Preparation: TOEFL

This course prepares participants for all sections of the TOEFL iBT test: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The TOEFL test is an online exam that measures the ability of non-native speakers to use and understand English in academic settings.

The course offers several advantages over preparing for the test independently:
1) Participants will receive continuous individualized feedback on their writing and speaking to improve their performance on those parts of the exam.
2) The instructor will guide the participants through the preparation process.
3) Course sessions will simulate the actual online TOEFL test.
4) The course will draw on a wealth of the latest preparation materials instead of just one book.
5) The participants will be part of a communal endeavor to pass the exam. We will help motivate one another and learn and share test-taking strategies.

The course is ideal for people who are planning to take the exam before June 2019. Prospective participants should contact the Language Center for consultation about intensive courses to prepare for this course during the semester break. Participants who need grammar training are advised to simultaneously attend English: Advanced Grammar and Vocabulary during the semester.

Internal exam: Part of the internal exam (reading and independent writing) will be held on Friday, 14 December 2018 (14h00–15h30). The room will be announced at a later date.

The listening and the speaking part of the internal exam will be held in the final course session. The integrated writing part of the internal exam will be held in the second last course session.

This internal exam must be completed in its entirety to receive ECTS.

There will be no classes on 25 October and 29 November 2018.

Course information

This course has already taken place.
Course level
B2/ C1
Date
20.09.2018–13.12.2018
  • Thursday, 16:00–17:40
24 Lessons
Lecturer
Anthony Mahler, PhD
Credit points
2 ECTS
Registration deadline
Friday 14.09.2018
Course fee
Students and PhD candidates: CHF 291.00
Members of staff: CHF 579.00
Alumni: CHF 579.00

Course materials

The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT, 6th edition; McGraw-Hill Education 2020; ISBN: 978-1-260-470-35-2

Further details will be found in the course confirmation. Please do not acquire the course materials before then.

Requirements

Requirements for acquisition of credit points

In order to receive credit points, candidates will

  • not be absent more than twice,
  • submit three satisfactory integrated writings with a TOEFL raw score of at least 3.0 (if an integrated writing is unsatisfactory, it may be resubmitted once),
  • submit three satisfactory independent writings with a TOEFL raw score of at least 3.0 (if an independent writing is unsatisfactory, it may be resubmitted once),
  • pass one complete speaking section with a TOEFL score of at least 21,
  • pass the internal exam with a TOEFL score of at least 85.

You can get a total of 2 credit points.

Students are assessed by means of a portfolio (pass/fail).

Homework

± 120 minutes / week

Important

Internal exam: Part of the internal exam (reading and independent writing) will be held on Friday, 14 December 2018 (14h00–15h30). The room will be announced at a later date.

Certificate of attendance

In order to receive a certificate of attendance (available on request) for this course, you are not allowed to be absent more than maximum two times.

Placement test

This course requires either an obligatory computer placement test or completion of a preceding course. If you have not attended a preceding course, a computer placement test has to be taken prior to registration.

Replacement date

The supplementary replacement date for lessons that might not take place is: 01.12.2018 from 10h - 16h

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