INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM The philosophy of the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at ACA is that English is best learned when written and oral skills are combined. All classes are taught in a communicative and interactive way incorporating as much cultural content as possible. Thus the student is learning not only the skills needed to achieve the goal of mastering English, but also the appropriate context in which to use them while living in the United States. IELP offers intensive, academic-based English Language (ESL) classes for International students who want to attend college or university in the USA, or will be admitted to an ACA certificate or degree-granting fashion program. Students receive instruction 5 hours per day, 4 days a week for 11 weeks per level of instruction. Courses include Listening and Speaking, Reading and Composition, and Grammar. Advanced classes include TOEFL Preparation, Academic Writing and English for Special Purposes (ESP). All students are pre-tested and placed in the level appropriate to their proficiency in English. A Certificate of Completion is awarded to each student at the end of each 11 week quarter. IELP COURSE DESCRIPTION IELP LEVEL 1 Basic listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, composition and grammar for International students (11 weeks).
The focus of this course is on understanding and using basic grammatical forms and writing simple and compound sentences, using correct word forms, word order, spelling and punctuation.
In this course, students receive guidance and extensive practice in distinguishing words, phrases and sentences. Listening focuses on comprehension of verbal instructions and questions in a series, of vocabulary in context, of main ideas and details in sentences, monologues, dialogues, and short sentences and paragraphs. Speaking focuses on the clear pronunciation of common words and phrases and the development of basic English pronunciation patterns of stress and intonation. This course includes 2 hours per week of listening lab work.
This course focuses on vocabulary development and reading comprehension of ideas written in Standard English. Materials and class activities are designed to increase knowledge of American culture necessary for understanding concepts and texts in English. The goal of this course is to improve comprehension of ideas in short readings and paragraph-length readings, and increase vocabulary. This class includes 2 hours per week in the ESL Skills Lab for computer-assisted learning. IELP LEVEL 2 Intermediate listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, composition and grammar for International students (11 weeks).
This course develops the ability to write varied, complex sentences and effective paragraphs in standard written English. The focus on study and practice of complex sentence constructions, prewriting techniques, including outlining, and basic rhetorical patterns.
In this course, intermediate level ESL students receive guidance and extensive practice in effective oral communication in a variety of social and vocational situations. Students express ideas in conversational settings using current vocabulary, knowledge of grammar, new idiomatic expressions and appropriate verbal and nonverbal behavior. This course emphasizes the development of oral fluency in one-on-one and small group communication. This course includes 2 hours per week of listening lab work.
Intermediate-level students work on understanding phrases rather than individual words, reading longer, more complex paragraphs and using the library. IELP LEVEL 3 Advanced listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, composition and grammar, and TOEFL Preparation for International students (11 weeks).
This course develops the ability to write varied, complex sentences and effective paragraphs in standard written English. The focus is on the study and practice of complex sentence structures, prewriting techniques, including outlining, and basic rhetorical skills.
This advanced level course develops students oral communication skills in a variety of social, business, and academic situations. Students continue to learn and practice appropriate verbal and nonverbal behavior. Emphasis is on the development of oral fluency and the appropriate use of conversational strategies and management techniques. This course includes 2 hours per week of listening lab work.
This course continues the development of vocabulary and reading skills including paraphrasing, summarizing, and simple analysis of articles and stories to identify main ideas and distinguish fact from opinion. IELP LEVEL 4 College Preparation listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, composition and grammar, TOEFL Preparation, and ESP classes for International students (11 weeks).
This course develops fluency in writing expository paragraphs in standard written English and introduces essay structure. The focus is on the stud and practice of topic sentences and thesis statement, rhetorical patterns, organization of the paragraph and short essay, coherence and writing techniques. This class includes 2 hours per week on individualized grammar and writing work in the ESL Skills Lab.
ESL students receive guidance and extensive practice in listening and peaking in academic and professional settings. Listening focuses on understanding spoken English in formats, such as college lectures and news broadcasts. Students are exposed to various styles and accents of speakers. Note-taking tasks reinforce aural comprehension and focuses on recognizing organizational patterns and outline main ideas and supporting details through audiotaped, videotaped, and live presentations. Speaking focuses on increased fluency and communicative strategies used by native speakers in academic and professional settings. This course includes 2 hours per week of listening lab work.
Students read articles and stories that are long and complex. This course introduces critical thinking and reasoning skills. The emphasis of this course is on paraphrasing, summarizing and analyzing reading selections to make abstract inferences and recognize propaganda and fallacies in reasoning. |