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English as a Second Language

Listening / Speaking / Grammar / Reading / Writing

The International Language Institute (ILI) offers six intensive and semi-intensive levels of English as a Second Language.  Each course consists of 160 hours of class time and includes additional work in the multimedia lab.  The courses are given in either the intensive format (8 weeks) or the semi-intensive format (16 Weeks).  Students in an intensive track complete two levels each semester, while students in a semi-intensive track complete one level.  Students have the option of taking ESL 104, ESL 105 and ESL 106 for credit.  Students who register for a credit granting course must satisfy all university admissions' requirements.  Evaluation of each level is based on the Common European Framework.  The equivalence of each course and level in the CEF is indicated below (A1 – C2).  Click here for more information on the Common European Framework.

Beginning: Levels 101 (A1) - 102 (A2)

These courses are designed for individuals who have very limited proficiency in the language. Students will develop listening and speaking skills; they will practice introductory reading, basic writing skills, and study basic grammar structures.

Intermediate: Levels 103 (B1) -104 (B2)

These courses are designed for individuals who have limited or some proficiency in the language. Students will develop their listening skills and vocabulary; they will practice general academic reading, paragraph writing and short expository writing. Students will also study fundamental grammar.

Advanced: Levels 105 (C1) - 106 (C1 – C2)

These courses are designed for individuals who need further preparation for academic or professional work.  Students will develop advanced listening and speaking skills, as well as advanced vocabulary; they will practice advanced general and collegiate reading and expository writing, and study advanced grammar.

ESL Conversation

To enroll in this course students are required to have passed ESL Level 3, or get a level 4 score on the ILI placement test. The ESL conversation course is offered to students who want to improve their listening, speaking and pronunciation skills (accent reduction). Students develop fluency and accuracy in their oral skills while they actively participate in conversational topics. This course is offered in summer and consists of 40 contact hours.

TOEFL Preparation Course

To enroll in this course students are required to have passed ESL Level 5, or get a level 6 score on the ILI placement test. The TOEFL iBT evaluates the four core skills in English: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Students will practice these four skills in a TOEFL context so that they can have better results when they take the test.  Students will also learn about strategies to help them obtain better results. The course consists of 80 contact hours, and follows a very general approach. The main objective is that the students feel more confident when they take the TOEFL iBT.