Class Descriptions

House of Tutors offers three types of classes: Foundational, University Bridge, and English in Context. Class levels range from Beginner to Advanced. Class offerings include:

Foundational

Grammar
Students study and apply English grammar in writing and speaking for business, social, and academic situations.

Listening/Speaking
In this class, students learn the skills necessary for conversation and classroom participation. Classes cover idioms, pronunciation, spoken grammar, register, and listening for lecture comprehension.

Academic Reading
This class helps students develop English vocabulary and reading skills for business and academic success. Students learn to skim and scan for details, make inferences, draw conclusions, and distinguish between different writing styles.

Academic Writing
Students in this class learn the basic skills of English writing. Students learn how to write sentences and paragraphs for notes, letters, and essays.


University Bridge

Note-taking for College
Students interested in attending a US college/university will develop note-taking strategies to help prepare for success in the college classroom.

iBT (internet-based test) TOEFL Preparation
In this class, students prepare for the iBT TOEFL test, which is required for admission into most US colleges and universities. Students learn strategies and practice each of the test sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).

Institutional (paper-based test) TOEFL Preparation
For students who need to take the Institutional TOEFL test, this class helps students achieve the scores needed for college admission. Students learn strategies and practice each test section (Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension)


iBT TOEFL Writing
Students in this class develop their writing skills, specifically focusing on the writing section of the iBT TOEFL.

CLEP
This course prepares students to take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in a specific college subject area. The CLEP exam score can be used for course credit at most US colleges and universities.

Compass Test Preparation
This class prepares students for the Compass Test, which is a college placement test required by some US colleges, including Austin Community College.


English in Context

Business English
Students practice using the language of the business world and prepare for future exchanges with English-speaking associates.

Literature
In this class, students are introduced to English literature through the forms of the short story, drama, poetry and other genres of literature.

Creative Writing
This course provides students with the opportunity to practice written English as a form of creative expression, as well as critique other students' writings.

English for Recreation
In this class, students have the opportunity to engage in recreational activities like golf and billiards while practicing their conversational skills in real-life situations.

Idioms & Slang
This class works to improve student knowledge and use of slang, idioms, and jargon in the English language.

Current Events
In this class, students read and discuss the news and current events that influence the world.

Tour Austin
Students in this class explore all that Austin has to offer while practicing their conversational English skills. Students attend weekly field trips to places of interest such as the Texas State Capitol, Harry Ransom Center, Blanton Museum of Art, Mount Bonnell, and Town Lake.