ESL
Learn the English you need to succeed.
We can help you learn the English you need to succeed in college level classes. Whether your English is at a lower level or you have more advanced English skills, our courses are designed to teach you the academic vocabulary and language skills required in college classes.
NSCC English Language Placement Test
You should take the NSCC English Placement Test if:
- English isn’t your first language or the language you speak at home.
- You do not have a score of 19 or higher on the ACT Reading or English sections.
- You do not have transfer credit for ENGL 1010 from another U.S. college.
F-1 Students
If you are an F-1 visa student and need an I-20 to study ESL, please visit our International Students admissions page. F-1 students who are non-degree-seeking and study ESL at Nashville State will take the NSCC English Placement Test on site instead of submitting a TOEFL score.
ESL Accommodations
Once you finish all of your recommended ESOL classes, you may be able to get extra help in your college classes with ESL accommodations. If you choose not to take the recommended ESOL classes, you need to sign a waiver and you will not be able to get ESL accommodations.
ESL Admission and Program Information
ESL New Student Orientation
ESL Advising and Registration
For help with ESL advising and registration, please contact esol@nscc.edu.
ESL Course Descriptions
ESOL 0122 Listening and Speaking 2
This course is for low-intermediate students. Students will discuss and react to listenings on American culture topics. Prerequisite: Testing Placement
ESOL 0123 Listening and Speaking 3
This course is for high-intermediate students. Students will converse in more depth on social and academic topics and participate in academic discussions. Prerequisite: ESOL 0122 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0124 Listening and Speaking 4
This course is at the advanced level. Students will listen to and take notes on academic lectures as well as learn basic public speaking skills. Prerequisite: ESOL 0123 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0141 Spelling and Vocabulary
A study of English spelling rules and the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes which make up professional English lexicons.
ESOL 0152 Grammar 2
This course is for low-intermediate students. Students will focus on more complex grammar topics and apply them to speaking and writing. Prerequisite: Testing Placement
ESOL 0153 Grammar 3
This course is for high-intermediate students. Students will study grammar topics that will provide a foundation for advanced grammar study. Prerequisite: ESOL 0152 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0154 Grammar 4
This course is an advanced grammar course that will complement higher-level reading and writing courses. Prerequisite: ESOL 0153 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0163 American College Experience
A beginning study of American culture and its effects on education.
ESOL 0172 Reading 2
This course is for low-intermediate students. Students will increase vocabulary and reading abilities. Students will read and understand simple paragraphs. Prerequisite: Testing Placement
ESOL 0173 Reading 3
This course is for high-intermediate students. Students will increase vocabulary and reading abilities. Students will read academic texts and search for main ideas and details. Prerequisite: ESOL 0172 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0174 Reading 4
This course is a high-intermediate/low-advanced course to improve students' reading comprehension and enhance vocabulary knowledge in a technology-rich environment. Prerequisite: ESOL 0173 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0182 Writing 2
This course is for low-intermediate students. Students will learn to write grammatically correct sentences and basic paragraphs. Prerequisite: Testing Placement
ESOL 0183 Writing 3
This course is for high-intermediate students. Students will learn basic paragraph form, basic summarizing skills, and genre awareness. Prerequisite: ESOL 0132 or equivalent skills. Corequisite: ESOL 0163 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0184 Writing 4
This course is for high-intermediate/low-advanced students. Students will write academic essays and will become proficient in technology appropriate for the academic writing classroom. Prerequisite: ESOL 0183 or equivalent skills
ESOL 0191 English for Health Professions
An advanced-level course designed for students who wish to improve their English skills before applying to health-related programs such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Surgical Technology. Students will learn the language and culture of healthcare while practicing English skills that are specific to this field. Prerequisites: ESOL 0124, ESOL 0154, ESOL 0174, ESOL 0184 or equivalent skills