Course Title/ Grade/ Course Type: English as a Second Language ESL Level 3
Ministry Course Code: ESLCO
Curriculum Document: English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development, the Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, 2007 Revised
Prerequisite: ESL Level 2 (ESLBO) or equivalent
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course further extends students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English for a variety of everyday and academic purposes. Students will make short classroom oral presentations; read a variety of adapted and original texts in English; and write using a variety of text forms. As well, students will expand their academic vocabulary and their study skills to facilitate their transition to the mainstream school program. This course also introduces students to the rights and responsibilities inherent in Canadian citizenship, and to a variety of current Canadian issues.
Outline of Course Content
Unit 1: Grammar & Language Acquisition/Usage
In this unit, you will refine your listening and speaking skills by engaging with video recordings and a brief role-playing scenario. You will learn about the conventions of grammar and language usage in the English language. You will listen to and read a short passage to practice your new skills. For the culminating activity of the unit, you will combine your skills to write and edit a personal essay.
Unit 2: English in the Community
In this unit, you will practice speaking to interact and listening for information. You will also practice a variety of skills that will be useful in your future, such as filling out a resume and interacting with strangers. For the culminating activity of the unit, you will combine these skills to write a cover letter and craft practical answers to some common job interview questions
Unit 3: Canadian Culture & Cultural Diversity
In this unit, you will learn about the Ontario school system, Canada’s rich and diverse history, and geography. You will explore themes of Canadian culture and understand cultural diversity. The unit will culminate with an activity using popular Canadian slang/idioms to create an informal report about an attraction in one of Canada’s most visited regions.
Midterm Exam
Unit 4: Studies in Fiction & Non-Fiction
This unit will focus on developing reading skills and awareness of a variety of text forms and conventions. You will read, analyze and respond to a variety of texts. You will compare and explore the conventions of different types of writing, both fictional and non-fictional. The unit will culminate with an activity that involves drafting, editing and publishing a final copy of a children’s story.
Unit 5: Media Literacy
This unit is focused on developing oral and written communication skills. You will focus on a variety of media, such as: newspaper articles, commercials and print ads. You will learn about the conventions and features of these forms of media texts. The unit will culminate with a multimedia presentation.
Culminating Activity
Final Exam
Final Mark will be determined following percentages:
70% Determined by the evaluations conducted throughout the duration of the course:
Products – Assignments, Essays, Journals, Portfolio
Observations – Presentations
Conversations – Conference with the Teacher
30% Final examination of the students and/or a Culmination Assignment