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
・understand what TOEFL tests are like, especially in Reading and Writing sections, and how to answer the questions in each section of the test.
・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 |
We explore various essay topics using digital resources to acquire TOEFL writing skills. Students are expected to study the vocabulary to write an effective essay. They are also encouraged to read different articles to get familiar with essay questions.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | #1. Introduction to Course. Review of the current TOEFL test writing questions and skills: Writing for Academic Discussion | ・Identify course aims. Acquire writing skills for the TOEFL. ・Acquire effective writing phrases for the TOEFL. ・Find any resource to learn some typical topics for the TOEFL. |
Class 2 | #2. Writing for Academic Discussion (1) -Writing exercise: “Is AI a dangerous technology... | ・Acquire effective writing phrases for the TOEFL. ・Find any resource to learn some typical topics for the TOEFL. |
Class 3 | #3. Writing for Academic Discussion (2) -Writing exercise: “Overall, do devices like smartphones have a positive impact... | ・Acquire effective writing phrases for the TOEFL. ・Find any resource to learn some typical topics for the TOEFL. |
Class 4 | #4. Writing for Academic Discussion (3) -Writing exercise: “Let’s prepare by discussing whether it’s better for students to take classes with a lot of discussions... | ・Acquire effective writing phrases for the TOEFL. ・Find any resource to learn some typical topics for the TOEFL. |
Class 5 | #5. Writing for Academic Discussion (4) -Writing exercise: “Does social media cause more harm than good?” | ・Acquire effective writing phrases for the TOEFL. ・Find any resource to learn some typical topics for the TOEFL. |
Class 6 | #6. Writing for Academic Discussion (5) -Writing exercise: “If you had to choose, would you say that students should be given grades or not?” | ・Acquire effective writing phrases for the TOEFL. ・Find any resource to learn some typical topics for the TOEFL. |
Class 7 | #7. Writing for Academic Discussion (6) -Writing exercise: “What are your thoughts on the social media influencer?” | ・A comprehensive review will be conducted through the final assignment. ・Take TOEFL and demonstrate knowledge of class materials. |
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
Test Resources: TOEFL Writing Questions (2023 edition) – Sample Essays and Questions:
https://www.toeflresources.com/sample-toefl-essays/sample-essays-i/
BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news
National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/
Scientific American: http://www.scientificamerican.com/
Quizzes: 30%, assignment: 40%, final assignment: 30% (mandate)
none
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 4.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.