Loyola’s ELLP Program is certificate based, full-time, and non-credit.  We offer three proficiency levels:

BEGINNER

LOW INTERMEDIATE
HIGH INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED

All new students take our placement test to determine their level.  Each level should ideally take one semster (15 weeks) to complete. NOTE: Based upon our placement test, students who do NOT place at our beginner level will be referred to another program. Assistance is provided.

Loyola's ESL beginner level is for academic beginners, and not true beginners; students must have some knowledge of English.  These students who have a basic level of English can:

• hold short casual conversations (weather, weekend activities)

• explain themselves in short, clear sentences

• perform life skills tasks (buying groceries, going to the movies, etc.)

• know and use the 100 most common English words- http://www.duboislc.org/EducationWatch/First100Words.html

• write at a sentence level

• using basic correct basic grammar (word order, simple tenses, etc.)

• be able to look up some definitins in a basic learner's English dictionary 

Students progress from one level to the next by earning an 80% or higher within each level.  By the end of the program, students are considered prepared for university work.

ELLP COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ELLP CORE CLASSES -- REQUIRED

Grammar & Composition (6 hours)

Advance your academic writing skills and communicate more clearly and accurately with an in-depth study of advanced English grammar. Students will develop the ability to effectively and accurately write using the rhetorical patterns most commonly used in universities. Students will also learn how to make citations of research sources and examine the cultural/ethical issues related to plagiarism. Offered at the: Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.  Meets 6 hours per week.

Listening and Speaking (6 hours)

Extend your skills in spoken English and listening comprehension. This course includes intensive practice in advanced listening and effective note-taking skills using university lectures. Students will also develop their own oral presentation skills by focusing on the fundamentals of public speaking.  Offered at the: Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.  Meets 6 hours per week.

Reading and Vocabulary (6 hours)

Boost your reading speed and comprehension of university-level academic texts. Students will develop strategies for managing extensive reading assignments. Students will also increase advanced-level vocabulary from readings in general and specialized subject areas.  Offered at the: Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced Levels. Meets 6 hours per week.

ELLP ELECTIVES – OPTIONAL (STUDENTS MAY CHOOSE TO TAKE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING)

Business English (3 hours)
In this seminar, students will learn how to successfully communicate in the business world. Special focus will be on learning: business vocabulary, negotiating at meetings, writing proposals, and so on. All skill areas -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- will be emphasized. Only open to Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced level students. Meets 3 hours per week.

Speak clearly and be understood by others. Students will learn about and practice phonemic awareness and accuracy, stress patterns, intonation, and rhythm with extensive practice. Students will also be able to identify and improve their individual pronunciation issues.  Open to all skill levels. Meets 3 hours per week.

TOEFL Preparation (3 hours)

Sharpen your test-taking skills and improve your TOEFL score. Students will become familiar with TOEFLiBT and learn strategies for achieving the score they need. This is an optional lab class that meets on two afternoons OR one evening. Only open to Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced level students.
Meets 3 hours per week.