English Program (in Culture Works)

Speaking the same language as someone doesn't guarantee perfect communication all the time. In the top levels of your education and career, you will be expected to communicate complex ideas and opinions in an accurate, logical, concise and sometimes delicate manner. Adding nuance to your communication skills means understanding more than just English, you need to understand the way your audience thinks.

"The CultureWorks ESL program teaches not only the fundamentals of English, but also Western culture and academic traditions."

The CultureWorks ESL program teaches not only the fundamentals of English, but also Western culture and academic traditions. This exposure to different mindsets and ways of thinking will increase your confidence when communicating with Western audiences. By combining ESL skills and cultural knowledge, CultureWorks prepares you to thrive in both Western academic and social settings. Each course in the program is designed to build your capacity to write and speak with people from all over the world.

Levels of Study
You will find five levels of study at CultureWorks:
- High-Beginner
- Intermediate
- High-Intermediate
- Advanced
- High-Advanced

To determine what level you will start at, we will email you a placement test to write. Contact us to request a copy of the test. When you arrive in Canada, you will write another, similar test to confirm your starting level in the program.

High-Beginner
High-Beginner level students are introduced to a variety of grammatical structures in oral and written English. They focus on vocabulary building and creating a foundation of vocabulary to support higher levels of study. They can write basic paragraphs which include a simple topic sentence and supporting ideas.

High-Beginner level classes include:
- Core
- Reading
- Grammar
- Writing
- Pronunciation
- Canadian Studies
- Conversation Circle

Intermediate

Intermediate level students can use a variety of grammatical structures in oral and written English. They can write short, coherent paragraphs which include a topic sentence, supporting details and a conclusion.

Intermediate level classes include:
- Core
- Reading
- Grammar
- Writing
- Pronunciation
- Canadian Studies
- Conversation Circle

High-Intermediate
High-Intermediate level students have a good understanding of English grammar and can apply it to written and spoken English. They can write essays that contain an effective introduction, a thesis statement, topic sentences, supporting details and a conclusion.

High-Intermediate level classes include:
- Core
- Reading
- Grammar
- Writing
- Pronunciation
- Canadian Studies

Advanced
Advanced level students can read dense, academic articles and write effective essay outlines and complex three-page essays.

Advanced level classes Include:
- Core
- Reading
- Grammar
- Writing
- Pronunciation
- Canadian Studies

High-Advanced
High-Advanced level students can apply advanced grammatical structures to academic writing, presentations and conversation. They can participate successfully in debates and they have the research skills necessary to produce a six-page position essay that includes appropriate citations and reference lists.

High-Advanced level classes Include:
- Core
- Listening
- Academic Skills
- Writing
- Writing Workshop
- Reading
- Grammar
- Canadian Studies

Course Curriculum
Academic Core
Academic Core weaves together the four fundamental aspects of communication. Students will learn to communicate effectively by practicing their speaking, listening, reading and writing. Using themed lessons, students have the opportunity to practice public speaking, build vocabulary and learn active listening skills, in addition to reading and writing. Lesson topics include music, travel and exploration, food, intercultural communication, science and technology, and sports and recreation.

Writing
Writing classes teach students using the "process approach". Students learn that writing is an organic process that follows a sequence of steps. This course provides students with the necessary tools to compete with others in a university context. Students' written work progresses from brainstorming to final editing with the assistance of a writing instructor. In this course, students are exposed to different genres of academic writing such as position papers or compare and contrast essays.

Grammar
Grammar classes help students write and speak accurately. The focus in this course is to help students learn how to self-correct their own speaking and writing. From the Intermediate Level to the High-Advanced Level, emphasis is placed on the student's ability to successfully demonstrate a deeper level of understanding through the application of rules in thematically based assignments.

Reading
Reading classes focus on skills that will help students read effectively and build their vocabulary. In this course, students learn fundamental skills such as summarizing, skimming, scanning and previewing, as well as advanced skills such as identifying bias. The combination of these skills provides students with the necessary tools to decode complex university level texts.

Canadian Studies
The Canadian Studies program provides students with insight into Canadian culture. Students experience Canadian culture during field trips throughout Southwestern Ontario. During these trips, students participate in hands-on activities, listen to guest speakers, interact with Canadians and observe what it means to be Canadian. Before and after trips, students partake in reflective exercises where they consider what they experienced and how it impacts their knowledge of Canada and Western culture. This course allows students to build a framework of knowledge that they can draw upon as they interact with Canadians at university and in their day to day lives.

Pronunciation
Using software and in-class instruction, students learn how stress and rhythm can enhance their verbal communication. Students practice speaking during in-class exercises and small group discussions. Computer software is used to analyze students speaking so they can reflect on their technique.

Conversation Circle
Conversation Circle is an open forum where students have the opportunity to speak in a casual setting with others. Students and instructors use topics, games and activities to increase confidence. A CultureWorks instructor will be present to encourage and help students become more comfortable and competent communicators.

Program Schedule
At CultureWorks, classes run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm or from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm depending on your level of study within the English program. Each class lasts 50 minutes -the same length as university classes. This is a

sample of an Intermediate level schedule:

*This class will take place off campus. Sample activities include: going to Niagara Falls, theatre or sporting events, art galleries, museums, music concerts, holiday parties or cultural workshops.