How to Succeed in ESL 042
My former students will tell you that it is true: I don’t move students up to Level 5 ever
unless they have a minimum score of 75% in this class. (I like it much better if you have
at least 80%, by the way.)
So if you really, really, really want to move up to Level 5 next quarter, make a plan
today—right now!—to do what you need to do to earn the minimum score you need:
1. Set Goals—You need to decide where you want to go before you can plan your
route to get there!
I am happy to help you plan to meet your goals. There are resources on my website
to help you practice specific grammar points and skills such as listening,
pronunciation, etc.
I also allow my students to do extra, individualized assignments; these assignments
will not be part of your class grade, but they will certainly help you learn!
2. Be Realistic—Please, oh please do not tell me that you need to be absent on
Wednesdays, that you don’t have time to do all your homework, AND that you’d
really like to move to Level 6 next quarter. (Sigh.)
For more on this topic, see “Laura’s Dilemma” in the About 042 file.
3. Organize Your Materials—Sort your handouts and file them in easy-to-find-again
sections in your binder. Use dividers to organize your binder into sections, such as
Syllabus; Parts of Speech; Present Perfect & Irregular Verbs; Gerunds & Infinitives;
Sentence Types; Writing; Miscellaneous (Other); and Tests & Quizzes.
4. Spend Time Getting to Know Your Dictionary. Learn how your EnglishEnglish dictionary is organized, what its symbols mean, and what it can teach you
about a word. Make it your language-learning BFF!
5. Review!—Perhaps the biggest mistake students make is reading something once and
then putting it away forever.
Things that you only look at once run right off the surface of your brain like rain water
off a mountainside. Each time you review, the information seeps in a little deeper.
Eventually, it sinks in deep enough that it will stay put in your brain so that you can
find the information when you really need it!
Several times a week, review your grammar handouts.
Be sure to notice how vocabulary words, tenses, and
grammatical structures are used. Readers should be
Language Detectives!
Make your own spelling list to review and practice new words
regularly.
Review the Dirty Dozen and Do-Or-Die List writing handouts
whenever you are about to complete a writing assignment; get
yourself in the habit of catching those mistakes before I do!
6. Prove It—Please don’t tell me that you want to move up; show me that you’re
ready by getting a score of at least 75% (over 80% is better). And don’t tell me that
you think you should skip a level; prove it by getting a score above 95%!
7. Get It Done—I know you’re busy. But if you don’t turn in even one assignment, the
zero hurts your grade, making it harder to pass. Check the Weekly Homework
Planners online and don’t let yourself fall behind—especially if you want to move up
next quarter.
8. Get Involved–Make friends, ask questions in class, join a club or the Wellness
Center, or visit the art gallery.
You’ll feel more connected, and you’ll have more resources—and more fun!
9. Get Help —If you’re having trouble with anything, seek help sooner rather than later.
If you wait until the end of the quarter, it’s usually too late to pull your grade up.
There are so many resources here at North, but they can only help you if you use
them. Learn about what is here:
http://www.northseattle.edu/services/
Also, check out the Student Resource Document in the Announcements & Information
folder on my website:
http://facweb.northseattle.edu/ljensen
Everyone should be familiar the Loft—and the library!
https://library.northseattle.edu/
Loft Information
Location: The Loft Writing Center Plus is located on the top floor of the Library building, inside the library.
Web site: https://northseattle.edu/tutoring/loft-writing-center
Services:


Tutoring
Students receive personalized one-to-one assistance in the writing process, grammar, self-editing,
reading, note-taking, pronunciation, and conversation. Tutors give tips on reading for academic
purposes and writing in real-world situations.
Online Resources
Students working at home can find answers to many English language questions by perusing our
collection of Internet links and home-produced handouts. Some of the Web sites featured here include
interactive grammar and language learning activities designed for non-native users of English.

Self Study Computers
The Loft has a number of self-study software programs created for students of English as a second
language. These programs give students valuable practice in grammar, spelling, reading, and
pronunciation.

Conversation Club at the Loft
Students who want more opportunities to practice their speaking and listening skills in English are
welcome to drop by the Loft and join these lively sessions. There are typically both morning and
afternoon sessions.
Finally, don’t forget the computer labs:
Computer Lab Hours: https://itservices.northseattle.edu/content/open-computer-lab
Both labs are closed during quarter breaks.
All students have access to the computer labs, with a NSCC NetID. These labs have a wide variety of
software that is used in various campus courses and are open for walk-in use up to 72 hours per week.
Policies and procedures are posted in the labs and the lab staff will be happy to explain them to you.
10. Play Fair—If you cheat, you cheat yourself out of an opportunity to learn. If you
don’t want to learn, why are you here?
11. Communicate—If you tell me about a special circumstance or challenge in your
life, then I can try to help you find a solution. Talk to me after class, leave a message
on my voicemail, or visit me in my office:
Office: IB 2409C
Telephone: 206.934.4558
E-mail: LauraJensen@seattlecolleges.edu
Up, up, and away!