This test preparation course, developed by the experts who create, administer and score the TOEFL test, will help English language learners improve their skills.
The TOEFL test is a widely accepted English-language assessment. It has helped millions of people achieve their dreams to study, work or live abroad. More than 10,000 institutions of higher education, government agencies and organizations worldwide accept TOEFL scores for making important decisions.
This course will help you understand what you can do to achieve a better TOEFL test score. Instructors will guide you through each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) and, using archived past test questions, will explain the kinds of questions you can expect. You will receive valuable advice, including how to register for the test, how it is scored and how to prepare for test day.
This course is highly interactive, using videos, sample questions with explanations, short quizzes and collaborative discussion boards. You will also have access to real test materials from past tests.
In addition, there will be free resources and discounted test prep offers throughout the course. Finally, you will receive valuable insider tips to help you do better on the TOEFL test so you can apply to the university or job of your dreams.
【Meet the instructors】
Michael W. Knab (“Inside the TOEFL® Test” Host) is the host of “Inside the TOEFL® Test” video series and a frequent contributor to the ETS TOEFL® blog, “Study. Learn. Live.” He joined ETS in 2002, and has been part of the TOEFL® team in various roles since 2007. Before coming to ETS, he developed advanced teacher standards and was a middle-school English teacher. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University (D.C.) and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Villanova University.
Cynthia Newman (Reading Instructor) has worked in the field of English Language Learning for 30 years. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Northern Iowa and the Cambridge Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults (DTEFLA, currently known as DELTA). Throughout her career, she has specialized in the curriculum development, teaching, and testing of English for Academic Purposes. She has taught in pre-university Intensive English Programs as well as post-admittance Spoken English/Teaching Assistant preparation programs, academic Writing programs, and English for Specific Purposes programs both in the United States and the Middle East. Since joining ETS upon her return to the United States in 2005, she has worked on the TOEFL iBT® speaking and reading measures.
Shawn Gorman (Writing Instructor) holds a Ph.D. in French Language and Literature from Boston University. He also taught French and English at the high school and university level in Europe and the United States for 9 years. He has published research on topics in 20th century French literature and philosophy and presented research on second language acquisition at professional conferences. He also worked as a librarian at Harvard University for 7 years.
Molly Palmer (Speaking Instructor) has worked as an Assessment Specialist in English Language Learning at ETS since 2013. She works primarily on the TOEFL® test speaking and reading measures. Before coming to ETS, Molly taught Spanish language and literature for several years at the university level. She earned her Ph.D. in Spanish Cultural Studies from Rutgers University in 2010. Molly also has extensive experience teaching English. She lived in Spain for many years, where she taught English to university students.
Faye Weidner (Host) joined ETS in 2013 and has been working on the speaking section of the TOEFL® test ever since. She works on development of speaking items and also oversees online scoring activities. Prior to coming to ETS, she taught English to university students in Changsha, China, and to adult immigrants in Washington, D.C. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and German from Dickinson College, as well as a Master of Education in Intercultural Communication from the University of Pennsylvania. She loves to study languages and explore the world—she speaks German and Spanish, and has lived in Spain, Germany, and China.
Insook Chung (Listening Instructor) is an Assessment Specialist in the Assessment Development Division at ETS in Princeton, New Jersey. She has been working on the TOEFL® test, specializing in listening assessment, and developing the SAT Korean Subject Test. She received her Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) in Language Education from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Her experiences include teaching English as a foreign language in Korea and teaching Korean language in the United States.
Kathleen Fletcher (Moderator) is a TOEFL® Test Prep and Skill Building Product Manager at ETS in Princeton, New Jersey. She began her career with ETS in 2006 and over the last 10 years, has worked within the Global Education, New Product Development and the Higher Education groups. In her current position as a TOEFL® Test Prep and Skill Building product manager, Kathleen manages current TOEFL® test preparation tools, as well as works on the development of new products.
Elizabeth Jenner (Moderator) is an Assessment Specialist in English Language Learning at ETS. She has specialized in developing the TOEFL® iBT test and its supporting materials for test takers since 2004. She earned her Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from the University of New England, Australia. She speaks Spanish, has lived in Mexico and Guatemala, and loves learning about the indigenous cultures of Latin America.
