Levels 1-6

1. On what basis are students in the Language and Culture Center (LCC) placed in their levels?

When students enter the program, they are given three placement tests: (1) the Michigan English Placement Test (a multiple choice exam that tests a student’s listening comprehension, grammar mastery, and reading comprehension), (2) the LCC Oral Interview (administered by two instructors, one asking questions and the other scoring for content and overall fluency), and (3) the LCC Writing Sample (graded holistically by two instructors independently according to a grading guide that evaluates grammar, vocabulary, organization, content, and mechanics). The Michigan counts 50 percent, and the Oral Interview and the Writing Sample each count 25 percent toward the placement score. That score, on a 100-point proficiency scale, is a weighted average, which is used as a guide for initial placement.

2. How are students evaluated for promotion or for exit from the program?

At the end of the semester, students are given the COMPASS ESL test and a Writing Sample on another topic. The COMPASS ESL counts 50 percent of the student’s final evaluation. The Writing Sample counts 25 percent, and the teacher evaluation score counts 25 percent. These scores combine to create a weighted average, which is used as a guide for placement and level progression. The evaluation score ranges, on a 100-point proficiency scale, are listed below.

3. What student outcomes (in reading, writing, and speaking/listening) are expected for levels 1 through 6?

Satisfactory completion of a level in the Language and Culture Center represents the achievement of specific language objectives. These learning outcomes are described in detail by level in the following links.

NOTE: Students who have successfully completed Level 6 in the Language and Culture Center are not required to present a TOEFL score when seeking admission to the University of Houston.