Writing for English Standardized Tests: TOEFL, IELTS and Eiken
The purpose of this course is for students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to raise their writing section scores of English standardized tests, such as the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and Eiken (Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1).
In this course, students will learn the basics of writing and gain the ability to "write English." Students can expect to gain the skills necessary to write in English for different purposes, such as in academic and professional settings. Although the goal of this course is to improve the writing section scores of English standardized tests, this course is designed to be much more than just writing test preparation.
Students will learn the basics of academic writing, practical vocabulary words, and useful written expressions throughout the semester. Additionally, class time will be allocated so that students learn how to prepare for each individual English standardized test. One class is 140 minutes, and there will be 10 class days.
This course is highly recommended to not only those who seek to improve their writing section scores but also to those who wish to learn the basics of academic writing, as well as for instructors who teach about test writing skills.
2021 Spring Semester
- Period:
- Saturday, January 9 – Saturday, March 13, 2021 (10 classes)
- Application Deadline:
- Sunday, December 27, 2020
*We will stop accepting applications once all seats are filled.
*Depending on space availability, we may accept applications even after the deadline.
*Applications received outside business hours will be processed the next business day.
*Please note that the schedule and the style of this course, whether held online or on campus, are subject to change without notice. - Application:
- The application period has ended.
- Fee:
- 61,900 yen (Tax Included)
*Library and Computer Lab usage fees are also included - Designed for:
-
- Those who seek to improve their writing section scores
- Those who want to learn the basics (or the application) of academic writing
- Those who teach test writing skills
- Dates and Times:
- Saturday 10:30-12:50
- Class format:
- Online (Zoom)
- Application:
- Apply for this Course
If you have any questions or worries about the class and would like some advice, we are happy to arrange an individual meeting (English or Japanese). Please feel free to contact the Academic English Program at esl@tuj.temple.edu.
Course Description
There are three parts to each class. Each class is 140 minutes, including breaks.
- The basics of academic writing and improvement of skills
- Understanding and preparation for each English standardized test
- Improving the English skills necessary for writing
Time | Part |
---|---|
40 minutes | The basics of academic writing Example: Writing sentences and forming paragraphs |
(10 minute break) | |
40 minutes | Preparation for each test Example: Learning how each test is graded, and practicing how to write for one of the tests |
(10 minute break) | |
40 minutes | Learning English for writing Example: Learning new academic vocabulary and verbs |
The course is taught in English, so students can experience significant improvements to their listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills.
Instructor Comments
Many students are under the impression that "structure" is the most important factor of writing, and this might be because schools and writing textbooks are asking students to 1) write the conclusion first; and 2) provide two or three supporting reasons. Additionally, a vast majority of students think that they can perform well for the writing sections of English standardized tests because they are able to write university-level essays and term papers, which is not true. Students must realize that these are two completely different styles of writing.
Structure alone is not enough to earn a good grade for university and graduate papers, and for English standardized tests. The contents and English expressions are what makes a good essay structure.
At the same time, an essay with a good structure is logically able to deliver its content to the audience. These are unrelated to only having English ability, as these skills are shaped and affected by the writer's knowledge and way of thinking.
Writing is a skill extremely difficult to acquire. As it will take much time and since it is not a skill one can gain alone, we highly recommend taking this course if you are interested in learning about writing.
Student Comments
- I know which areas need improvements because the course contents change to address our writing weaknesses.
- The class is easy to understand and I was glad to be able to learn about the different types of writing exams.
- I never studied writing before, so there were many new discoveries and they were all helpful. I learned many different forms of transition words and also found out that passive voice is commonly used.
Course Schedule
January | 9, 16, 23, 30 |
---|---|
February | 6, 13, 20, 27 |
March | 6, 13 |
Steps to Attend the Program
Please follow the procedures below to attend the course.
1. Submit your application
Please apply through the online form by the specified deadline.
2. Receiving the program details
Details of tuition fee payment and the course guide will be sent to you via e-mail. The email serves as notification that you are now officially enrolled on the course.
3. Pay the tuition fees
Please pay the tuition fees via wire transfer to the specified bank account by the deadline.
4. Documents to submit by the first day of class
Please find these following documents in the link.
3) Authorization To Release Information
*Please sign and email documents #2 and #3 to esl@tuj.temple.edu by the first class day.
By the first day of class, please scan or take a photo of the following documents and send these attachments to esl@tuj.temple.edu
- confirmation slip from the wire transfer of the tuition fees
- signed document(s)
- a headshot picture of the participant
Application Procedures
Please apply using the online application form and by phone at the university. Please feel free to contact us for any questions about course details or the application process.
*Depending on space availability, we may accept applications even after the deadline has passed. Please submit the application form, and we will get back to you.
The application period has ended.
Note: Please be aware that courses cannot be offered in the event that there are insufficient numbers of applicants.
Temple University, Japan Campus Academic English Program
1-14-29 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 154-0004 (Access)
- E-mail:
- esl@tuj.temple.edu
- Tel:
- 03-5441-9863
- Fax:
- 03-3452-3084
- Hours:
- Weekdays 9:00-18:30 (Japan Time)