Ashley Woodrow (Moderator) joined ETS in 2013 as part of the TOEFL® team. She works on the TOEFL® social media properties and the development of the TOEFL® scholarship program. She holds a Bachelor of Science from West Chester University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Rider University.
【课程简介】
拥有五千年历史的中华文明,如何依托深厚底蕴实现中国特色现代化,并为全球发展贡献中国智慧?本课程围绕文化自信这一主题,通过五个精彩篇章展开探讨。你将了解孔子"先富后教"的思想如何启迪现代教育改革,促进教育公平;体会儒家"仁政"思想如何转化为以人民为中心的现代发展理念,改善14亿人民的生活;见证故宫文物、敦煌壁画实现数字化重生,古老神话通过创意叙事和中国动漫产业的实现飞跃引发全球共鸣;体验"和而不同"的哲学思想如何促进56个民族共生共荣;理解"天下大同"理想如何塑造人类命运共同体理念,通过"一带一路"等倡议推动全球协作。五个篇章诠释了中国式现代化的独特路径,展现了当代中国从深厚文化传统中汲取智慧,将永恒哲理与时代需求相融合,为全球对话与全人类的共同繁荣作出贡献。
【About This Course】
How does the Chinese civilization, which spans over five millennia draw upon its profound heritage to modernize on its own terms and offer insights for global development? This course unpacks this question through five engaging episodes centered on cultural confidence.
You will explore diverse dimensions where tradition converges with innovation:
- Education: Discover how the ancient philosophy of educating people after they are enriched informs modern educational reforms and promote equality.
- Governance: See how the Confucian concept of benevolent governance translates into the modern people-centered philosophy of development that improves the lives of 1.4 billion citizens of China.
- Cultural Preservation: Witness the digital rebirth of treasures from the Palace Museum to Dunhuang murals, and how ancient myths find new global resonance through creative storytelling and the quantum leap in China’s animation industry.
- Ethnic Harmony: Experience how the philosophy of "harmony without uniformity" enables 56 ethnic groups to thrive together, as seen in the communities of Lijiang in Yunnan province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
- Global Vision: Understand how the enduring ideal of universal harmony shapes the modern vision of of building a community with a shared future for humanity, with endeavors like the Belt and Road Initiative fostering worldwide collaboration.
These narratives reveal a Chinese approach to modernity: one that is guided by and continues to draw vitality from its profound cultural legacy. It blends timeless wisdom with contemporary relevance to contribute to global dialogue and shared prosperity.
【课程特色】
1. 系统阐释中国式现代化,以叙事方式增强传播效能
2. 汇聚权威外语专家,构建高水平课程建设团队
3. 融入多元国际声音,增强课程亲和力与可信度
【Course Highlights】
1.Narrative-Driven Learning: Explains Chinese modernization systematically through engaging storytelling rather than dry theory.
2.Expert Team: Developed by a team of experienced language and culture experts.
3.Global Perspectives: Incorporates diverse international viewpoints to enhance relatability and credibility
【主讲教师】
段俊晖 上海商学院
【Instructor】
Duan Junhui, Shanghai Business School
【课程简介】
本课程深入探讨中国全面深化改革的核心精神,通过五个关键领域——政务服务、教育公平、医疗健康、住房保障、经济改革,讲述政策创新背后的人文故事。
通过生动案例与系统分析,您将深入了解:
· 北京12345热线如何搭建政府与市民的信任桥梁,以数字化手段精准响应民生需求;
· 同步课堂与控辍保学举措如何缩小城乡教育差距,为每个孩子铺就公平的成长之路;
· 医保实时结算与优质医疗资源下沉如何减轻家庭就医负担,让“看病不难、看病不贵”成为现实;
· 保障性住房建设与农村人居环境改善如何托起百姓“安居梦”,营造安全感和归属感;
· 营商环境优化与产业升级如何为经济发展注入新活力,为创业者和劳动者创造更多机遇。
这些跨领域改革彼此呼应、有机联动,彰显了中国以人民为中心的现代化道路——用系统创新破解现实难题,以务实行动提升民生福祉,在民族复兴的征程中坚定前行,既有智慧,亦有温度。
【About This Course】
This course focuses on the essence of China’s in-depth reform, providing a comprehensive interpretation of the reform practices and institutional innovations in five key areas: government services, educational equity, healthcare, housing security, and economic reform.
