THE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) EXAMINATION AND ENROLLMENT IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE COURSES

(Undergraduate Students)

Who needs to take this exam?
The university requires undergraduate students whose first language is not English to demonstrate their control of English (for academic purposes) by examination if:
They have been in school in the US for less than four years at the time they enroll. OR
They have received a score of 480 or below on the SAT I Verbal or the SAT II (Writing/English Composition) Test.

Such students' performance on the ESL Examination determines their first placement in a writing class. Students who pass the statewide Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE) or satisfy their Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) in another way before enrolling on campus are not held for this examination. Students who have questions about being held for the exam should check at the Office of Admissions in Mrak Hall or the English as a Second Language Office.

What are possible placements based on performance on the ESL Exam?
Linguistics 21: The student needs three quarters of work in English as a Second Language and must begin the ESL sequence by enrolling in LIN 21.

Linguistics 22: The student needs two quarters of work in English as a Second Language and must begin the ESL sequence by enrolling in LIN 22.

Linguistics 23: The student needs one quarter of work in English as a Second Language. After passing LIN 23, students enroll in WLD 57.

Workload 57 (100): The student does not need specialized work in ESL but has not satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement. Students placed in WLD 57 based on performance on their statewide exam are excused from ESL testing.

English 1 or 3: The student has fulfilled both the ESL and the Entry Level Writing requirements.

All students who are held for ESL courses must enroll during their first quarter on campus and during each subsequent quarter until they have satisfied the ELWR. Students must fulfill the ELWR within three quarters PLUS the number of quarters they are held for ESL; if they do not, they are subject to disenrollment.

What is the ESL exam like, and what is its purpose?
The ESL Examination is the AWPE, which is described below.

WRITING (ANALYTICAL WRITING PLACEMENT EXAMINATION)_ (two hours)
This exam tests the ability to read a short passage (700-1000 words) and then respond to an essay question, demonstrating comprehension of the passage and an ability to write logically and accurately under time pressure. Only students who did not take the May AWPE will write this section in September.

(Note: Analytical Writing Placement Examinations written in May are sent to the Davis campus, and "E" papers are evaluated and remain on file in the office of the undergraduate ESL coordinator. An "E" paper is one in which ESL-type errors contribute to the paper's non-passing score.)

Students also write a diagnostic essay on the first day of their Linguistics class, which provides additional information and ensures accurate placement.

How can I study for the exam?
The examination can be specifically studied for in advance because the exam measures general language competency. However, students might find it useful to prepare by reading in English and keeping a journal or writing analytical responses to their reading.

When and where are results of the exam available?
NEW placements (for students who write the AWPE essay for the first time as the ESL exam) will be posted on the front doors of Sproul Hall by 5:00 p.m. the day of the exam.

Students who took the May AWPE were notified of their placement by mail in July. A list by student ID number confirming these placements will be posted on the bulletin board next to 213 Sproul at least one week before the exam.

Any student who wishes to see his/her test and discuss the results with the program coordinator may do so on the days following the exam. Sign ups for ten minute appointments will begin after the exam. Appointments will begin the following afternoon in 213 Sproul.

How do students remove the PA "hold" on their registration?
The day of the ESL examination, the ESL Office will release ESL holds for all students who complete the testing. This process will be completed by late afternoon or evening, giving students access to their schedule on SISWEB.

How do students enroll in ESL classes?
Most students have already enrolled using SISWEB during their first or second pass. Students who have not enrolled or who need to change an enrollment should log onto SISWEB after taking the ESL exam to enroll in the correct writing class. If classes are full, students should PLACE THEMSELVES ON THE WAITING LIST AND ATTEND THE FIRST AND SECOND DAY OF CLASS.

Note: When attempting to change sections, students should not drop a section until they are sure they are in another section.

What should students know about class attendance?
ACCORDING TO PROGRAM POLICY, STUDENTS CAN LOSE THEIR PLACE IN CLASS IF THEY DO NOT ATTEND THE FIRST AND SECOND CLASS MEETINGS. In case of an emergency, contact the ESL office or the instructor. Students on the waiting list should attend class and will be admitted on the second or third day if space permits.

What are Linguistics 21, 22, and 23 courses like?
These credit-bearing courses are designed to help students succeed in university courses which require writing as well as fulfill their Entry Level Writing Requirement.

The courses provide

* extensive experience in essay writing and reading in English

 * intensive work on language development for academic writing.

 * practice revising and editing writing for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

 * individualized instruction and extensive instructor comment on student writing.

The ESL program also offers a tutoring program, computer-based practice and instruction, advising and referrals to other campus services when needed. We also offer oral skills instruction and other workshops in the Spring Quarter.

Linguistics 21, 22 and 23 instructors are specialists in writing and in language acquisition. They have taught other writing courses and are knowledgeable of goals and methods of UCD's mainstream composition program.

Where can we be reached?
ESL Offices, 108 and 110 Sproul Hall, 752-0524
Undergraduate Coordinator's Office, 213 Sproul Hall, 752-4017