Three Steps
The AEP program is divided into three steps: Getting Ready, Pre-College and University. Each step is divided into two levels, for a total of six levels of study. A single textbook is used for each step, and covers both levels of that step. Each level of study is 120 classroom hours, and takes six weeks. For maximum benefit from the program, students are encouraged to study more than one level.Students take 2 two-hour classes each morning: a reading-writing class and a listening-speaking class. Students may also study in an optional class after lunch. In addition, students should be prepared for up to two hours homework each day. Study in the Academic English Program imitates life at a university -- there is a lot to do!
Getting Ready (AEP Levels 1 and 2)
This is the beginning step of AEP, designed to rapidly expand the academic vocabulary of students beyond the intermediate English level by exposure to real university subjects, but with simplified reading and listening texts. Students at this level typically score between 370 to 429 on the written TOEFL, or 25 to 39 on the new iBT TOEFL.The primary focus of levels 1 and 2 is on building vocabulary, confidence, and the basic structures used in academic research and analysis. This is done using simplified listening and reading materials; although students are guided to produce an academic understanding of the complex issues involved in these areas. Students are encouraged to relate the new information learned to their lives, and to integrate the new information into their existing knowledge. Students will learn how to do a time-based description and narration of events in the past, and how to clearly present and support opinions. Writing classes concentrate on making clear paragraphs with logical flow and good sentence cohesion. Students gain confidence both with academic writing and speaking as their vocabulary rapidly expands.
Pre-College (AEP Levels 3 and 4)
By this level the students' vocabulary and confidence permit them to read the same texts used in American Senior High-School, and university texts with a few adaptations. Students at this level typically score between 430 to 499 on the written TOEFL, or 40 to 60 on the iBT TOEFL.This step consolidates previously learned skills, and begins to explore the written and spoken forms that are specifically academic. Students continue to work on presenting their opinions in a clear logical fashion, and on supporting their arguments with adequate evidence and references. Standard essay and term-paper formats are introduced, and students will use material gathered from the Internet to support both their writing and in-class presentations. Citations and the use of bibliographies are covered, and students will incorporate these in the research they do.
University (AEP Levels 5 and 6)
Students are now reading and listening to authentic university materials, and are supported and encouraged to produce written and spoken work to the standard required by Western universities. Students at this level typically score between 500 to 570 on the written TOEFL, or 61 to 86+ on the iBT TOEFL. Advanced students will be able to directly enter a university without taking a supplemental English course.These advanced levels emphasize critical thinking as well as the skills involved in creating and supporting opinions with adequate citations and bibliographic research. Students are trained to engage with the texts in a mental dialogue, questioning what is said, and evaluating the motivations of the speaker or writer. Writing classes concentrate on longer essays as preparation for term papers, research proposals, and an eventual thesis. Listening-speaking classes begin to challenge students more, preparing them to defend their opinions in a Western classroom or a future thesis defence.