Foundation English ProgramLevel One : An Introduction

by Mrs. Kira Litvin

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Course Goals

What is the main goal of the Foundation English course?

This English course prepares students to deal with university education by bridging the gap between school and university and prepares students to meet the minimum requirements set by the university faculties.

deal with = cope, handle, acceptbridge the gap = connect, link

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Is this a TOEFL preparation course?

NO! BUT…The skills you learn and practice

in this course are NECESSARY for you to pass the TOEFL test.

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Skills

What are the skills taught in Level One? Reading Writing Listening Speaking Grammar Multimedia component

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Reading Skills Read for main ideas Scan for details Predict what you will read and what will happen Connect your personal experience to the text Compare and contrast information from two texts Summarize information in a text using a graphic

organizer Learn new vocabulary words and use them in

sentences Understand part of speech (noun, verb, adjective,

adverb) to guess new vocabulary

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Writing Skills Write and edit complete sentences Write a paragraph Edit your own writing for grammar, spelling

and content Re-Write multiple drafts to show improvement Compare and contrast ideas with transition

words Practice correct use of punctuation Use pre-writing strategies to organize your

thoughts

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Listening Skills Listen for main ideas and details Understand speaker's tone and attitude Connect listening to your personal

experience Combine information from two listening texts Take notes on details using an outline or

chart Listen and respond correctly in conversations

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Speaking Skills

Ask and answer questions on familiar topics

Use spoken grammar correctly Practice conversation skills for

different situations Prepare and deliver a short

presentation Interview people on different topics

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Grammar Skills Demonstrate understanding of

adjectives, present and past tenses, gerunds and infinitives, adverbs, count and non-count nouns, modals (should, would, may, can), and future-tense forms

Students should be able to identify correct grammar from multiple-choice questions

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Course Grades How are the students graded? Reading project test Writing portfolio Speaking presentation Speaking Test Class work Participation Multimedia work Mid-term and final exams

Exam Grades = 65%Course work, assignments, projects = 35%

Exams

Classwork & Participation

Minimum Grade to pass = 60%

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Exams test how well you can apply the skills and strategies you have practiced in your courses:

Reading Comprehension Skills Vocabulary Strategy Skills Writing Skills Listening for detail and meaning

WHY? These skills are essential for passing the TOEFL and for advanced academic skills in English

Exams

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Writing Assignments & Portfolio What does ‘the writing portfolio’ mean? It is a collection of your writing assignments to

show how you have improved your writing skills.

How many assignments will be included in the porfolio?4 writings will be marked.

How many drafts do we write? Two drafts. A total of 10 marks (10%) for each

assignment. There will be four draft-writing assignments.

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Attendance Policy

Attendance is very important for your learning and university education

Missing more than 25% of course classes = F grade

25% = about 35 classes Absent 1 day = 2 absences Each day = 2 classes

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Absences Absences are ABSENCES. Excuses do

not change absences to presents If you are absent you might miss a test,

quiz, lecture or important assignment It is YOUR JOB to speak to your teacher

before class, after class, by email or in off-hours to find out what you missed.

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Late policy Your teacher does not like when

students are late DO NOT BE LATE! Late students disturb the class! If you are more than 20 minutes late

you will be marked ABSENT! If you are late sign the LATE Sheet or

you will be marked absent! Three Lates = 1 Absence

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Cell Phone Policy

Do NOT USE YOUR mobile inside the classroom.

Turn your cell phone on silent.Place your mobile on Mrs. Litvin’s

desk at the beginning of class.

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Classroom Behavior Listen when you teacher is talking Listen when your classmate says an answer Raise your hand to speak Ask questions in English Control your mind—focus and think clearly Control your body—use the restroom before

class and during breaks Chatting off-topic is not polite

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Schedule for Mrs. Litvin’s Groups

Monday Period 1/2G1 Reading/WritingAl Bida 1168:00 – 9:40

Period 2/3G4 Listening/SpeakingAl Bida 21810:00 – 11:40

Tuesday Period 1/2G1 Reading/WritingAl Bida 1168:00 – 9:40

Period 3/4G1 Reading/WritingAl Bida 11610:00 – 11:40

Wednesday Period 1/2G1 Reading/WritingAl Bida 1168:00 – 9:40

Period 2/3G1 Reading/WritingAl Bida 11610:00 – 11:40

Thursday Period 1/2G4 Listening/SpeakingAl Bida 2188:00 – 9:40

Period 3/4G4 Listening/SpeakingAl Bida 21810:00 – 11:40

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Welcome to Level One

Let’s have a great semester!

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