The English as a Second Language Department has many courses for non-native English speakers. Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and college-level courses are offered. Our courses focus on all language skills - reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, speaking and listening. Elective courses allow you to focus on specific language skills. Elective courses are offered in conversation, pronunciation, grammar, writing, writing for work, American literature for ESL students, vocabulary, idioms and expressions, and more. As a student in the ESL program, you can select the courses that meet your needs.
ESL Program Information
| Chose the box that best describes your abilities in English today: |
Level and Recommended MultiSkills Classes | You Can Also Register for: | |
| 1 | I can write some sentences in English with help. I can read some sentences in English, but I don’t know all the words. I can understand a little if people speak English very slowly. I can’t always say what I want to say in English. |
Low Beginning ESL 320 - Beginning MultiSkills 1 |
ESL 322: Beginning Conversation ESL 323: Beginning Pronunciation |
| 2 | I can write a paragraph in English with help. I can read a short paragraph in English and understand most of the words. I can understand conversations in English, but sometimes I can’t understand everything. |
High Beginning ESL 321: Beginning MultiSkills 2 |
ESL 322: Beginning Conversation ESL 323: Beginning Pronunciation ESL 325: Beginning Reading and Writing |
| 3 | I can write several paragraphs in formal English with some help. I can read short articles in English with dictionary help. I can speak English, but often can’t say what I want to say in English, especially about serious topics. |
Low Intermediate ESL 330: Intermediate MultiSkills 1 |
ESL 332: Intermediate Conversation ESL 333: Intermediate Pronunciation ESL 335: Intermediate Writing 1 |
| 4 |
I can write 1-2 pages in formal English with some help. I can read short college-level texts in English with dictionary help. I can communicate in English but sometimes can’t say what I want to say in English. |
High Intermediate ESL 331: Intermediate MultiSkills 2 |
ESL 332: Intermediate Conversation ESL 333: Intermediate Pronunciation ESL 335: Intermediate Writing 1 ESL 336: Intermediate Writing 2 |
| 5 |
I can write 1-2 pages in formal English with a little help. I can read college-level texts in English with some dictionary help. I can communicate well in English but occasionally can’t express myself in English. |
Low Advanced ESL 340: Advanced MultiSkills 1 |
ESL 342: Advanced Conversation ESL 343: Advanced Pronunciation ESL 344: Idioms and Expressions ESL 345: Advanced Writing 1 ESL 346: Advanced Writing for Work ESL 347: Advanced Grammar Review |
| 6 |
I can write 2-3 pages in formal English with little or no help. I can read college-level texts in English with little or no dictionary help. I can communicate in English almost as well as in my native language. |
High Advanced ESL 80 (credit) or ESL 380 (non-credit): Advanced Academic Writing 1 ESL 90 (credit) or ESL 390 (non-credit): Advanced Academic Writing 2 |
ESL 354: Advanced Vocabulary ESL 355: American Literature for ESL ESL 356: Academic Success Strategies ESL 357: Grammar Review for College ESL 358: Listening and Note-Taking ESL 359: American Language and Culture through Film |
Still not sure what courses to take? ESL Counselors can help you choose the best classes for you. To speak to an ESL counselor, please contact Counseling at (949) 582-4572 or email Maryam Afshari (speaks Farsi) or Angel Torres (speaks Spanish).