ESL Course Descriptions

Contact: Mrs. Dianna Lavoie, International Educational Counselor,

at 1-434-432-2481 x2148 or 1-800-432-2480.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Attendance at Hargrave's summer school prior to initial entry into the ESL program is strongly encouraged. All prospective ESL students will be given the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency Test) prior to placement in the fall program. Students may attend summer school regardless of their intent to enroll in the fall, although students who do attend will be given priority for fall admission.

The design of the program and choice of course materials reflect the National TESOL (Teachers of English of Other Languages) grades 9-12 English Language Proficiency goals and standards. (refer to www.tesol.org)

Course Offerings

ESL I - READING, WRITING AND VOCABULARY
This entry level course is designed to enhance the student’s ability to cope with the reading comprehension, writing skills and vocabulary necessary for success in the mainstream classes at Hargrave Military Academy. Topics include math, science, history, social studies and literature, as well as the basic English needed for every day survival in an English speaking environment. It will also enhance the student’s ability to construct meaningful and grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs. Assignments include keeping a weekly journal, book reports, analyzing reading passages and writing compositions, reports and essays. This is a one- year course. (1 unit)

ESL I PRONUNCIATION, LISTENING AND CONVERSATION

This beginning course focuses on improving oral communication skills through the intensive use of pronunciation and listening exercises, conversational techniques, oral presentations, readings, and group discussions. This is a year course. Listening passages will include, but not be limited to, academic subjects the student will encounter in mainstream classes, with an emphasis on note-taking skills. (1 unit)

ESL II - READING, WRITING AND VOCABULARY

Designed for ESL students at the intermediate level to build upon and further develop those reading comprehension and writing skills acquired in ESL I. The students will continue their refinement of written paragraphs and essays as well as their knowledge of the vocabulary needed for mainstream courses and every day survival in an English-speaking environment. Assignments include keeping a weekly journal, book reports, analyzing reading passages and writing compositions, reports, short narratives and essays. This is a one year course. (1 unit)

ESL II - PRONUNCIATION, LISTENING AND CONVERSATION

The focus of this intermediate course is to further improve the pronunciation, listening and conversation skills acquired in ESL I through recitations, pronunciation exercises, readings, public speaking, role plays, debates and class discussions. The student will expand English vocabulary in various academic topics as well as fine tune note-taking skills. This is a one-year course. 1 unit

ESL III - ADVANCED

This course is designed for advanced ESL students who need to refine their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills before they can be fully mainstreamed. The students will continue to develop their vocabulary and note-taking skills across the curriculum. They will keep a weekly journal, submit book reports, written projects, literary critiques and original essays. They will also give oral presentations and participate in group and class discussions. This is a one-year course. (1 unit)

INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LITERATURE

This aim of this course is to adequately prepare advanced ESL students to transition into a mainstream English class. The material will approximate that of a mainstream class, but the pace will be slower, devoting time to the analysis and comprehension of classic literary works. The student will be required to respond to the literary works both orally and in writing. The course will include an intensive study of the vocabulary used in reading and responding to literature. This is a half-year course. (1/2 unit)

TOEFL PREPARATION

This objective of this course is to prepare the non-native speaker of English for the TOEFL. It is intended for juniors and seniors who are at a high intermediate or advanced level of proficiency. The course will address test taking strategies, vocabulary development, syntax, idioms and grammar. The student will be instructed in the writing and listening skills needed to pass the TOEFL. Students will be given practice exams to attempt or analyze on a daily basis. This is a half-year course. (1/2 unit)