The Center for Business and Economic Development (CBED) is offering area adults who are non-native speakers of English an opportunity to increase their general proficiency. Beginning in November, English as a second language (ESL) four week classes will be held at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC).

These noncredit classes will help participants improve conversational, everyday English comprehension and fluency. The classes are appropriate for ESL speakers with limited working proficiency in English and designed for maximum student-teacher interaction, in a supportive classroom environment. Participants will earn a certificate of completion.

Starting in November, three separate classes will meet once per week for four weeks. Participants have the option to register for one, two, or all three classes.

Class 1: Vocabulary Building
This class focuses on building vocabulary while exploring a variety of topics. To rapidly expand their English vocabulary, participants will learn about word roots. Participants will also learn which words are useful in everyday life, versus a technical setting. This class will meet on four Mondays (11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost for this series is $135 and includes all materials.

Class 2: American Conversation Topics
This class includes:

• Conversational English including everyday expressions
• Listening comprehension and fluency
• Understanding American English idioms
• Exploration of cultural dimensions of communication
• Use of cultural examples as a vehicle to improve language proficiency
• This class will meet on four Wednesdays (11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10) from 6:30
  to 7:30 p.m.
• The cost for this series is $70 and includes all materials.

Class 3: Pronunciation
This class includes:

• Focus on difficult sounds in English
• Exploration of common differences in accent
• Emphasis on American pitch and intonation
• Developing an awareness of which sounds diminish in American English
• This class will meet on four Wednesdays (11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10) from 7:45
  to 8:45 p.m.
• The cost for this series is $70 and includes all materials.

These classes will be taught by Devin Blankenship. This talented ESL instructor has more than ten years of experience including international teaching experience. Blankenship will be using Compelling Conversations, a widely recognized and respected text, to supplement instruction.

To register, go to www.iupuc.edu/cbed, e-mail CBED@iupuc.edu, or call 812.348.7202.