2021 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 1 2
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Makiko Haraga
- Class Format
- Exercise
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed (W371)
- Class
- 2
- Course Code
- LAE.E155
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2021
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- 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
・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.
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)
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.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Vocabulary quiz | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of fact and detail question and completing the assigned exercises. They are also expected to review the vocabulary for the quiz. |
| 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 | Students are responsible for understanding the definition of negative-fact question and coherence question. They are also expected to complete the assigned exercises. |
| Class 7 | Reading test 2 | Students are expected to review the five TOEFL question types covered in this quarter. |
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 WEB SITES /SMARTPHONE APPS
VOA Leaning English: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
NPR: http://www.npr.org/ TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/
* VOA, NPR, and TED provide video transcripts.
Scientific American (podcasts “60-second science”): http://www.scientificamerican.com/
BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation: 20% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, improvement, and a willingness to learn.)
Reading tests: 30%
Writing assignment: 50%
Related courses
- LAE.E156 ： TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 2
Prerequisites
None
Other
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.