Frequently Asked Questions
I don't speak English very well. Can I study at your school?
Yes, you can. We have an ESOL (English as a Second Language) program for students like you. You will learn to speak — and read, and write, and understand English for living and studying in the United States.
Do I have to take TOEFL or SLEP to come to your school?
No, you do not have to take any tests to apply to Putney. We will ask you to write something in your own words and we will ask you to send a cassette of yourself speaking in English. But we do not use this information to decide if you can come to Putney. We use it to decide your level. Other information about you, like your grades at school and your recommendations, helps us decide if you will be accepted at Putney.
How many levels of ESOL do you have? What would I study in ESOL classes?
We have 2 levels of ESOL, intermediate and advanced. There are 3 courses at each level. Some of these are language classes and some are content classes. In language classes, you learn grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and reading/writing. In content classes, you learn history, American culture, English for math class, literature, and social studies.
What classes will I take?
Most new students have 3 ESOL classes, and two "mainstream" classes (math, science, and/or arts). If you begin at the intermediate level, you will take: Intermediate ESOL , ESOL Literature, and Academic Studies in English. When you are at the advanced level, you will take Advanced ESOL, English Compostion, and US History.
What are the ESOL classes like?
The classes are small and friendly, with 2-8 students in a group. (Mainstream classes have no more than 15). Everyone participates; you will learn to feel very natural and comfortable asking questions, discussing and debating with others, explaining your ideas. Students help each other. There is a lot to learn to prepare for mainstream classes, and a lot to know to join American friends in conversation at meals, in the dorm, and during activities. Students work very hard. They have homework every day.
What kind of homework will I have?
Some of your homework will be practice excercises for the new grammar you are learning or the new vocabulary words you study. Some homework will be reading in prepartation for discussions in class. Sometimes you will interview a native speaker about his or her life. Sometimes you will prepare an oral presentation to give to the rest of the class. Sometimes you will write an essay and sometimes - yes - you will have to study for a quiz or exam!
What classes will I take with American students?
In your first year, you will take at least 2 mainstream classes: math and art. The next year, you will also take a mainstream science class math, art. By the time you are a senior, you will take all mainstream classes. You might even decide to study another language, such as Spanish, French, or Russian!
Will I get a good TOEFL score when I am ready to apply to college?
Yes - if you are a serious student who does well in intermediate and advanced ESOL, you will be very well prepared to take the TOEFL. We don't teach a "TOEFL Preparation Course" and we don't need one. Students learn the grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and essay-writing skills that the TOEFL measures in their regular ESOL classes. Students sometimes choose to do a TOEFL preparation project for Project Week to help them become familiar with the test. Graduates in the past 5 years have all scored at least 550 on TOEFL and many have scored much higher.
How to Apply?
Please fill out the contact us form, and we will send you an application package. In that application, you will have a chance to tell us about yourself and your interest in Putney. |
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