Information for English Language Learners (ELL)
We offer individualized help with writing for any MSU Denver student. Trained consultants work with writers to define goals for each session, such as
- deciding on a topic
- clarifying and organizing ideas
- researching, drafting, and revising
- citing and documenting sources properly
- improving grammar, punctuation, and usage
We welcome all ELL students and are eager to help them grow as writers. Learning a new language, however, is a long, on-going process, and we want students to have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished during a writing consultation. For instance, ELL writers should not expect consultants to perform line-by-line editing and correction of papers.
We have found that some of the most difficult errors for ELL students to eliminate are a matter of convention; that is, they are learned through regular use of the language rather than by learning and following rules. The more typical errors include misused prepositions, missing or incorrect articles, and misused auxiliary or “helping” verbs.
If you are an English Language Learner, there are several things you can do to improve your English and your grasp of prepositions, articles, and auxiliary verbs:
- Read, read, read.
- Take advantage of local resources (under “Resources for English Language Learners”).
- Make a recurring appointment at the Writing Center to work on your writing every week.
Resources for English Language Learners (ELL)
On Campus Resources
• Immigrant Support Services. Provides advising and academic support services for immigrant and international students. 303.556.4048 / SSB 230 / Patti Lohman (Director): 303-556-3676 /
• Community College of Denver ESL Programs. Offers basic, intermediate, and advanced ESL classes. Fees apply. 303.556-8455 or contact Bobbie Ware:
•Spring International Language Center. Offers six levels of ESL instruction; TOEFL, GMAT, and GRE prep classes; activities, trips, and American conversation partners. Fees apply. 303-534-1616
Off Campus Resources (Fees Apply)
•Emily Griffith Opportunity School. 1250 Welton St, Room 248 / 720-423-4752
•Focus Points Family Resource Center. Offers ESL classes at a variety of levels and locations. 2501 East 48th Ave./ 303-292-0770 /
•Intercambio de Comunidades. Six levels of ESL classes. 303-433-0190/
•Asian Pacific Development Center. Aurora. 303-365-2959 x 119 /
•Mi Casa Resource Center. ESL classes with free childcare for children 4 years old and up. 360 Acoma St / 303-571-1881 /
Resources for English Language Learners (ELL)
Off Campus Resources (Free)
• Arapahoe Library District. English conversation circles, ESL classes, computer classes in English, Spanish, Russian. 303-542-7279 /
• Church in the City. Offers all levels of ESL classes and free childcare. 1530 Josephine St. / 303-322-5733.
•Trinity United Methodist Church. Six levels of ESL classes on Tuesdays. 1820 Broadway / 303-839-1493
•The Learning Source. ELL classes in Lakewood and Aurora. 303.922.4683 /
• Denver Language Friend. Offers spoken English classes.
General ELL Resources
•Colorado Department of Education’s ESL Providers List:
•Denver Public Library's Immigrant Resource Guide: