Course Content and Outcome Guide for ESOL 254

Course Number:
ESOL 254
Course Title:
Level 7 Academic Communication
Credit Hours:
Lecture Hours:
Lecture/Lab Hours:
Lab Hours:
Special Fee:

Course Description

Presents oral communication as a process that involves determination of purpose, selection and adjustment of strategies, comprehension checks, and integration of prior with new knowledge to address the purpose. Covers listening comprehension, note-taking, and discussion of academic topics at the advanced level. Includes public speaking, such as prepared speeches on academic topics with written outlines and use of outside sources. Reviews English consonants and vowels, word endings, intonation, phrasing, linking, reductions and stress patterns. Prerequisites: ESOL placement test OR successful completion of ESOL 164; AND concurrent placement in ESOL 160 and ESOL 162 or higher. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course


2. Use knowledge about language, culture, and context to prepare for and accomplish advanced-level academic communication tasks.

3. Identify and correct pronunciation problems to produce understandable English in an academic setting.

4. Identify communication barriers in vocabulary and syntax and employ strategies to overcome them.

5. Take notes on and respond to a variety of longer oral texts to demonstrate comprehension of academic topics, such as the environment and technology.


Course Activities and Design

Class time includes a combination of lecture, listening/note-taking, pronunciation activities, student speeches, discussion and vocabulary/grammar review. Other activities, such as skits and group projects reinforce content and language topics. Homework includes preparation for all the above as well as background reading and study for quizzes and tests.

Outcome Assessment Strategies



  2. Evaluate inclusion of source material in presentations.
  4. Assess impromptu speaking assignments.
  9. Evaluate student skits or role plays.
  10. Assess students in-class participation.


  1. Evaluate students comprehension of academic lectures
  3. Evaluate lecture notes and outlines.
  6. Test students ability to distinguish English phonemes (sounds) using the International Phonetic Alphabet.


  1. Grade student speech outlines.
  2. Evaluate comprehension of readings related to lectures/class discussion
  3. Test vocabulary assigned for review
  4. Factor in attendance/tardiness as part of the grade

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

A.  Consonants, Vowels, Stress and Intonation

B.  Grammar and Vocabulary

C.  Critical Thinking Skills

D.  Public Speaking

E.  Listening Comprehension

F. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Competencies and Skills

A.  Consonants, Vowels, Stress and Intonation

1.  pronounce word endings and link correctly

2.  recognize common sound substitutions: e.g. i/I, Ê/Ã¦, Î¸/s and l/r sounds

3.  understand and use stress patterns, reductions, and phrasing in relation to the meaning

4.  understand and use rhythm and intonation patterns

5.  use the IPA to improve speaking skills

6.  identify and orally produce all of the sounds in the IPA (consonants, vowels, diphthongs)

B.  Grammar and Vocabulary

1.  recognize advanced-level idioms including phrasal verbs

2.  choose appropriate words and word forms for academic vocabulary

3.  consistently use correct word order


5.  use question and negative forms correctly

6.  use articles, helping verbs, and prepositions

C.  Critical Thinking Skills


2.  use linear reasoning in all academic contexts.

3.  avoid plagiarism

4.  consistently demonstrate an awareness of audience and purpose


6.  distinguish between facts, opinions, and beliefs

7.  distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information

8.  read and follow directions

D.  Public Speaking


This includes:

1.  three-minute and five-minute time limits

2.  selection and narrowing of an academic topic

3.  a presentation outline with introduction (includes attention-getting material and thesis statement), body, and conclusion

4. use of outside sources, including the PCC Library


E.  Listening Comprehension and Note-taking

1.  understand and take notes on main ideas and important details of longer lectures and student speeches

2.  use notes for quizzes on lecture material








9.  distinguish between the sounds of American English

10.  recognize intonation, stress, and phrasing patterns

F.   Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

1.   initiate questions without being prompted

2.   participate by contributing and connecting ideas

3.   develop strategies to achieve intelligibility


5.   backtrack and restructure smoothly


7.   recognize and practice tone and pitch drop


* Explanation of satisfactory speeches and academic presentations

A.   Presentation is understood without extra effort by the instructor

B.   Presentation contains clear detailed descriptions of complex subjects
