2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses

TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 3 3

Academic unit or major: English language courses
Instructor(s): Yuto Koizumi
Class Format: Exercise (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 3-4 Wed
Class: 3
Course Code: LAE.E157
Number of credits: 010
Course offered: 2024
Offered quarter: 3Q
Syllabus updated: Mar 14, 2025
Language: Japanese

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 situations.

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

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/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
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.

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.

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/

Evaluation methods and criteria

Quizzes: 30%, assignment: 40%, final assignment: 30% (mandate)

Related courses

LAE.E158 ： TOEFL Seminar (Reading and Writing) 4

Prerequisites

none

Other

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.