ESL

ESL Guided Self-Placement Process

 

ESL Guided Self-Placement Process

Credit ESL classes help prepare students for academic coursework at Santa Monica College. These classes focus on academic writing, reading, grammar, and vocabulary. SMC’s credit ESL courses:

  • Teach students to read and write at a college level by developing academic vocabulary, advanced grammar, and reading/writing skills.
  • Help students succeed in English 1 and other content courses.
  • Prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university.

There are four course levels in the credit ESL program: ESL 10G & 10W, ESL 11A, ESL 19A, and ESL 19B. The course level you should start at depends on a variety of factors, such as how long you have studied English and your experience living or spending time in an English-speaking environment.

Santa Monica College uses an ESL guided self-placement (GSP) process to help students determine which core course is the appropriate starting point. 

What is the ESL Guided Self-Placement Process?

Nonnative speakers use the ESL guided self-placement process to choose their first ESL class. In guided self-placement, students learn information about ESL class levels at SMC. Then, students think about their English ability. Finally, each student chooses which ESL class to start in.

It is important to choose the ESL level that matches your ability. Choosing the correct level means you will feel comfortable, you will meet classmates at a similar level, and you will understand the assignments. By choosing the correct level, you will have more fun, learn more quickly, and be more successful. At SMC, we want you to find the perfect ESL class. The ESL Guided Self-Placement Process will allow you, the student, to choose your starting ESL course.

ESL Course Sequence

  • ESL 10G and ESL 10W are low intermediate. This level focuses on basic grammar, such as past, present, and future tenses. Students practice everyday vocabulary and write different types of sentences in simple paragraphs. It is recommended that students take ESL 10G and ESL 10W during the same semester.
  • ESL 11A is high intermediate. This level focuses on more complex grammar, such as adverb clauses and conditional sentences. Students learn academic vocabulary and organize ideas into academic paragraphs.
  • ESL 19A is low advanced. This level continues the study of advanced grammar structures, including adjective clauses and noun clauses, and emphasizes sentence variety with minimal errors. Students develop academic vocabulary and write multi-paragraph essays.
  • ESL 19B is advanced. This level reviews advanced grammar but focuses more on paraphrasing and summarizing. Students expand academic and technical vocabulary and write longer essays that integrate sources and refute opposing views.
  • English 1 is high advanced. English 1 is a transfer-level English composition course that is required by most 4-year universities and colleges for transfer purposes. Students read college-level texts, such as a 250-page novel, and they write 5-to-7 page academic essays.

ESL Department Challenge Process

After you complete the ESL guided self-placement, if you feel that you have selected a course level that is too low for you, you have the option of challenging your level. The ESL department has a challenge process. The first step is to contact the chair of the ESL department, Keith Graziadei. His email address is Graziadei_Keith@smc.edu

In your email, make sure to include your name and SMC student ID number The chair of the ESL department will send you instructions on the ESL department challenge process.

If you have any questions about the ESL guided self-placement process, please send an email to ESL@smc.edu