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ESL Placement

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ESL Placement

Which level is right for you? Read through the Can-Do statements and sample materials below to see what you will learn at each level. Then log in to Self-Service to take the ESL Guided Self-Placement.

 

Instructions for the ESL Guided Self- Placement are in the video below.

 

For questions, contact the ESL department chair,  mark.poupard@gcccd.edu

 

 

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ESL 078-078R

Linked Classes

ESL 078-078R are linked classes. This means you will take all three classes together in the same semester, for a total of 12 units. You will study with the same cohort of students in all three classes, and your instructors will work together to enhance community, collaborative learning and critical thinking. You may choose to take these courses for non-credit or non-degree credit.

 

These courses are for true beginners in the English language. Students at this level cannot read or speak English.

 

 

ESL 088-088L-088R

Linked Classes

ESL 088-088L-088R are linked classes. This means you will take all three classes together in the same semester, for a total of 12 units. You will study with the same cohort of students in all three classes, and your instructors will work together to enhance community, collaborative learning and critical thinking. These courses are for non-degree credit.

 

Read the statements below. You are ready for this level if you can say 'yes' to most of these statements.

  • I can read and write the alphabet in English.
  •  I can read words in English about a topic I know well, such as family, health, school, and food.
  • I can watch and understand a short (2-3 minutes) video in English on a topic that I know well. I need clear pictures and captions.
  • I can say a few words in English about a topic I know well, such as family, health, school and food.
  • I can write a few words in English about a topic I know well, such as family, health, school and food.
  • I can understand instructions in class if the teacher speaks slowly, repeats, and shows pictures.
  • I can read this Sample Reading. I don't understand every word, but I understand the main idea.

Click the links below to see examples of syllabi and materials at this level.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 088 
Literacy and Communication 

 

 

Sample Reading

Sample syllabus

Sample calendar

088 Sample Activity

 

 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 088L 
Understanding and Speaking American English in College and Everyday Life
Sample listening activity 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 088R 
Reading and Vocabulary for College and Everyday Life

Sample reading activity 1

Sample reading activity 2

 

ESL 098-098G-098P

Linked Classes

ESL 098-098G-098P are linked classes. This means you will take all three classes together in the same semester, for a total of 12 units. You will study with the same cohort of students in all three classes, and your instructors will work together to enhance community, collaborative learning and critical thinking. These courses are for non-degree credit.

 

Read the statements below. You are ready for this level if you can say 'yes' to most of these statements.

  • I can read and understand a short article or story (1-2 pages) in English about a topic I know well.
  • I can watch and understand a short (3-5 minute) video in English about a topic I know well.
  • I can speak (3-5 sentences) about personal and familiar topics such as family, health, school, and food. My speaking is not perfect, but my listener understands the main point.
  • I can write (3-5 sentences) about personal and familiar topics such as family, health, school, and food. My writing is not perfect, but my reader understands the main point.
  • I can understand instructions in class if the teacher speaks slowly and repeats some words.
  • I can read this sample reading. I don't understand every word, but I understand the main idea.

Click the links below to see examples of syllabi and materials for this level.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 098 
Introduction to Academic English

Sample syllabus and calendar

098 Sample Reading

Sample textbook

 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 098G 
Essential Grammar for Written and Spoken Communication

Sample textbook

 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 098P 
Sounds and Rhythms of American English

Sample Textbook

ESL 105


Read the statements below. You are ready for this level if you can say 'yes' to most of these statements.

  • I can read and understand  an article or story in English (2 pages or more) about a topic that is new to me if I have a dictionary and some discussion with classmates and my instructor.
  • I can watch and understand a video in English (3-5 minutes) about a topic that is new to me if I have a dictionary and some discussion with classmates and my instructor.
  • I can speak in English for 3-5 minutes about a topic I know well. My speaking is not perfect, but my listener understands the main point.
  • I can write a paragraph (one-half page) in English with some mistakes about a topic I know well. My writing is not perfect, but my reader understands the main point.
  • I can understand most instructions in the classroom. Sometimes I need a little help from the instructor or tutor.
  • I can read this sample reading. I don't understand every word, but I understand the main idea.

Click the links below to see examples of syllabi and materials for this level.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 105 
Rhetoric for Academic Success

Sample syllabus

105 Sample Reading

Sample final project

ESL 115


Read the statements below. You are ready for this level if you can say 'yes' to most of these statements.

 

  • I can read and understand an article or story in English (1-2 pages) by myself about a topic that is new to me.
  • I can take notes during a lecture, video or reading. 
  • I can discuss new topics in English with my classmates and instructor after studying vocabulary and ideas.
  • I can write 1-2 pages in English, with some mistakes, about an academic topic I have studied.
  • I can understand most classroom instructions.
  • I can read this sample reading. I don't understand every word, but I understand the main idea.

Click the links below to see examples of syllabi and materials for this level.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 115
Academic Discourse through U.S. Cultures

 

Sample calendar

Sample student writing

ESL 122


Read the statements below. You are ready for this level if you can say 'yes' to most of these statements.

 

  • I can read and understand a full-length article or textbook chapter on an academic topic if I have time, discussion and a dictionary.
  • I can take notes from a lecture, video, or reading.
  • I can discuss with my instructor and classmates academic topics such as culture, the environment and history. Sometimes I need help with vocabulary.
  • I can write 1-2 pages about an academic topic such as culture, the environment, or history.
  • I can understand most of a full-length movie in English. I do not need subtitles in my language.
  • I can understand classroom instructions.
  • I can read this sample reading. I don't understand every word, but I can understand the main idea.

Click the links below to see examples of syllabi and materials for this level.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 122
College Rhetoric

Sample syllabus 1

Sample syllabus 2

Sample Reading