The Writing and Reading Center offers programs designed to help English Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) students acquire English speaking and writing skills while they learn about American culture. These are:
- Intensive Workshops
- Conversation Group Program
- Conversation Partner Program
- Individual Tutoring
Call the WRC at (508) 999-8710 or e-mail for more information.
Workshops
Each semester the WRC offers small, informal workshops that help international students learn about American culture through the use of newspapers, magazines, radio programs, television, and literature. Students may earn independent study credits for attending these workshops if their departments allow. The program aims to help students:
- Examine current American events
- Learn American idioms and slang
- Expand vocabulary
- Improve conversation skills
- Develop reading skills
- Analyze American politics, business, medicine, and science
- Meet other international students
Conversation Partner Program
The Conversation Partner Program matches ESOL speakers with native speakers from the university community who volunteer to provide weekly individualized help with
- Conversation skills
- Listening Comprehension
- Pronunciation
- Acculturation
Interested ESOL students and native English speakers willing to volunteer can stop by the WRC to fill out applications within the first few weeks of classes.
Applications are available online or you can stop by the Writing and Reading Center in LARTS 220 for an application.
Conversation Group Program
The WRC's Conversation Group Program lets ESOL students practice their speaking skills in a comfortable setting. Under the guidance of a trained WRC group leader, students have the opportunity to
- Participate in the give-and-take of group speaking
- Familiarize themselves with a variety of accents and colloquial languages
- Practice the conventions of American conversation, such as interrupting, signaling a pause, and changing the subject
- Learn American slang, clichés, and idioms.
- Improve pronunciation skills
The WRC offers several conversation groups each semester. Students interested in participating as group leaders or members can apply at the Writing and Reading Center during the first few weeks of classes.
Individual Tutoring
Individual tutoring is available to ESOL students who need English language assistance. Students can make regular appointments with tutors to work on
- Essays, thesis revision, and reading assignments
- Vocabulary and grammar
- Presentations
- Coursework in the humanities and social sciences
- Specific needs via audiocassettes and computer software learning aids.
Tutoring workshops are also offered upon request to suit the needs of our students. Contact us for further information.
