TOEFL Module 2 of 6

Module 2: Grammar & Academic Vocabulary

Sentence structure, tenses, transitions, paraphrasing, and academic word development.

Overview

This module strengthens the core grammar and academic vocabulary skills required for success in the TOEFL iBT. Students will learn how to write clearly, speak accurately, and understand complex academic texts and lectures.

Strong grammar and vocabulary are the foundation of high TOEFL scores—especially in the Writing and Speaking sections.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Construct grammatically correct academic sentences
  • Use advanced sentence structures confidently
  • Apply academic vocabulary in speaking and writing
  • Paraphrase and summarize effectively
  • Avoid common grammatical errors

📘 Part 1: Essential Grammar Review

1️⃣ Sentence Structure

  • Subject–Verb Agreement
  • Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
  • Independent vs. Dependent Clauses
  • Correct punctuation usage

2️⃣ Verb Tenses in Academic English

  • Present Simple (general facts)
  • Present Perfect (research findings)
  • Past Simple (completed studies)
  • Future forms (predictions & plans)

3️⃣ Complex Grammar Forms

  • Conditional Sentences
  • Relative Clauses
  • Passive Voice (common in academic writing)
  • Modal Verbs (can, could, might, must, should)

📗 Part 2: Academic Vocabulary Development

1️⃣ Academic Word List (AWL)

Students will study high-frequency academic words commonly tested on TOEFL, such as:

  • Analyze
  • Establish
  • Significant
  • Interpret
  • Impact
  • Evaluate
  • Theory
  • Structure

2️⃣ Vocabulary Skills Training

  • Understanding words in context
  • Identifying synonyms and paraphrases
  • Word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb)
  • Collocations (words that commonly go together)

✍️ Part 3: Paraphrasing & Summarizing

TOEFL requires students to restate ideas clearly. This section teaches:

  • How to rewrite sentences without copying
  • How to change sentence structure
  • How to use synonyms correctly
  • How to summarize academic passages

📝 Practice Activities

  • Grammar correction exercises
  • Sentence combination drills
  • Academic vocabulary quizzes
  • Paraphrasing worksheets
  • Short academic paragraph writing

📊 Assessment

  • Weekly grammar quizzes
  • Vocabulary tests
  • Timed writing practice
  • Instructor feedback on errors
  • Progress tracking

🚀 Expected Outcome

After completing this module, students will:

  • Write clearer, more structured academic essays
  • Speak more confidently using advanced grammar
  • Understand complex reading passages
  • Improve accuracy in all TOEFL sections

Strong grammar and vocabulary are the backbone of academic success. Master this module to build a powerful foundation for higher TOEFL scores.

Video Lesson

Mini Quiz (Instant Feedback)

1) Which grammar skill checks subject with correct verb form?
2) A complex sentence contains:
3) Which tense is often used for research findings?
4) Which form appears frequently in academic writing?
5) AWL stands for:
6) Best way to handle unknown words during tasks:
7) Paraphrasing is:
8) Collocations are:
9) Transition words mainly improve:
10) Strong grammar and vocabulary are most useful for:

Assignment

Submit your full mock score sheet and revision plan.