Posted in Programs of Study.
- Temp Last Modified:
2025-02-20
English for Speakers of Other Languages
(Non-Credit)
MODE OF STUDY
CAMPUSES
CT State offers non-credit ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) courses teaching core English skills to non-native speakers each semester, including reading and writing, grammar, and conversational speaking and listening. You will often work with partners or in groups as a means to practice your skills and prepare for academic classes and employment.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses are also offered most semesters.
Please note: You will be placed in ESOL levels based on the ESOL Placement Test which includes reading comprehension, grammar and writing a composition.
Most ESOL non-credit classes meet four hours per week, twice a week for 14 weeks (58 hours per semester). Full-time students will take twelve hours of classes per week. Students are expected to attend all classes regularly and are required to do homework and take tests.
ESOL Non-Credit CORE Classes (56 hours)
To pass to the next level in a non-credit ESOL course you’ll need to:
- successfully complete TWO courses in one level
- pass tests in the class and be recommended by the instructor
- write an essay evaluated by the ESOL Non-credit Program
To pass into the ESOL credit program from ESOL non-credit classes, you must complete these minimum requirements:
- Successfully complete ESOL Reading/Writing 50 and
- Pass one Grammar course in level 40, or 50, or 60 and
- Write an essay evaluated by the credit program and
- Receive a strong recommendation from the Level 50/60 Instructor
ESOL Non-Credit Core Courses
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Reading/Writing–Levels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60
Learn to write sentences and compositions. Study correct sentence structure for speaking and writing. Practice the writing process including brainstorming, organizing, drafting and editing. Read short stories and articles and discuss them. Do exercises to improve comprehension and vocabulary. You will be expected to read and write a lot in class and at home.
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Grammar–Levels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60
Learn grammar for writing and speaking. Study verb tenses, parts of speech and other grammar points. Practice writing sentences and paragraphs. Read and discuss a few stories to improve comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. You will do a lot of grammar exercises and some writing in class and at home.
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Speaking/Listening–Levels 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60
Improve your speaking and listening skills and build your confidence. Listen to audio CDs and discuss them to improve listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking. Practice speaking English in small groups. You will also do writing exercises in class and at home.
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English for Beginners 10–Open to Level 10
Begin to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Learn to speak and write English with basic grammatical sentences and short dialogues about personal information, daily life skills, and classroom directions and tasks. Practice speaking and listening using basic grammar and vocabulary in pairs and groups. You will also listen to audio CDs, do grammar exercises and read and write short paragraphs in class and at home.
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Writing/Grammar–Open to Levels 40, 50, 60 and Up
Improve your grammar and writing. Review correct sentence structure and paragraph organization. Practice the writing process including brainstorming, planning, editing and the correct essay format. You will read some stories and discuss them. You will do a lot of grammar exercises and writing in class and at home.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Courses
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Conversation Circles
- Conversation Circles 26/36–Open to Levels 20 and 30 (58 hours)
Conversation Circles 76–Open to Levels 40, 50, 60 and up
Designed for Au Pairs and open to all ESOL students, you will practice speaking, listening and vocabulary for conversation and pronunciation. This is a fun, dynamic, interactive, informal conversation class.
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Basic Pronunciation 68–Open to Levels 40, 50, 60 and up (58 hours)
Learn to speak more clearly. Practice sounds, words, intonation and stress in words & sentences to improve pronunciation. Students will also practice speaking and listening skills. Students will have assignments in the Language Lab and at home.
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Business for ESOL Students–Open to Levels 40, 50, 60 and up (42 hours)
Study different kinds of businesses and the basic operations of business. Discuss international business including importing and exporting. Learn about starting and owning a small business (entrepreneurship). Practice communication skills used in corporations such as reading and writing business proposals, marketing plans, emails and customer service. Review vocabulary for management, marketing, production, etc. Discuss current topics in business from news sources such as the Wall Street Journal.
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TOEFL Test Preparation–Open to Levels 132 & up (58 hours)
Prepare for the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language). This course will provide intermediate learners of English as a Second Language with techniques for taking this international exam. Learn strategies and tips for vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, grammar, speaking and listening, and writing an effective essay. The TOEFL exam is often required to enter a four-year college or university in the United States, but not at CT State. This is a high level, intense course with a lot of writing and homework.
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Reading Circles 78-43½–Open to Levels 132 and Up (43.5 hours)
This class is for higher level ESOL students who enjoy reading to improve English fluency. American short stories will be the basis for discussion to improve reading comprehension and speaking/listening. These skills will help students in ESOL and academic classes, work and living in the United States. You will review grammar and learn new vocabulary and idioms used in the stories. You'll read short stories, do comprehension exercises and write short assignments in class and for homework.
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Writing/Grammar on Computer 61–Open to Levels 40, 50, 60 and Up (58 hours)
This class focuses on sentence structure and organization of a basic written composition. You will practice writing good sentences with correct grammar.
Course Outcomes:
- Develop ability to use verb tenses and other grammar structures in sentences
- Learn to write a variety of sentences (simple and compound) with clear meaning
- Improve ability to write an organized composition (introduction, body, and conclusion)
- Improve writing a coherent composition that develops an idea in 1 to 1 ½ pages
- Learn to use the computer to write a composition
- Learn to use Blackboard website for grammar exercise, writing, and homework
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Writing/Grammar 63–Open to Levels 60 and Up (58 hours)
This class focuses on developing a well-written essay. You’ll practice applying grammar rules and write complex sentences.
Course Outcomes:
- Develop use of a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)
- Improve ability to apply basic grammatical structures in exercises and writing with consistency and accuracy
- Improve ability to produce logical, coherent, meaningful essays (with introduction, body, and conclusion)
- Practice editing essays
This Writing/Grammar 63 class is open to students in levels 60 and above and students who have completed Reading/Writing 50 AND Grammar 55/53/61.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does everyone need a Placement Test?
All new students who want to take ESOL classes or regular college credit classes must take the ESOL Placement Test to determine their level. After you complete the application, you will receive a student number.
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What do I do after the test?
After the test, we will email you the test results. Then you can come to the ESOL Office, (Norwalk campus-East Campus Room 206). We will help you choose a class. ESOL Registration must be IN PERSON – no online registration, no mail, no fax.
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How much do ESOL classes cost?
Basic Levels 10 and 20 ESOL classes are $420 for 56 hours. All other levels are $440 for 56 hours.
Books cost about $50-100 per class. You can pay with credit card (Master Card or Visa), check, cash or money order.
ESOL Non-credit classes are now offering payment plans to help support you throughout your academic journey. Use the ESL Payment Plan Worksheet (available in English and Spanish) and follow all necessary instructions.
For questions regarding payment plan enrollment, please contact the Norwalk campus Business Office at 203-857-7046 or NK-BusinessOffice@ctstate.edu.
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Are the classes still available?
ESOL classes are very popular, so please complete the application and make an appointment for the placement test soon. You can check the enrollment on the course search.
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What is the class schedule?
ESOL non-credit courses usually meet for two times a week for 14 weeks. Classes meet on weekday mornings, afternoons or evening, or on Saturdays on the CT State Norwalk campus.
ESOL non-credit summer classes usually meet three times a week in the mornings or the evenings for seven weeks from the end of May through July. Some classes are shorter.
Upcoming Courses
