ESL program
Triton Institute’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to equip students with the English language proficiency required to communicate effectively across the academic, professional, cultural, commercial, personal, and social environments encountered in American society. The program seeks to empower students by enhancing their language ability in order to better adapt to a new lifestyle. The ESL program at Triton Institute consists of four levels, ranging from the beginner to high beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. At the beginner level, the course focuses on pronunciation, grammar, and listening comprehension. Moving from the beginner to the high beginner, students will learn basic reading, writing, and conversation. At the intermediate level, students will be trained with advanced reading, writing, and conversation skills. Courses at the advanced level are designed to familiarize students with academic writing, professional presentation skills, as well as American culture, thereby providing students with both the language and the insight necessary to realize their full potential as participants in the American experience.
Each course consists of four hours of weekly instruction. Each course is divided into two separate components, with two hours of instruction per week in listening comprehension, oral expression, and pronunciation. Another two hours of instruction are dedicated to reading comprehension, grammar, and written compositions. Materials in each course level are structured to develop particular skills in accordance with the instructional standards outlined in the ESL Model Standards for Adult Education Programs published by the California Department of Education.
Application Requirements
To apply for admission at Triton Institute, an applicant must submit the following items:
(1) An application form;
(2) A nonrefundable application fee $50.00;
(3) Official transcripts from previously attended colleges;
(4) Documentation demonstrating students’ English proficiency to assess the qualification for taking degree courses.
Applicants’ English proficiency is assessed by either taking a standardized test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, or an English placement test administered by Triton. The result of the test determines whether the student needs to take courses in the ESL program offered by Triton Institute and at what level. For the standardized TOEFL test, the passing score accepted by Triton is 550 for the paper –based test, 213 for the computer-based test, and 79 for the internet-based test. A student can also take the English placement test on campus. The English placement test assesses students’ English proficiency in listening comprehension, grammar, conversation, reading, and writing. Students who enrolled in the highest level of ESL
Course Description
ESL 101 Pronunciation 4 units
This course focuses on improving spoken English fluency and pronunciation through the practice of segmental sounds, common phonological reductions, and stress and intonation patterns. The purpose of the course is to teach students correct ways of pronunciation in order to enhance students’ abilities in speaking English.
ESL 102 Grammar I 4 units
The objective of the course is to familiarize students with the basic structure of English grammar. Students will learn the accurate and appropriate language use through intensive written and oral practices.
ESL 103 Listening Comprehension 4 units
The course emphasizes listening comprehension. Students will learn practical vocabulary and basic sentence construction in order to get familiar with the English language. In addition, students will improve their listening apprehension through watching educational and TV programs as well as through TOEFL listening comprehension practices.
ESL 201 Reading 4 units
Students in this course build up their reading skills through exposing to short stories and articles in a wide range of disciplines including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, life sciences, and engineering etc.
ESL 202 Writing Composition 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 102
At the beginning level, the writing class focuses on teaching students to write perfect sentences and paragraphs. Students will learn how to organize their ideas and present their thoughts in a logical and meaningful way.
ESL 203 Conversation 4 units
Students are encouraged to speak up and to have conversational talk with team members as well as the instructor in this course. The goal of the course is to reduce students’ speech anxiety and to practice speaking with accurate pronunciation and sentence structures.
ESL 204 Grammar II 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 102
The course focuses on advanced English Language structure. Students will learn the grammatical functions of English words, phrases, clauses, and sentences at a more sophisticated level.
ESL 205 Listening Comprehension II 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 103
In this course, students will learn to advance their listening comprehension by being exposed to movie or TV programs that reflect American culture in various aspects including politics, economics, and society etc.
ESL 301 Advanced Reading 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 201
The class focuses on discussions and conversations about advanced readings including novels, current news, and other articles in various disciplines. Students are encouraged to explore profound meanings embedded in those readings and be able to reflect on it.
ESL 302 Advanced Writing 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 202
In the advanced writing class, students will work on intensive writings using a variety of topics. They will practice more complicated sentence structures, and learn how to write clearly, effectively, and with a good flow.
ESL 303 Advanced Conversation 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 203
The course is centered on developing rich conversational opportunities for students to enhance their speaking skills in order to reach fluency and accuracy. Topics may range from daily operations to academic settings.
ESL 304 Grammar III 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 204
Students in this course will learn modification, syntax structures of the English language by studying English and American literature.
ESL 401 Introduction to American Culture 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 301
The goal of the course is to familiarize students with American culture in order to help them adapt to a new environment smoothly. Students will be exposed to selected episodes of popular drama, talk shows, and news programs etc. They will discuss the cultural meanings underlying those presentations. It is expected that students will expand their knowledge of cultural idioms, phrases, and expressions as well as experience American classroom culture with a greater depth.
ESL 402 Presentation Skills 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 303
This course is aimed at strengthening students’ oral presentation ability. Students will practice how to do a good power point presentation, how to give a speech, and how to effectively engage audiences.
ESL 403 Academic Writing 4 units, Prerequisite: ESL 302, 304
In order to succeed in studying at USA, students need to learn how to write well in an academic context. The course emphasizes basic elements of academic writing, documentation, critical argumentation, and organization of research papers and projects.
