English as a Second Language
MISSION STATEMENT
The English language classes at PVCC are designed to help students from around the world and within our own community develop their English language skills and achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. We offer beginning through advanced-level ESL classes in grammar, writing, pronunciation, reading, and listening and speaking. We also offer English composition classes designed specifically for college students who are nonnative speakers of English. In addition, the English Division partners with the Learning Support Center to provide low-cost, noncredit ESL groups and English grammar workshops. We have both day and evening options and are open to residents and nonresidents.
Whether your goal is to prepare for academic study in the US, to enhance your career, or to develop personally, PVCC’s English language faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you succeed!
About our ESL Classes
All of our ESL classes incorporate reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but the main focus of each class changes based on the type of class.
Grammar Classes (ESL 010, ESL 020, ESL 030, ESL 040, ESL 050): The main focus is on improving your understanding and use of English grammar in speaking and writing. Examples of topics covered in the different levels include verb tenses, vocabulary building, parts of speech, sentence construction, and punctuation.
Writing with Oral Practice Classes (ESL 012, ESL 022, ESL 032, ESL 042): The main focus is on improving your written and oral communication skills. Examples of topics covered in the different levels include punctuation, oral presentations and readings, the writing process, and writing paragraphs and essays.
Listening and Speaking Classes ESL (011, ESL 021, ESL 031, ESL 041): The main focus is on improving your listening and speaking skills. Examples of topics covered in the different levels include expressing your opinion, listening and note-taking, asking and answering questions, responding to requests, and giving presentations.
Pronunciation Classes (ESL 051 and ESL 071): The main focus is on improving your pronunciation of English words. Examples of topics covered in the different levels include pronunciation of different vowel sounds, intonation patterns, word stress, and oral reading.
Click here for the Spring 2024 ESL class schedule
College Composition Classes for Nonnative English Speakers: ENG 107 and ENG 108 are the equivalents of ENG 101 and ENG 102, but they are designed for nonnative English speakers. The classes are small, so the instructor can give you more one-on-one help with your writing. You can fulfill the requirements of ENG 101 and ENG 102 while still perfecting your language skills. ENG 107 and ENG 108 transfer to the universities and fulfill the ENG requirements for certificate programs.