2023 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses

TOEFL Seminar (Listening and Speaking) 8 2

Academic unit or major: English language courses
Instructor(s): Paul Narum
Class Format: Exercise (Livestream)
Media-enhanced courses: Courses specified
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 3-4 Thu (M-143A(H119A))
Class: 2
Course Code: LAE.E254
Number of credits: 010
Course offered: 2023
Offered quarter: 4Q
Syllabus updated: Jul 8, 2025
Language: English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

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.

Course description and aims

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.

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)

Experience since 1983 translating documents from Japanese into English, specializing in business, governmental, economic, scientific, historical, cultural and literary topics, among others. Experience since 1985 editing and fact-checking articles for a weekly newsmagazine published in Japanese. Experience since 1994 teaching English and related subjects at Japanese universities in the Tokyo-Yokohama area, with special concentrations on culture, history, media and translation. Travel experience to 155 countries and 74 dependent territories.

Keywords

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

Competencies

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

Class flow

This online seminar aims to develop students’ communication skills, particularly listening and speaking, in a way that is applicable to the TOEFL iBT test. The course is especially aimed at students who have taken the test before and want to improve their score.

Each class will begin with sample listening and speaking exercises from the textbook, followed by discussions and/or debates on various timely issues based on audio lectures, news clips, and documentaries. In this interactive class, students will then actively participate in Zoom breakout rooms, either in pairs or larger groups (maximum 3 or 4). There may be occasional quizzes to ascertain comprehension and help students expand their vocabulary.

Besides training for TOEFL, students will also develop intercultural competence and broaden their knowledge of contemporary issues.

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	Course introduction, teacher and student introductions Listening and speaking exercises from textbook Viewing of (listening to) lectures, news clips, or documentary Discussion and/or debate in pairs or small groups	Improve spoken fluency, practice listening, acquire new vocabulary/phrases, engage in discussion/debate, understand issues
Class 2	Short quiz about previous week Listening and speaking exercises from textbook Viewing of (listening to) lectures, news clips, or documentary Discussion and/or debate in pairs or small groups	Improve spoken fluency, practice listening, acquire new vocabulary/phrases, engage in discussion/debate, understand issues
Class 3	Short quiz about previous week Listening and speaking exercises from textbook Viewing of (listening to) lectures, news clips, or documentary Discussion and/or debate in pairs or small groups	Improve spoken fluency, practice listening, acquire new vocabulary/phrases, engage in discussion/debate, understand issues
Class 4	Short quiz about previous week Listening and speaking exercises from textbook Viewing of (listening to) lectures, news clips, or documentary Discussion and/or debate in pairs or small groups	Improve spoken fluency, practice listening, acquire new vocabulary/phrases, engage in discussion/debate, understand issues
Class 5	Short quiz about previous week Listening and speaking exercises from textbook Viewing of (listening to) lectures, news clips, or documentary Discussion and/or debate in pairs or small groups	Improve spoken fluency, practice listening, acquire new vocabulary/phrases, engage in discussion/debate, understand issues
Class 6	Short quiz about previous week Sample TOEFL test (listening)	Study for test, get feedback
Class 7	Review of TOEFL strategies Sample TOEFL test (listening/speaking) Course wrap-up	Study for test, get feedback

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)

eBook版 The OFFICIAL GUIDE to the TOEFL iBT® Test 6th Edition
[Link] https://www.officialtestprep.jp/fs/officialprep/official-guide-e6e

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Handouts will be distributed in class (online). Also bring a dictionary (E/J, J/E, E/E; online, electronic, or paper).

Evaluation methods and criteria

The grade for the quarter will be determined as follows:
Participation: 35%
Quizzes: 25%
Final tests: 40%

Related courses

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

Prerequisites

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.