The TOEFL test is designed to measure a student’s ability to communicate in English in academic environments. It is required at most North American institutions of higher learning for international students. TOEFL tests are offered in two formats: the internet based exam or iBT, and the paper-based exam or pBT. The scope of the exam extends beyond simple language skills as it also attempts to measure a student’s understanding and comprehension of common cultural idioms.

Evergreen Academy has developed an intensive preparatory class that addresses the four components of the TOEFL examination which include reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The following courses have been created to focus on these components:

ESL 32 – TOEFL PREPARATION

This course provides effective, time-proven test taking strategies. Numerous mock-test exercises will be provided based on the student’s desire for the iBT or pBT.

ESL 33 – TOEFL READING

This course explains tips, insights and strategies that help improve students’ reading comprehension level. It describes in detail the kinds of questions students will find on the TOEFL Reading Comprehension section. Lecture material and practice exercises are served with the goal to improve knowledge of and score on TOEFL Reading.

ESL 34 – TOEFL WRITING

This course delivers materials to help students improve in writing essays for the Test of Written English, a required part of the TOEFL test. Lectures are constantly provided and students’ writing essays are regularly scored, enabling them to observe incremental progress in their overall writing proficiency.

ESL 35 – TOEFL VOCABULARY

This course aims to prepare students for the TOEFL exam specifically by improving their vocabulary. It introduces and reinforces strategies that enable students to become independent learners of vocabulary in addition to teaching specific words that are useful in academic study. It presents and discusses TOEFL related vocabulary and links it with general knowledge to provide context as well as to add interest. Passive vocabulary (word recognition) is emphasized, while simultaneously active use of new vocabulary is encouraged. Class activities include test-taking strategies, focused practice exercises, error correction, vocabulary building, and practice tests. Homework consists of reading, studying examples, completing additional practice exercises and doing self-correction.

ESL 36 – TOEFL DISCUSSION

This course, besides providing students experience and confidence in being active discussion participants as well as a strong discussion leaders, and gives them the opportunity to build effective discussion skills while strengthening their oral and aural English skills that ultimately prepare them to take the TOEFL test successfully.