2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 1 3
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Makiko Haraga
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed
- Class
- 3
- Course Code
- LAE.E155
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 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)
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 storytelling, 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, will explore a different issue using readings, audio lectures, and discussion. Students are expected to read handouts, do exercises, and come to class prepared for 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 TOEFL reading Type1: Vocabulary questions | Students will learn how to read faster and better. |
| Class 2 | TOEFL reading Type2: Referent questions | Students will familiarize themselves with the TOEFL reading question pattern (Type 2). |
| Class 3 | TOEFL reading Type3: Fact and detail questions Vocabulary Quiz １ | Students will familiarize themselves with the TOEFL reading question pattern (Type 3). For the quiz, they are expected to review the vocabulary covered. |
| Class 4 | Developing essay writing skills | Students will learn how to organize a short essay (TOEFL writing). |
| Class 5 | TOEFL reading Type4: Negative fact questions | Students will familiarize themselves with the TOEFL reading question pattern (Type 4). |
| Class 6 | TOEFL reading Type5: Coherence questions Due: Writing Assignment (in-class) | Students will be expected to demonstrate the writing skills that they will have acquired during this course. |
| Class 7 | Reading Test and Vocabulary QUiz 2 Instructor's feedback on the Writing Assignment | Students are expected to review all the question types 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/
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/
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class participation: 15% (Evaluation will be based on attitude, contribution, progress, and a willingness to learn)
Vocabulary quizzes: 15%
Reading Test: 30%
Writing Assignment I (in-class): 40%
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.