The TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT) preparation class is an intensive English skills development course which focuses on teaching standardized test taking strategies for the TOEFL iBT while strengthening the main skills of English learning: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Students will develop specific strategies for approaching each one. Students will practice academic skills, review grammar and boost vocabulary skills. Though the intent and focus of the course is specifically aimed towards enhancing TOEFL students’ iBT test taking techniques, class assignment have the goal to prepare students for TOEFL by discussing, practicing, and analyzing each section of the test; learning TOEFL test-taking skills and strategies in each section of the test; reviewing particular grammatical patterns that occur regularly on the TOEFL; simulating actual test-taking conditions so that students become familiar with and more comfortable with test situations; improve the quality and quantity of productive writing skills under time pressure. It is taken in combination with Developing Academic Vocabulary (ESL300-7_Pre-Adv_Vocabulary) and TOEFL Practice Tests Course (ESL300-8_TOEFL-iBT_TestPractice).

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course the students will be able to:

• recognize academic vocabulary in a variety of contexts,
• use the techniques of skimming, scanning, and eliminating incorrect answers in reading academic material,
• listen and understand lengthy dialogues and lectures related to academic subjects,
• outline a plan for independent speech within 15 seconds and produce 45-second independent speeches on a variety of topics,
• use transitional words in both speaking and writing assignments in order to coherently link ideas,
• plan, organize, and compose the 4 different types of TOEFL essays,
• identify reading question styles and use appropriate skills to determine the correct answer,
• demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills through timed oral and written responses.