English Language Institute

Speaking and Listening for Communication

General Overview

Speaking and Listening for Communication is an English as a Second Language class taught remotely in real time. This part-time course is designed to meet the needs and schedules of individuals who cannot take courses during the workday. The focus of this course is on speaking and listening skills, but reading and writing may be included according to the wishes of the class. The course is open to individuals who are looking to improve their English proficiency and prefer the convenience of a remote class experience. This course is intended for intermediate to low-advanced learners of English (at least 52 on the iBT TOEFL, 470 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 120 on the computer-based TOEFL). Students must take the ELI's entrance exam to ensure that the course is appropriate to their level of language proficiency. 

Dates and Times

  • Speaking and Listening for Communication is usually offered Fall and Spring.
    • CANCELLED for Spring 2023
    • Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. 

Course Description

Speaking and Listening for Communication is taught through Zoom. Students must have access to audio- and video-capable technology (preferably a computer or laptop), and a basic (1.5 Mbps) DSL Internet/WiFi connection or a cellular/satellite connection. A cable or fiber Internet service will further enhance your learning experience, but it is not required. Students will be asked to use their video during classes and must be able to use the Breakout Room function in Zoom. All classes will be taught synchronously. Classes will not be recorded.  

Course Goals Course Activites
  • Improve overall English speaking and listening skills
  • Practice giving speeches and presentations that are used in everyday, work, and academic settings
  • Explore culture relevant to improving the language skills that are the focus of the course
  • Studying and completing exercises and practice activities in the textbook
  • Listening to and studying video clips and radio reports
  • Keeping a listening log
  • Delivering oral presentations
  • Reviewing problem areas in pronunciation
  • Doing short pieces of writing and grammar exercises as needed

The textbook for this course is Northstar 4: Listening and Speaking (5th ed.) and can be purchased at The University Store on Fifth.  

Students who have not missed more than 4 classes will receive a Certificate of Attendance. 

Tuition and Fees

Detailed information about tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.

University of Pittsburgh employee education benefits may be available for eligible faculty, staff, librarians, research associates, and post-doctoral research associates and scholars, as well as their spouse/domestic partner and dependent child(ren). Read more about University of Pittsburgh employee education benefits… 

Campus Life and Pitt ID Card

Students in Speaking and Listening for Communication receive an ID card from the University of Pittsburgh, which allows them to be part of the university community. With their Pitt ID card, students can use all librariesrecreational/sports facilities and computer labs on campus. Students also have access to free and discounted cultural activities throughout the city.

Application Procedure

  1. Submit a completed application and pay the required entrance exam fee by the appropriate deadline.
    • In section A of the application, select "Speaking and Listening for Communication".
  2. The ELI will contact the applicant to schedule an entrance exam. 

  3. The applicant completes the entrance exam.

  4. The ELI contacts the applicant with the results of the entrance exam and provides instructions for how to pay the application fee. 

  5. After the application fee is paid, the ELI will register the applicant for the course and will be provided instructions for how to pay tuition

Note: Speaking and Listening for Communication is not usually open to students on an F-1 visa issued through an I-20 from the ELI.

 

Contact us for more information about the Speaking and Listening for Communication.