TOEFL Preparation Handout 1
Waseda/Oregon TSA
Spring 2008
Instructor: Elizabeth Cole
Class Time: Tuesday 4:00-6:00
Email:
Website: http://englishyes.pbwiki.com/
Materials: Longman’s Preparation course for the TOEFL Test by Deborah Phillips
Description: This course is designed to help you develop strategies and build skills for taking the TOEFL test success. In-class work will include test-taking strategies, analysis of questions types, vocabulary building strategies, grammar review, and listening and reading strategies. We will also take TOEFL tests during class time.
In order to receive a higher TOEFL score, you must spend a significant amount of work outside of class. We will use our class time to discuss any questions or problems that have arisen from your out-of-class work in addition to developing test-taking strategies. Therefore, you will need to do additional exercises and practice tests on your own time.
Grades: This is a graded course. Because studying on your own is essential for the TOEFL, the grades will be based on the time you spend studying outside of class.
A = 5-6 hours/week
B = 4-5 hours/week
C = 3-4 hours/week
D = 2-3 hours/week
F = 0-2 hours/week
*If you can consistently score in the 540’s on the practice tests, you do not have to adhere to this schedule. If you do score below the 540’s on the practice tests, you need to adhere to this schedule.
PSU Institutional TOEFL Website
The PSU institutional TOEFL website is: http://testing.pdx.edu/toefl.php
This website informs students about registration for the TOEFL, testing dates, and rules. You need to read the information on this website carefully. Check this site carefully before the test to see if the dates change.
Online Course:
Materials are online at: http://englishyes.pbwiki.com/TOEFL-Preparation-at-Waseda-Oregon
Tentative Course Schedule
Week 1 / Introduction, TOEFL Strategy,
Using the textbook, Course Description
Week 2 / Diagnostic # 1 / Longman’s Complete Test 1
Week 3 / Short conversations / Predicting topic, Question type: Heinle & Heinle
Focus on the Second Line
Choose answers with synonyms
Avoid Similar Sounds
Draw Conclusions about Who, What, Where
______
Study at home:
Listen for Negative Expressions
Listen for Double Negative Expressions
Other skills as needed
Week 4 / Short Conversations
Extended conversations / Listen for Almost Negative Expressions
Listen for Wishes
TOEFL Review Exercises (Skills 1-17)
Anticipate the Topics
Anticipate the Questions
Determine the Topic
TOEFL Review Exercises (Skills 18-22)
______
Study at home:
Draw Conclusions about Who, What, When, Where
Listen for Answers in Order
Other skills as needed
Week 5 / Extended Conversations
Mini-talks / Practice Predicting Heinle and Heinle
Anticipate the Topics
Anticipate the Questions
Determine the Topic
TOEFL Review Exercises (Skills 23-27)
Week 6 / Reading / Answer the main ideas correctly
Recognize the organization of ideas
TOEFL Exercise (Skills 3-5)
TOEFL Review Exercises Skills 1-5
TOEFL Exercises Skills (6-7)
Week 7 / Diagnostic Test # 2 / Longman’s Complete Test 2
Page 405
Week 8 / Reading / Vocabulary Questions
Determine the tone, purpose, or course
Week 9 / Structure / TOEFL Review exercise (Skills 1-19) page 141
TOEFL Review exercise (Skills 1-60) page 226
Week Week 10 / Overview
Develop plan for next term / TBA