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 |
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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, reading and writing skills of English, Studying abroad
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
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 | |
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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 Writing exercise | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of vocabulary question and completing the assigned exercises. |
Class 3 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the referent question Vocabulary quiz | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of referent question and completing the assigned exercises. They are also expected to review the vocabulary for the quiz. |
Class 4 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the fact and detail question | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of fact and detail question and completing the assigned exercises. |
Class 5 | Reading test 1 Writing exercise | Students are expected to review the three question types: vocabulary, referent, fact and detail. |
Class 6 | TOEFL reading strategy: Understanding the negative fact question and coherence question Vocabulary quiz | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of negative-fact question and coherence question. They are also expected to complete the assigned exercises and review the vocabulary for the quiz. |
Class 7 | Reading test 2 Review: How to become a better writer | Students are expected to review the five TOEFL 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
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/
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) 2.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.