Levels
English for University consists of five levels. The first three not-for-credit levels are ESL 1-3 and the top two for-credit levels are Academic English 1 and Academic English 2.
Trent-ESL Levels 1-3
ESL Levels 1-3 are designed to help beginner and intermediate English users gain proficiency in speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, writing, and grammar. Instruction is centred on themes which build essential language basics and progress to include pre-academic topics such as: popular science, urban studies, literature, arts, and culture and the environment.
Students are engaged throughout their learning using technology, campus resources, and real experiences. These three levels prepare learners for a range of situations where they must understand and communicate using English in a variety of ways. Once you have completed Level 3, you can enter Academic English 1 which is provides students with one full academic credit towards their degree. There is no test score required for admission to ESL levels 1-3.
ESL 1-3 Courses:
- Writing and Grammar
- Reading and Vocabulary
- Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation
For direct admission to ESL 3:
- IELTS: 5.0 overall, with a 5.0 in writing
- TOEFL IBT: 60
- TOEFL PBT: 500
Trent-ESL Academic English 1 and Academic English 2
The top two credit-bearing levels for ESL focus on English for Academic and English for Specific purposes. These high-level courses provide the final preparation for academic success in either college or university programs delivered in English. Research skills, documentation skills, writing across academic disciplines, critical thinking and analyses become the emphases of study as English skills are polished.
Academic English 1 and Academic English 2 are each worth one full university credit towards your degree for a total of two credits. Additionally, you can add up to two half credit (.5) university courses to your timetable to further your transition to degree studies.
This means you can graduate from Trent-ESL with three full university credits towards your degree or with up to 60% of your first year of university study complete!
Academic English 1 and Academic English 2 Courses:
- Academic Communication
- Academic Analysis
- Grammar Workshop
- University Transition
- 1:1 Writing Conferences
For direct admission to Academic English 1:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall, with a 5.5 in writing
- TOEFL IBT: 70
- TOEFL PBT: 525
For direct admission to Academic English 2:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall, with a 6.0 in writing
- TOEFL IBT: 80
- TOEFL PBT: 550
Your Trent-ESL: English for University instructors are highly qualified and have many years of experience teaching academic English, both in Canada and around the world. They are looking forward to working with you!
Trent University has two campuses: the main campus in Peterborough and a smaller campus in Durham. The Trent-ESL: English for University Program is offered at the Peterborough campus only.