Course Descriptions

Level 2:
This is an integrated skills class that provides beginning level students with a range of language learning experiences based on four main themes. Students read paragraph length texts, practice listening and speaking activities in the classroom, and write short sentences. Grammar and vocabulary are taught in conjunction with activities and tasks as students work to achieve the learning objectives of this course.

Level 3:
Students have a variety of classroom experiences through an integrated curriculum combining reading, writing, listening and speaking activities to create unique learning opportunities. At this level students read short texts, take brief notes and write at a pre-paragraph level, with an emphasis on producing accurate sentences. Speaking and listening activities focus on social and classroom interactions, and listening skills are developed with taped lectures and content-related presentations.

Level 4:
Students engage in various activities through the integrated curriculum which allows them to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking activities to create a rich learning environment. At this level students read short texts, take notes and write 1 – 2 paragraph texts. Accuracy in writing is emphasized. Speaking tasks focus on interactive exchanges and structured discussions related to textbook content. Listening skills are developed by means of a variety of spoken texts and content-related talks and lectures.

Level 5:
Using content-based, thematic materials, the curriculum integrates various skills. Students are taught techniques and strategies to improve their abilities to read and write. Students read texts which express ideas about cause and effect relationships, listen to information related to the texts, and take notes on both activities. Based on the information they have received students then plan and write a 2-3 paragraph essay. Speaking tasks focus on interactive exchanges in social and academic settings as well as short formal presentations to classmates. Grammar, which is practiced in all of the writing assignments, is taught in detail in a separate strand of the curriculum along with the skills needed for the TOEFL Test. Students must pass the course and also must achieve the benchmark score of 45 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency in order to pass to the next level.

Level 6:
The Level 6 curriculum is integrated and classroom tasks and assignments combine several skill areas. Students receive specific instruction on reading and writing strategies and use a content-based textbook to practice these skills. In a writing assignment at this level, students focus on a textbook content-related problem, listen to a discussion of the topic, and write a 3-4 paragraph essay defining the problem and its solution. As the focus becomes more academic, students actively express their own thoughts and ideas through critical reflection. Listening skills focus on lectures and informational text of 5-7 minutes length, requiring guided note-taking of main ideas and details. Speaking tasks include information exchanges in classroom and social settings as well as assigned presentations. In a separate instructional strand, students receive explicit grammar instruction and opportunities to practice skills necessary for the reading sections of the TOEFL Test. Students must achieve a benchmark score of 440 on the TOEFL Test to pass to the next level of study.

Level 7:
Students use their skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to investigate academic topics. Students examine issues from different perspectives through reading and listening activities, and plan and write an essay on the issue. Critical examination of the issues presented in text and in listening materials as well as identification of bias are major learning experiences at this level. Academic classroom discussion, participation in lectures and note-taking are emphasized. Students are preparing to enter the Baccalaureate program and skills beneficial to their study, their ability to express their own thoughts and their critical thinking skills are identified and practiced. Students must achieve the benchmark score of 460 on the TOEFL Test in order to pass to Level 8.

Level 8:
At this level students are focusing on academic skills that will enable them to succeed in courses at the Baccalaureate level. Activities in the classroom are integrated and students combine writing, reading and listening assignments to produce detailed notes and essays of 8-10 paragraphs. Academic discussion and formal presentations highlight speaking activities. Students receive specific instruction on the reading and grammar skills necessary for success in the TOEFL Test. Students must achieve a score of 500 on the TOEFL Test in order to enter the Baccalaureate Program.