ESL Course Descriptions

Find the ESL Course That You Want

Literacy for the ESL Learner

The focus is on basic reading and writing skills. There is also an emphasis on the phonology of English – the sound of the language.

Newcomers to Canada who have had little academictraining prior to their arrival, or who are notfamiliar with the Roman alphabet, may begin with this ESL course at the Literacy level.

ESL students at our ESL classes in Ottawa. The participants in this class are able to stay at this level until they feel comfortable about moving on to afull ESL Beginner 1 program, where the focus is more academic. The instructor will be able to assist in choosing the appropriate time to advance to the nextlevel.

ESL Beginner 1-3

Beginner level ESL course students may expect to stay threemonths at each stage of the Beginner program.

By theend of this program, students should be able to speakfairly comfortably, understanding and beingunderstood, in a variety of real-life situations. Theyshould be able to write a paragraph using the basictenses – past & present – and express themselves inclear, simple sentences. They should be able to read amodified text and answer questions, orally or inwriting, based on the content. They should also beable to get the main idea of a short, authentic radiomessage, such as being able to understand a weatherforecast.

Intermediate Grammar and Writing for ESL

Making Writing Purposeful and Fun
This ESL course will allow students to gain competence and confidence in their writing skills. Grammar, sentence structure, error analysis and writing skills are stressed, with the ultimate aim of being reintegrated into an appropriate level. By achieving an understanding of the basic structures and grammar of the English language, students will find this course beneficial towards their goal of competency in the English language. The course is open to students from Intermediate 1,2,3, Advanced, TSE and TOEFL Preparation who are experiencing difficulties in grammar and writing.

ESL Course for Citizenship Preparation

Learn everything you need to know to be successful on the Canadian Citizenship Test - and much more about our country! Canadian history, geography, government, the judicial system, your rights and responsibilities as a citizen are some of the topics that are addressed. Whatever your English language skills, you will be able to participate in this class. Learn from a variety of sources including guest speakers, field trips, and the use of multi-media, in a friendly and lively atmosphere.

TOEFL Preparation

The majority of colleges and univerities in North America reguire a TOEFL score for admission purposes as to evaluate the English proficiency of their candidates. The required score can vary from 550 to 677 depending on the course and the individual university requirement. In order to even begin to prepare for the Toefl an initial score of 500 is preferred. A score of 450 or less usually indicates that more English study is needed before preparing to take the course.

The TOEFL Preparation Course offers intensive practice in all four areas of the test. Listening, structure, reading and essay preparation. Students take a complete test every week. Students are exposed to both paper based and computer based tests for practice purposes. They also have the opportunity to practice taking the test on the computer. The latest computer based material is offered. Students who take the external test in Ottawa are required to take it on the computer although they may write the essay by hand if they choose.

Test of Spoken English [ TSE ]

Adult immigrants at the Intermediate to Advanced speaking level who are preparing for an oral interview or other oral exams or those who simply seek to improve their communication skills will find this ESL course of great value. The course will also help professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and veterinarians to pass the Test of Spoken English conducted by universities in Canada and the USA.

The TSE preparation course is offered Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at St. Joseph's Adult School and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas. Registration is ongoing. More information about the course can be obtained by calling the school at 741-6808 or 594-5773.

English for the Service Industry

A concentrated ESL course designed to focus on the rapidly growing service industry, specifically on employment in the hotel, restaurant and retail fields. Employment in these areas helps improve communication skills as well providing “Canadian experience.” Skills addressed include job search, application and interview techniques, communication, interpersonal and telephone skills, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and the relevant vocabulary and grammar that go with these areas. Many activities are geared towards oral skills aimed at building clear communications and skilful interpersonal interactions in the workplace. Resources include audio and video tapes and guest speakers from the service industry.

This course is offered Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Adult School. Registration is ongoing. To register call the school at 741-6808.

For information on school locations, bus routes and clickable interactive maps go to our schools page.

Writing for Academic and Professional Purposes

The program is designed for high intermediate and advanced students preparing for academic tests and/or academic or professional careers who want to develop and improve their writing skills. It is based on the standards generally accepted in North America. Writing involves complex skills that can be learned, practiced and mastered. The goal of the course is to encourage students to explore and organize their ideas, and provide relevant language practice so that they become competent and independent writers. The program includes writing paragraphs, essays, summaries and reactions. A work-related component has been added; therefore, writing business letters, memos, E-mails and reports will also be covered.

This ESL course is offered Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Adult School. Registration is ongoing. To register call the school at 594-5773.

Schools where you can take an ESL course