2020 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 7
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Makiko Haraga
- Class Format
- Exercise (Zoom)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Wed (W323)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAE.E257
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2020
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
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.
Course description and aims
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 situation.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
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, reading and writing skills of English, Studying abroad
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
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. 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/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Course introduction, Class activity, Reading exercise TOEFL reading Type 1: Vocabulary questions | Students will learn how to read faster and better. |
| Class 2 | TOEFL reading Type 2: Referent questions Lecture: How to become a good writer Part 1 | Students are responsible for completing the exercises on vocabulary questions. |
| Class 3 | TOEFL reading Type 3: Fact and detail questions Lecture: How to become a good writer Part 2 | Students are responsible for completing the exercises on referent questions. |
| Class 4 | Reading Test #1 Developing essay writing skills | Students are expected to review the questions types 1, 2 and 3. |
| Class 5 | TOEFL reading Type 4: Negative fact questions Writing Assignment (due Week 5) | Students will submit a short essay on a given topic. |
| Class 6 | TOEFL reading Type 5: Coherence questions | Students are responsible for completing the exercises on negative fact questions. |
| Class 7 | Instructor feedback on the Writing Assignment Reading Test 2 | Students are expected to review all material covered in this course. |
Study advice (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.
Suggested Websites and smartphone apps:
VOA Learning English https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
NPR http://www.npr.org/
Scientific American http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC http://www.bbc.com/news
National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Evaluation methods and criteria
The grade for the quarter will be determined as follows:
Class participation: 20% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Vocabulary Quiz: 40%
News Brief: 40%
Exam: 40%
Related courses
- TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 5-8
Prerequisites
NA
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 8.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.