Academic English Courses: $1820 Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening

Full-Time Level 7
This course will introduce students to advanced English: reading/writing, and speaking. The reading/ writing course will focus on developing vocabulary and comprehension skills for college level reading. Students will write about the readings and practice a variety of types of writing and essay organization. In the speaking course, students will gain confidence and fluency in speaking and listening. Students must purchase textbooks. The speaking book includes one year of extensive online materials and practice.

Full-Time Level 8
Section 1: This course will focus on the kinds of reading, writing, and speaking assignments students will encounter in American colleges and universities. The speaking segment will be a continuation of the level 7 listening and speaking course with a focus on developing vocabulary and increasing confidence and fluency. Please note: all level 8 students will take the IELI final writing exam.

Section 2: This course is geared to prepare for a variety of academic and professional writing environments. Students will read authentic materials such as books, essays, and newspaper and magazine articles. They will write about what they read and refine their writing skills. In the speaking segment, students will develop vocabulary and gain confidence and fluency in speaking and listening. Please note: all level 8 students will take the IELI final writing exam.

Introduction to American Theater (AV1) $1820

Full-Time Levels 7,8
All the World’s a Stage—and you can be a Star! The American theater course will introduce advanced level students to American plays, celebrated American playwrights and the film versions of these masterpieces. This semester, the class will read The Odd Couple. Students will read and analyze the play for symbolism, meaning and acting interpretation. They will research and write about Neil Simon, the playwright, and hold a literary forum to discuss their findings. They will present a portfolio of academic essays at the end of the term. The grand finale will be a real stage performance. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Note: all level 8 students will take the IELI final writing exam. This course meets 18 hours/week.

TOEFL Preparation Full-time Levels 7 & 8 (ADVTOEF1 & ADVTOEF2) $1820

These two courses should be taken together
Skills for the TOEFL iBT (ADVTOEF1) $1010 10 hours/week Weekday mornings
These classes are designed to teach the language skills and test taking strategies needed to achieve a competitive score on the reading, writing, listening, and speaking segments of the TOEFLiBt.

Practicing the TOEFL iBT (ADVTOEF2) $810 8 hours/week Weekday afternoons
This course will familiarize students with the TOEFL test by taking TOEFL practice tests. They will analyze results to find areas of weakness and work on improvement.

Note: Level 8 students will also take the IELI final writing exam.

Advanced Level 9 Courses

Advanced Reading and Writing (ADV9) $1010 Afternoons 10 hours/week
This is the IELI’s most advanced course, focusing on critical analysis and critical thinking, expressed through speaking and writing. In this course, students continue to develop advanced language skills through engagement with high-quality materials drawn from various fields, including literature, economics, history, psychology, film, and cultural commentary. The class is both a review of lingering problems in grammar and expression, and a workshop in advanced writing and oral presentation. Students are given many opportunities to work on research skills, short and long forms of writing, and presentation skills. Through the use of authentic and challenging material, vocabulary is greatly expanded, and class members engage in lively discussions on current issues in a global environment.

Advanced Communication Skills (ADV9O) $405 Afternoons 4 hours/week
Also open to level 7 & 8 students
In this advanced course, students will gain confidence in speaking. They will make presentations, learn to speak effectively in discussion groups, and use critical thinking skills to improve their spoken English for a variety of academic and professional situations.

Advanced Seminar (ADV9N) $405 Afternoons 4 hours/week
Also open to level 7 & 8 students
Students will read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Did you see the very popular movie? If so, you will be surprised to find out how much better the book is. If not, you are in for a real treat when you meet expert archer Katniss Everdeen as she enters the arena to face the boys and girls who will fight until only one remains alive. You will hold your breath as she confronts one danger after another, and you will suffer with her in the choices she must make between life and love.

In this seminar, students will improve their critical reading skills as they analyze the plot, evaluate character development, and make inferences about the relationships between the characters and their motivations. Students will support assertions with reasoned arguments and references to text. In-class activities will focus on vocabulary development, writing, and discussion. Students will also prepare presentations on related topics.

Advanced Grammar Course $405 Weekday afternoons 4 hours/week
Levels 6-9
Change Up Your Grammar! (E17)
No one is ever “finished” learning grammar. This upper level course helps students polish their English by expanding essential grammar structures and introducing new ones. Vocabulary, idioms and cultural trends will be highlighted through discussion and written expression. Active class participation required.