English Language Program
English Language Program: University Readiness/TOEFL Preparation
| Download an ELP Application |
The English Language Program (ELP) is a non-credit intensive English program for international students. ELP courses are designed to prepare students for academic study at the university. In addition, the course prepares students for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is required for admission.
Note the following:
- ELP is a 1-year program; however, students passing the TOEFL exam at the end of the first semester may move into their program of study at the university provided they meet all the other admission requirements.
- Admission to ELP does not ensure admission to California State University, Stanislaus.
- Students enrolled in ELP are not allowed to enroll in university courses unless prior approval is granted.
- ELP students are not eligible for OPT or CPT.
The Campus
The University enjoys an ideal location in the heart of California’s Central Valley, a short distance from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the governmental hub of Sacramento. The 228-acre campus is located in the City of Turlock, a community that prides itself on its small-town atmosphere, clean living space, excellent schools, and low crime rate.
Course Description
The format for this course is broken into three parts: listening and comprehension; structure and written expression; and reading and vocabulary.
Weekly Schedule
Hr |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
1 |
Listening and Speaking Lab | Listening and Speaking Lab | Listening and Speaking Lab | Listening and Speaking Lab | Prep |
2 |
TOEFL Prep: Listening | Computer Lab | TOEFL Prep: Listening | Computer Lab | Presentations |
3 |
TOEFL Prep: Reading | Reading Lab | TOEFL Prep: Reading | TOEFL Practice Test | Presentations |
4 |
TEOFL PRep: Writing | Writing Lab | TOEFL Prep: Writing | Assessment Review |
Assessment Review |
*Please note that the weekly schedule is subject to change at any time in an ongoing effort to structure this course in order to meet the specific needs of the students
| Course Breakdown | Fall/Spring |
Summer |
| Weeks of Instruction | 13 |
10 |
| Hours of Instruction per Week | 18 |
18 |
| Lab Hours per Week | 2 |
2 |
| Total Hours per Week | 20 |
20 |
| Total Hours to Complete | 260 |
200 |
Three Course Components
The following is an outline of each part, containing specific area objectives and classroom activities in which this course will develop the objective skills in each area.
Part 1 - Listening and Comprehension
Objectives
- Understand the main point or purpose and supporting points and details of a conversation, discussion, or lecture
- Recognize a speaker’s attitude, tone, degree of certainty, meaning, and motivation
- Make connections between pieces of information
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on information given
Classroom Activities to Develop Listening and Comprehension Skills
- Lectures
- Class /group discussions
- Group activities, assignments, and projects
- Cooperative learning groups
- Activities that involve listening to music and watching television
- Writer’s Workshop assignments
- One-on-one / group tutoring sessions
- TOEFL Practice Tests and assessment
Part 2 - Structure and Written Expression
Objectives
- Recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English
- Identify and correct errors in written English
Classroom Activities to Develop Understanding of Structure and Written Expression
- Journal writing
- Essay assignments
- Writer’s Workshop lessons and assignments
- Computer Lab/internet research activities
- Group/individual presentations
- Activities that address a variety of writing topics that range in scope from essay/paragraph development to grammar issues
- TOEFL Practice Tests and assessments
Part 3 - Reading and Vocabulary
Objectives
- Understand the main idea, purpose, key points, and important details of a reading passage
- Recognize a speaker’s/author’s intent, style, and tone
- Synthesize and paraphrase information
Classroom Activities to Develop Reading and Vocabulary Skills
- In-class and outside reading assignments
- Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)
- Vocabulary and grammar activities
- Internet / research activities
- Writer’s Workshop assignments
- TOEFL Practice Tests and assessments
This class will concentrate on content-based activities that help students develop and improve their skills in the four areas of listening, speaking, reading, reading, and writing. These content-based activities will cover important ESL topics and subtopics such as essay development and grammar.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance and participation is essential for success within the University system. Therefore, absences, for whatever reason, will not be excused. Students will be held responsible and if they must miss class due to extenuating circumstances, they need to take the responsibility of alerting the instructor by email (the sooner, the better) and make up any assignments that were missed. More than 5 absences (20 hours) will warrant a failure of the program.
Grading
The grading for this class is PASS/FAIL. This class does not receive any University credit, although those who successfully pass the class will receive a Certificate of Completion.
In order to pass the course, students must meet all requirements and submit a final portfolio for readers to assess. Grades will be determined by the portfolio, which will be submitted upon completion of this course. Independent readers will determine whether students have demonstrated sufficient progress and whether they pass or fail.