
VOA Learning English https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
NPR http://www.npr.org/
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/

Assessment criteria and methods

The grade for the quarter will be determined as follows.
Class participation: 25% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Listening tests: 35%
Speech: 40%

Related courses

  • LAE.E253 ： TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 7

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

NA

Other

It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 7.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.

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