English Enrichment

These classes are offered for advanced level non-native speakers, those who have tested above our state-supported program or who wish to focus on one specific area of English. It is not necessary to take the placement test before enrolling in these classes. Please see the ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE section for free state-supported classes.

CONVERSATION STARTER

8 wks · Jan 13–March 16
Friday · 10:30–12:30 p.m.
Greendell Rm 14 · $96

Instructor: Nilou Shokrani Register Now »

Recommended for high beginning to intermediate English learners.

Join a lively discussion of topics related to everyday tasks such as going to the bank, making an appointment, having a phone conversation, etc. Each lesson includes a reading on a current topic, comprehension questions, vocabulary review, and debating activities. No class January 20 and February 17.

LET'S TALK: ESL CONVERSATION

10 wks · Jan 10–March 13
Tuesday · 9:15–11:15 a.m.
Greendell Rm P1 · $120

Instructor: Sarah Gitter

FULL

Recommended for high intermediate through advanced English learners.

Join lively discussions of topics related to our everyday lives. Share your insights and opinions on topics such as: socializing, free time activities, travel recommendations, and life in the U.S. Learn to communicate more effectively, expand your vocabulary, and increase your conversational fluency. Please purchase the required textbook, Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics I, at the Adult School office before the first day of class.

ENGLISH THROUGH MOVIES

8 wks · Jan 12–March 1
Thursday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Room 303 · $144

Instructor: Mitra Bahrami Register Now »

Recommended for high intermediate to advanced English learners.

This class offers a fun and engaging way to learn about American history and culture. By watching four great movies you get to expand your vocabulary, improve your listening skills and get more comfortable talking in English. You will also get to meet other international students, learn about their cultures, and exchange ideas with them on a variety of subjects. Each quarter we cover new movies so feel free to repeat the class even if you took it in the Fall.

FOCUS ON ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION

SECTION A
10 wks · Jan 12–March 15
Thursday · 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Greendell Rm P1 · $120

FULL

SECTION B
8 wks · Jan 9–March 12 (No class Jan 16 and Feb 20.)
Monday · 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 301 · $96

FULL

Instructor: Sue Stevick

Recommended for high intermediate English learners.

Master the basics of American English pronunciation: stress, rhythm and intonation. We also emphasize the contrast be-tween clear and reduced sounds in North American speech. This class is suitable for high intermediate and advanced non-native speakers. The instructor will assess each student's strengths and weaknesses, and provide each student with his/her written pronunciation profile. This profile will be used as the basis for pronunciation practice during the course. The required textbook is available for an additional fee at the Adult School office. Class size is limited to 18.

TOEFL PREPARATION

10 wks · Jan 11–March 14
Wednesday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 219 · $180

Instructor: Ludmila Sinai

FULL

Recommended for advanced English language learners.

This class will help you with language skills, test-taking strategies and the speaking section of the test. Get practice taking notes (which is permitted in the listening section of the new test), do exercises at home and bring your specific questions to class. This class does not include online work in the classroom. Information about the exam is available at http://www.ets.org/toefl. Please purchase the required textbook in advance at the Adult School office (approximately $60).

ENGLISH GRAMMAR FOR THE ADVANCED ESL STUDENT (Second Quarter; Chapters 9–13)

SECOND QUARTER
10 wks · Jan 10–March 13
Tuesday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 216 · $120

Instructor: Elizabeth Bales-Stutes, elbales@gmail.com

FULL

Recommended for advanced English learners.

Get more comfortable with grammar! You'll improve your speaking and writing skills as we cover tricky points of grammar and increase your understanding of the structure of good English. We’ll use exercises from the textbook and natural conversation to practice what you learn. Please purchase the required textbook at the Adult School office before the first class meeting. You may enter this course in any quarter.

ESL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CURRENT EVENTS

SECTION A
7 wks · Jan 13–March 16
Friday · 9:15–11:15 a.m.
Greendell Rm P3 · $84
Register Now »
SECTION B
10 wks · Jan 12–March 15
Thursday · 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 310 · $120

CANCELLED

Instructor: Sarah Gitter

Recommended for advanced English learners.

What is everyone talking about? Where do you stand on hot political issues? How are current trends in technology affecting you and your family? We will access multiple online news sources, and through discussions you will increase your conversational fluency, vocabulary and use of idioms. No class on January 20, February 3 and February 17.

U.S. HISTORY AND CULTURE

8 wks · Jan 11–Feb 29
Wednesday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Room 301 · $144

Instructor: Mitra Bahrami Register Now »

Recommended for advanced English learners.

This class is recommended for students who want to improve their vocabulary as well as their reading and conversation skills while learning about American history and culture. It is the second of a 3-course series offered over three quarters, but you can join the class at any time. Each course focuses on different aspects of US history and how they shaped various customs and attitudes we see today, so new material is covered every quarter. This means that you can sign up for the class during one, two or all three quarters and learn completely new material each time. Please purchase the required textbook at the Adult School office before the first day of class.

IMPROVE YOUR WRITING

8 wks · Jan 10–Feb 28
Tuesday · 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 303 · $144

Instructor: Mitra Bahrami Register Now »

Recommended for Advanced English learners.

This is a writing workshop designed for students who want to practice and improve their writing. This class builds on many of the basic skills taught last quarter, but if you didn't take the class in the Fall don't let this stop you from signing up as we review almost all of the elements covered in the earlier session. For returning students, the class offers additional opportunities to write and new tips to make your pieces even better. Students will work on their writing at home and present their pieces in class. The bulk of the class time will be spent on group review and teacher instruction and feedback. Class size is limited to 12.

WE THE PEOPLE: BIRTH OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

10 wks · Jan 11–March 14
Wednesday · 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Greendell Rm P4 · $120

Instructor: Eve Sutton

CANCELLED

Recommended for advanced English learners.

Expand your vocabulary, comprehension and understanding of American culture as you read and discuss the powerful historic documents that established the world's first democratic nation: the Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: ENGLISH FOR THE WORKPLACE

10 wks · Jan 11–March 14
Wednesday · 6:30-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 218 · $150

Instructor: Eve Sutton Register Now »

Recommended for advanced English learners.

Professional writing and speaking require a more formal tone, structure and word choice. Learn the skills you need for busi-ness communication, including phone conversations, meet-ings, presentations, e-mail, memos, letters and reports.

READING AND WRITING THE SHORT STORY

8 wks · Jan 9–March 12
Monday · 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Greendell Rm P1 · $96

Instructor: Tristen Gorenshteyn Register Now »

Recommended for advanced English language learners and native English speakers.

Nabokov, O'Connor, Carver, Diaz, Lee—In this class we’ll discuss these master writers, write our own stories and learn the elements of fiction that make stories so compelling. This class will help you expand your understanding of literature, improve your writing skills and develop your familiarity with key elements of fiction. No class January 16 and February 20.

CITIZENSHIP

Open Entry · Jan 10–March 13
Tuesday · 6:30-9 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 310 · $35*

Instructor: Ludmila Sinai Register Now »

Recommended for advanced English learners.

Prepare for the United States citizenship test and underst and the process of becoming a citizen. Studying the history, political processes and institutions will also help you become an informed and effective citizen.