Learning more about the TOEFL and IELTS: a WebQuest for EFL

Content objectives

n      Gathering information about the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

n      Gathering information about IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

n      Comparing the TOEFL and IELTS

n      Comparing the paper-and-pencil and computerized versions

Computer literacy objectives

n      Improving Net navigation skills, such as doing a search; opening new windows using right-click; and using the back/forward buttons

n      Learning how to make a report using Microsoft Word, and utilizing such options as font type and size, undo, redo, save, open, paragraphing, page set up, italics, bolding, inserting page numbers, and spell/grammar checking

Language objectives

n      Demonstrating skimming and scanning skills by finding the answers to questions on the Net

n      Improving writing skills such as grammar, organization, and coherence through the writing of a report and/or a letter using MS-Word.

Cultural/social objectives

n      Learning to work collaboratively rather than competitively

n      Becoming familiar with internationally accepted test-taking systems

Academic objectives

n      Learning how to evaluate material on the Web (i.e. critical thinking)

n      Learning how to take notes and make a report in the form of a persuasive essay, and possibly a persuasive letter (in follow-up activities)

n      Learning how to cite electronic sources

n      Learning to compare/contrast

n      Improving research skills

Pre-computer activities

The instructor needs to be competent in:

n      Navigating the Web

n      Using MS-Word

In the sessions preceding the WebQuest, preferably the learners should already have been taught at least the following computer skills:

n      Basic Windows navigation skills, such as turning the computer on/off, clicking the mouse, double-clicking, right-clicking, minimizing/maximizing/closing windows, scrolling, and dragging.

n      Basic Net navigation skills, such as opening a browser, using the back/forward buttons, opening a new window using right-click, and doing a simple search.

n      A basic understanding of word processors such as MS-Word, such as what purposes they are used for. It would be helpful if they were also made familiar with the basics of Word, such as changing font type and size, undo and redo, save, open, italics, bolding, paragraphing, page set up, inserting page numbers, and spell/grammar checking.

Before embarking on the quest, the learners need to:

n      Discuss the TOEFL and IELTS using Brainstorm Sheet 1

n      Look at sample TOEFL and IELTS questions, provided by the instructor

n      Discuss the two tests further, using Brainstorm Sheet 2

Required and recommended equipment/materials/media/resources:

ü     Computers (at least one per group is required, unless computer access may be rotated)

ü     Access to the Internet (a browser and search engine will be required for each computer)

ü     Microsoft Office Word program (required, preferably one copy for each computer)

ü     Shockwave Player (recommended)

ü     Printer (recommended)

ü     Sample TOEFL and IELTS questions (required)

ü     Further “hard” materials related to the TOEFL and IELTS, such as preparation books, software, cassettes, etc. (recommended)

ü     Hard copies of all the printable materials of the course, if printer will not be available during class hours (strongly recommended)

Useful websites provided in WebQuest:

How to use a search engine:

http://searchenginewatch.com/facts/article.php/2156021

Some sites related to the TOEFL test:

http://www.encomiuminteractive.com/Shockwave/toefldemo/

http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=57

http://www.free-toefl.com/Tools/Tests.aspx

http://englishtelecampus.com/

http://www.testwise.com/review.html

http://www.free-toefl.com/

http://www.testden.com/

http://www.stuff.co.uk/toefl.htm

http://www.encomium.com/webmentor/

http://www.testmagic.com/Knowledge_Base/TOEFL/

http://esl.about.com/cs/toefl/

Some sites related to the IELTS test:

http://www.ielts.studyau.com/

http://www.study-mexico.com/English/10/ielts_preparation_canada.cfm

http://www.studyincanada.net/articles/free-IELTS-exam-online-testing-preparation-tips.html

http://www.ceii.org/

http://www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/education/icels/icels_courses/icels_distance_learning/icels-ieltsdl.html!

http://www.rmitenglishworldwide.com/general/ielts_preparation_course.html

http://www.ielts.org/candidates/testpreparation/

http://www.learn4good.com/languages/ielts/about.htm

Sites related to both the TOEFL and the IELTS:

http://www.englishstudydirect.com/ocexprep.htm

http://www.selfaccess.com/

Useful links for writing persuasive essays:

http://eslbee.com/persuade.htm

http://www.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/research.htm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/index.html

http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/advise.html

http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html

Tutorials for using Word:

http://cops.uwf.edu/tutorials/technolo/wordproc/wordproc.htm

http://www.ga.k12.pa.us/curtech/wordwork.htm

http://www.educ.uvic.ca/compined/Level2/wp/WP2.htm#Introduction

http://www.du.edu/uts/training/handouts/word/word2002/graphics2002.htm

Useful websites not provided in the WebQuest, since the students are expected to do a search to find these themselves:

Home pages for the TOEFL and IELTS language proficiency test websites:

http://www.ets.org/toefl/

http://www.ielts.org/

Click here to go to the Introduction