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English as a Second Language (ESL)Whether English is your second or third language, the Student Success Centre offers several services to help non-native speakers improve their spoken and written English. We provide evening ESL classes, the Speakeasy Program (one-on-one support from a volunteer student) and Conversation Circle (group-based support).
Evening ClassesEvening Classes (instructor lead) are free and open to everyone in the McMaster and Hamilton community. You can start anytime, attend anytime and learn practical English skills, conversation, pronunciation, idioms and vocabulary. Registration will take place in the class at 6:00pm. Speakeasy ProgramThe Speakeasy Program is a partnership program aimed at joining English-speaking students with ESL students. The goal of the Speakeasy Program is to help ESL students improve their command of English, strengthen discussion skills, and broaden their level of verbal self-expression. The program's secondary goal is to expand knowledge of foreign cultures and build friendships across the McMaster community. In order to accomplish these goals, volunteers are paired with English as a Second Language Persons (ESLPs) to establish a friendship and comfortable environment for learning. Office hours are now on a break for the summer but will return in September 2012. Please check back for more information, or visit the Student Success Centre in Gilmour Hall 110. Seeking Help with English? Interested in Volunteering?
Obtaining References If you would to include your Speakeasy experience on an employment application form or experience profile, and you need someone who can confirm your participation in the program, please contact and bring your volunteer log sheets with your student number to: Program Supervisor Please note: References will not be given without handing in your log sheets to verify your volunteer hours. Conversation CircleTo practice communication in a small group setting, Conversation Circle allows ESL students and NESPs to discuss a topic based on chosen materials, such as video clips, current events, newspaper articles, or stories. Discussion is facilitated by the Speakeasy and Conversation Circle Coordinators and usually involves a group of approximately six participants. Conversation Circle also exposes students to different perspectives and cultures, and improves overall academic success by enhancing communication and thinking skills. ResourcesMany resources for ESL students are available online. The below resources will help you with grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and listening, and provide links to online exercises, quizzes, and other ESL information. Grammar and Vocabulary Adult ESL Resources: List of print and internet resources Links from the Internet TESL Journal: Links to interactive games, puzzles and idioms Dave's ESL café: Provides a wide range of materials for students including, grammar, vocabulary and slang ESL instruction from the Purdue Online Writing Lab: Detailed explanation of grammar issues Aardvark's English Forum: Includes many interactive exercises on vocabulary and grammar Study Zone: Materials at all levels including quizzes Guide to Grammar and Writing: Ask questions and receive answers within 24 hours English Grammar Quizzes Using Java Script: Includes vocabulary and other English quizzes Activities for ESL students: Grammar and vocabulary quizzes and activities The Tower of English: The ESL Guide to the Internet: Variety of online resources ESL Wonderland: Listening, reading and grammar activities Interesting Things for ESL Students: Variety of resources for beginners English Club: Reading, writing, articles, quizzes and jokes Grammar Exercises for ESL Beginners: Helpful materials English as a Second Language: Interactive quizzes on difficult points Concise ESL Support: Summary of grammar Pronunciation and Listening Sounds of English: Pronunciation quizzes and activities as well as links English pronunciation and listening skills: Practice exercises including minimal pairs and tongue twisters Authentic American pronunciation: Real Player and You Tube videos Randall's ESL Cyber-Listening Lab: Exercises, quizzes and video ESL Independent Study Lab: Listening exercises and materials ESL Classes, Programs and Articles ESL in Canada Directory: Guide to programs, classes and articles Additional Resources A Guide to Internet Resources for ESL Teachers: TESL Canada: Links of interest to students and teachers of English as a Second Language: |