The TOEFL® IBT
The Internet-based Test of English for Foreign Learners (TOEFL® IBT) is a standard exam for measuring a student’s level of academic English. It is designed and administrated by ETS, (Educational Testing Service), the providers of the majority of official U.S. exams, such as the SAT, TOEIC and GRE.
The TOEFL test is one of the most widely respected English-language tests in the world, recognized by more than 8,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries.
Scores for the TOEFL® IBT are divided into four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each section is graded out of 30; the maximum total final score is 120.
There is no passing or failing TOEFL® score; individual higher education institutions and agencies set their own score requirements. For example, in order to register as a full-time student at Saint Louis University, a score of 79 is required. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.
This is an official one-credit university course. Prospective students must fulfill the necessary language requisites and apply for admission to the program. The course lasts 11 weeks (33 hours) with two one-and-a-half hour classes per week.
The course focuses on the necessary language skills and exam-taking techniques to prepare for the TOEFL® IBT, with the aim of helping upper intermediate language students to achieve between 79 and 110 on the TOEFL® IBT, scores that most institutions and universities require for admittance.
Class time will be dedicated to explaining and putting into practice the skills associated with taking a language-based exam and will use interactive, learner-centered teaching practices. A course book will be used to supplement what has been covered in class.
Those wanting to take the course will matriculate as SLU students and will thus have access to all opportunities, facilities and resources that the campus offers.Week 2
The Reading Section: the format, what skills it tests, the different types of questions, typical sources of confusion, strategies and vocabulary.
Week 3
The Listening Section: the format, what skills it tests, the different types of questions, typical sources of confusion, strategies and vocabulary.
Week 4
The Speaking Section: the format, what skills it tests, the different types of questions, typical sources of confusion, strategies and vocabulary.
Week 5
The Writing Section: the format, what skills it tests, the different types of questions, typical sources of confusion, strategies and vocabulary.
Week 6
Understanding and taking notes on written and oral texts. Strategies and vocabulary.
Week 7
Paraphrasing, restating and using synonyms. Strategies and vocabulary.
Week 8
TOEFL® IBT practice test. Progress evaluation. Self-evaluation. What have you learned?
Week 9
Summarizing written and oral texts and conversations. Strategies and vocabulary.
Week 10
Synthesis and differentiating between stated and implied information, and fact and opinion. Strategies and vocabulary.
Week 11
Revision of the areas of most difficulty. Individual tutorials. TOEFL® IBT practice test. Progress and self evaluation. What have you learned?
Classes: Mondays and Wednesdays, 19:00 – 20:30
Dates: September 23 – December 4, 2013
Length of Course: 11 weeks (33 hours)
Students also have the opportunity to attend our free Community ESL conversation classes with native English speakers from the SLU-Madrid Campus (T/R 19:00-20:00 or T 19:00-20.30) in order to improve their oral and listening skills.
All those registered in the ESL 111 M36 course are Saint Louis University – Madrid Campus students, and, as such, are eligible for the privileges that the rest of our student body enjoys:
