If you need to expand your English for communication, study, or pleasure, ELP is designed for you. ELP students include undergraduates, visiting scholars, business people, and family members of UT faculty and students. ELP students can choose intensive or part-time study, depending on their visa status. We offer 7 levels of instruction, from beginning to advanced. Classes have an average of 11-12 students.
Each of the 7 levels of the English Language Program (ELP) correspond to a proficiency level. Following are the levels, a short description of proficiencies, and their relation to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
ELP1. Beginning: A student at this level can communicate on topics such as personal interests, daily routine, family, and likes/dislikes using words, phrases, and short sentences.
ELP2, High Beginning: A student at this level can initiate and maintain communication on topics related to daily life and can provide information in phrases, simple sentences, and short compound sentences.
ELP3. Low Intermediate: A student at this level can communicate on familiar topics and provide information with some success. Uses a limited range of vocabulary and structures.
ELP4. Mid Intermediate: A student at this level can express and support opinion and can handle a variety of uncomplicated communicative tasks with moderate success.
ELP5. High Intermediate: A student at this level can handle a variety of communicative tasks with success, although errors may be evident.
ELP6. Low Advanced: A student at this level can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. Can communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and if miscommunication occurs, can repair them.
ELP7. Advanced: A student at this level can handle a variety of communicative tasks with ease and confidence. Can almost always be understood with little effort by the general public.
Intensive StudyIntensive study in the ELP Program includes the four core courses shown below. Classes meet 5 days a week for a total of 18 hours weekly. There will be daily homework.
Part-time Study
You may register for any of the core courses or elective courses to suit your language needs or your schedule. Core courses meet 4.5 hours a week and will have daily homework. Elective courses meet 4 hours a week.
Core ELP CoursesWriting (MWF 9-10:30AM) - Express yourself more effectively in academic and non-academic writing, with work on content, accuracy, and organization.
Grammar (MWF 11-12:30)- Increase your accuracy in spoken and written contexts, and learn grammatical structures common in U.S. English.
Listening and Speaking (MWF 2-3:30) - Communicate more comfortably and increase your understanding in a variety of settings, from informal conversations to formal presentations.
Reading and Discussion (TTH 1-3:15) - Improve your comprehension of fiction and non-fiction, and develop your vocabulary, discussion skills, and reading speed.
Test Preparation ElectivesOur TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE test preparation courses focus on both content and test-taking strategies. We also offer a Pronunciation class that will help you speak more clearly, focusing on individual sounds as well as word-level and sentence-level patterns. There is a language proficiency prerequisite for most elective courses. (TTH 10-11:50AM)
Admission RequirementsGraduation from at least high school in your country. We recommend that you know at least some English vocabulary before enrolling.