Intensive English Program
The Intensive English classes are geared towards improving students’ language level by acknowledging their strengths and focusing on their weaker areas. POINT3′s Intensive classes are arranged into two distinct lessons that focus on the four language skills, and fluency in conversation.
The Intensive classes are held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, for a total of 25 hours of per week.
On the first day, students are tested in oral comprehension, oral production and grammar. Based on the test results, students are placed in the appropriate levels (1 to 6). A student may be placed in a different level for either of the classes, depending upon his/ her abilities in each area. Students can also move up a level when they are ready by passing a level change test in each of the classes independently.
Components of the Integrated Skills class (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
This section includes Grammar & Structure, Reading, Writing and Vocabulary Building as well as listening comprehension skills. The primary focus of this section is Accuracy: to give the students the building blocks in terms of grammar and structure rules, and to allow them to practice these rules through speaking activities and writing assignments.
Components of the Conversation class (12:45 pm – 2:45 pm)
Through the use of short themes, this class is intended to help students develop their ability to express their ideas fluently. The project, which can be done in or outside the classroom, must directly relate to the theme and target the vocabulary, expressions, grammar and other aspects addressed during the week.
Less overt attention is paid to accuracy (e.g., grammar is not taught) in this class, though teachers correct students and do quick review lessons of grammar structures on the board. Lower level classes are more structured than higher level classes. The activities practice speaking, but written fluency is also addressed, and reading assignments are a good way to prepare students for the different topics. Students are expected to participate fully so that they practice elements learned in accuracy class and comprehension class.
Practical Language Outing
These classes are an integral part of the Intensive program. This portion of the classes brings the language to life by giving students the opportunities to practice in real-life situations. Students are given tasks to accomplish while given guided tours of historical places and cultural events around Montreal.
Absolute beginners
Students at the beginner level are encouraged to take part in a six-week intensive course which provides all the basic skills on which all other courses are built. These courses begin on specified dates – please refer to the Course Calendar.