The ELI offers English classes which are designed according to the latest research in the field. The core classes include Listening/Speaking, Grammar, and Reading/Writing classes. Students are placed into levels for each skill at the beginning of each term according to their proficiency in each skill. The ELI also offers elective courses in TOEFL, Business English, Pronunciation, Conversation Strategies, and other special courses that vary by term. Classes at the ELI are small, averaging 12 students, allowing very individualized instruction. Classes can meet in the UF computer labs regularly, completing a variety of language activities. You can see a sample version of the complete curriculum here. This version is for informational purposes only.
Listening/Speaking
Coordinator: Thomas Dolce
The Listening/Speaking classes at the ELI focus on the English listening and speaking skills that are necessary to function in an academic environment. The Listening/Speaking class meets in the classroom four hours per week with an instructor and four hours per week outside the classroom with two language assistants for additional practice with authentic English. Listening/Speaking classes meet from 12:50 – 2:45 Monday through Thursday in the Fall and Spring. The schedule is slightly altered in the Summer semester.
Grammar
Coordinator: Patrick Klager
Grammar classes at the ELI are taught with attention to form and function. Grammar classes meet from 10:40 – 11:30 Monday through Friday, OR from 11:45 – 12:35 Monday through Friday in the Fall and Spring. The schedule is slightly altered in the Summer semester. Students cannot select the class time.
Reading/Writing
Coordinator: Jen Ramos
Reading and writing classes at the ELI focus on the kinds of reading and writing skills that are necessary in the highly competitive academic and professional worlds. Reading/Writing classes meet from 8:30am – 10:25am Monday through Friday, OR from 3:00pm to 4:55pm Monday through Friday in the Fall and Spring. The schedule is slightly altered in the Summer semester. Students cannot select the class time.
Electives
When enrollment permits, we offer the following replacement elective courses:
- Grammar for Writing. Students focus on refining grammatical abilities in writing as well as improving general organizational structure for essay writing. Intensive editing practice is a large component of this course. This course replaces listening/speaking for those students who have placed into or exited the advanced listening/speaking class.
- Advanced Informal English. Students practice and learn strategies for successful conversation and interaction with native speakers of English. This course replaces reading/writing for those students who have placed into or exited advanced reading/writing class.
Additional elective classes we have offered periodically in the past:
- Pronunciation. Students learn to understand and use American English patterns of pronunciation. In addition to participating in activities during class, students will record practice exercises at home. This course is five or six weeks long, and students must place into listening/speaking 30 or higher.
- TOEFL Preparation. students practice and discuss exercises that appear on the TOEFL test. Only high intermediate level and above students may take the TOEFL class. Please note that all ELI classes will help improve students’ general language proficiency and test scores.
- IELTS Preparation. Students become familiar with the design of the IELTS by practicing listening, academic reading, academic writing, and speaking. Only high intermediate level and above students may take the IELTS class. Please note that all ELI classes will help improve students’ general language proficiency and test scores.
- Advanced Academic Vocabulary and Pronunciation. Students will learn the rules of pronunciation towards an understanding of American English pronunciation and improving their own pronunciation. This class will also cover vocabulary in a wide range of topics such as business, geology, technology, etc. This class is exclusively for intermediate and upper level students who desire to work intensively on pronunciation and vocabulary alone. Listening/speaking classes also cover pronunciation in a less intensive form and all classes cover vocabulary.
- Business English. Students study the vocabulary and typical forms of English that are necessary in business. Students must already have knowledge of business in their native language. This course replaces grammar for those students who have placed into or exited the advanced grammar class.
- US Culture. This is an integrated skills course. Students will improve all their skills and learn about US Culture. Depending on student and teacher interest, this course could focus on US values, or US history through media and literature. This course replaces reading/writing and only high-intermediate students are eligible.
Other elective courses may be offered according to students’ interest. These courses may include special topics courses, computer courses, or English for specific purposes.