Through vivid cases and systematic analysis, you will explore:
· How the Beijing 12345 Hotline builds a bridge of trust between citizens and the government, using digital tools to respond to people's needs with efficiency and care;
· How synchronized classrooms and dropout prevention initiatives narrow the educational gap, bringing equal learning opportunities to children in both cities and rural areas;
· How real-time medical insurance settlements and the expansion of quality healthcare resources ease the burden of medical costs, making health services more accessible and affordable for families;
· How affordable housing programs and improved rural living environments help fulfill the dream of “a home for everyone,” creating a sense of security and belonging;
· How a more open business environment and industrial upgrading inject new vitality into the economy, offering more opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.
These reforms, interconnected and people-focused, reflect China’s commitment to tackling challenges with both determination and compassion—building a modern society that is both dynamic and caring, and advancing steadily toward the goal of national rejuvenation.
【课程特色】
1. 系统阐释中国式现代化,以叙事方式增强传播效能
2. 汇聚权威外语专家,构建高水平课程建设团队
3. 融入多元国际声音,增强课程亲和力与可信度
【Course Highlights】
1. Narrative-Driven Learning: Explains Chinese modernization systematically through engaging storytelling rather than dry theory.
2. Expert Team: Developed by a team of experienced language and culture experts.
3. Global Perspectives: Incorporates diverse international viewpoints to enhance relatability and credibility.
【主讲教师】
程维 北京第二外国语学院
【Instructors】
Cheng Wei, Beijing International Studies University
【课程简介】
本课程通过展现中国青年在乡村振兴、科技创新、生态文明、教育扶助、全球合作等领域的真实故事,深度探讨青年一代如何将个人理想融入国家发展大局。您将看到一位耶鲁毕业生选择扎根偏远乡村贡献力量,见证青年科学家研发手语翻译机器人以科技消除隔阂,感受三代人用智慧与科技将沙漠变绿洲的坚守,体会音乐教师用艺术点燃山区孩子自信的教育情怀,并了解中国青年在海外通过篮球教学、中医分享等方式搭建友谊桥梁的实践。这些故事共同诠释了新时代中国青年“有理想、敢担当、能吃苦、肯奋斗”的精神内核,展现了他们将个人奋斗与国家发展、全球责任相结合,在实现民族复兴的征程中贡献青春力量的生动实践。
【About This Course】
How does the younger generation align personal aspirations with national development? This course explores that question through real-life stories of Chinese youth engaged in rural revitalization, technological innovation, environmental protection, and global cooperation.
You will meet diverse individuals, including:
A Yale graduate who chose to serve in remote villages.
Young scientists developing sign language robots to bridge communication gaps.
Three generations of a family transforming deserts into oases through wisdom and technology.
A music teacher igniting confidence in children from mountainous regions.
Youth building international bridges through sports and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
These stories illustrate the spirit of the new era: having ideals, taking responsibility, enduring hardships, and striving for excellence. They showcase how young individuals are contributing their energy to the journey of China’s rejuvenation.
【课程特色】
1. 系统阐释中国式现代化,以叙事方式增强传播效能
2. 汇聚权威外语专家,构建高水平课程建设团队
3. 融入多元国际声音,增强课程亲和力与可信度
【Course Highlights】
1.Narrative-Driven Learning: Explains Chinese modernization systematically through engaging storytelling rather than dry theory.
2.Expert Team: Developed by a team of experienced language and culture experts.
3.Global Perspectives: Incorporates diverse international viewpoints to enhance relatability and credibility.
【主讲教师】
翟峥 北京外国语大学
王文丽 北京外国语大学
【Instructors】
Professor Zhai Zheng, Beijing Foreign Studies University
Associate Professor Wang Wenli, Beijing Foreign Studies University