Course Catalog - Knowledge Systems Institute

KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INSTITUTE
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF COMPUTER & INFORMATION SCIENCES
www.ksi.edu
847-679-3135
ESL LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
Level - 1
Foundation: Develop basic language skills needed in classroom and in day-to-day adult situations.
Focus on listening and minimal speaking tasks necessary to satisfy routine classroom and social
demands and limited work requirements. Introduction to reading and writing skills. For those with little
or no literacy in English. Develop greater skills in listening and speaking for basic communication in
the classroom, outside the classroom and at work. Expand reading and writing skills, introduction of
basic grammar.
Level - 2
Intermediate: Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to function satisfactorily in most real-life
situations related to immediate needs. Must have completed Beginning Low 2 or equivalent.
Refine skills needed in conversations beyond survival needs. Function independently in most
familiar situations and use appropriate language in routine social situations. Must have completed
Foundation level.
Level - 3
High Intermediate: Skills needed to function effectively in familiar and unfamiliar social situations
and familiar work situations. Communication needed to discuss/interpret cultural differences and
use English to solve problems outside the class. Must have completed Intermediate level.
English Language Program
Level - 4
Advanced: Fluency and communication skills. Self-monitor effectively when using basic
grammatical structure and introduction to more complex structures. U.S. cultural values and thinking
patterns are introduced through discussions, readings and writing. Must have completed High
Intermediate level.
Level - 5
University: Demonstrate knowledge of written and spoken English well enough to pass the TOEFL
and/or participate in a college or university program. Must have completed levels one through four.
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