ESL Courses

The English Department offers international undergraduate and graduate students advanced courses to support academic English skills. Four courses are currently offered. ENGL 0990S address oral communication skills, while ENGL 1010 courses address written communication.

Students placed in ENGL 1010B based on their English Placement Test (EPT) result are strongly recommended to take the course in their first semester of enrollment (1010C/D may be taken in the second semester). Graduate students who were only placed into ENGL 1010D may take their required course during their first or second semester.

For students who need to take ENGL 0990S, it is strongly recommended that they take it in their first semester, and it must be completed in their first year. Students taking GRST 5400 may take 0990S in their second semester if they prefer.

Students who do not place into the courses may also take them if space is available.

Contact us for further information:

• Please send your questions about ESL courses to apling@iastate.edu.
• Please send your questions about the English Placement Test (EPT) to ept@iastate.edu.

Course Descriptions

English 0990S. Academic Speaking and Pronunciation

[no credit, graded A-F, $480 special fee] 

Development of oral communication skills in English, developing strategies for orally communicating with classmates in both classroom and study contexts, with instructors and teaching assistants during class time and office hours, and with university staff for various purposes. Focus is on the improvement of pragmatic competence and clear pronunciation when orally conversing in academic contexts.

*ENGL 0990S can be taken concurrently with ENGL 1010B, 1010C, 1010D or 1500.

ENGL 1010B: Academic English I for Graduate and Undergraduate Students

[3 credits, graded A-F]

Instruction in the essentials of expository and argumentative writing for academic purposes. Focuses on development of the key writing processes of appropriately defining tasks, planning, formulating, evaluating, and revising, as well as editing and formatting. Students also learn advanced points of English grammar, usage, and mechanics relevant to academic written communication. Undergraduates who pass continue to ENGL 1010C; graduate students who pass continue to ENGL 1010D.

ENGL 1010C: Academic English II for Undergraduate Students

[3 credits, graded A-F]
Prerequisite: 1010B or placement into 1010C

Instruction in language and composition skills for responding to academic assignments with appropriate writing conventions. Critical thinking is emphasized as the process of developing, organizing, and revising drafts is practiced. Includes vocabulary development and error correction strategies; responsible use and accurate summarizing of published source material; and the design and presentation of web 2.0 compositions. Prepares students for ENGL 1500 and for writing in other disciplines. 1010C may NOT be taken concurrently with 1010B.

ENGL 1010D: Academic English II for Graduate Students

[3 credits, graded A-F]
Prerequisite: 1010B or placement into 1010D

Instruction in writing professional communication, academic papers and reports and in using published source material in writing.  Provides experience in presenting oral reports and participating in discussions. Prepares students for academic writing in their disciplines.  Students may take the class “Pass/Fail”. This is arranged with student’s advisor and department. Instructors will report a grade for all students, whether or not they are taking the class pass/fail. 1010D may NOT be taken concurrently with 1010B.