English Language Learning Articles
Some helpful links and resources that are collected and updated by the MSU Denver Writing Center Staff.
MSU Denver serves a diverse group of students and faculty. We recognize that language is one facet of who we are. It makes us unique, and also brings us together. Regardless of if English is your first, second, third, or fourth language, there’s an opportunity for everyone to learn more about writing.
It’s okay if you don’t feel — or have never felt — “fluent.”
We know that there are many kinds of English, all of which are acceptable. Linguists and we in the Writing Center know that no form of English is better than any other. Unfortunately, some people judge and have opinions about “Proper English.” And trying to meet the expectation of someone like this could make you anxious.
We’re here to provide support and make a plan to help you grow as a writer and a student while supporting you, as a human, above all else.
We’ve compiled several resources to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the English language. And, it’s important to note that linguistically diverse is a title that is inclusive to all of us.
How Can the Writing Center Support Your English Writing Journey?
The Writing Center can help build your foundation of the English language and provide information on language skills you may have missed in school or never received in your previous learning.
We support culturally and linguistically diverse students at all stages by meeting you where you are. We make a point to show you the respect you deserve as an individual with your own history, experience, and unique voice.
We offer individualized consulting for any MSU Denver student or alumni to help them reach their writing goals.
Even if you don’t know where to start, our consultants can help:
- Pick a topic for your papers
- Clarify and organize your ideas
- Research information that supports your argument
- Draft a writing assignment
- Provide you with tools for revising your work
- Share citation best practices
- Improve the overall clarity of your ideas in your paper
On Campus Resources for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
Immigrant Support Services: This department provides advising and academic support for immigrant and international students.
- Located in the Jordan Student Success Building, Suite 230
- Phone number: 303-556-4048
- Email: [email protected]
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP): This program supports eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children by providing comprehensive outreach and enrollment assistance, academic support, financial aid and social opportunities.
- Located in the Tivoli Student Union, Suite 900
- Phone number: 303-615-1599
- Email: c[email protected]
Community College of Denver ESL Program: This program offers basic, intermediate and advanced English Language Learner classes. Please note that there is a fee for these courses.
- Located in Confluence Building (Room numbers vary)
- Phone number: 303-556-8455
- Email: [email protected]
Office of International Studies: This office focuses on creating global opportunities for students and faculty through development of study abroad courses, enhancing internationalization of curricula, and building international partnerships.
- Located in the Administration Building, Suite 360
- Phone number: 303-615-1222
- Email: [email protected]
Off-Campus Resources
Free Off-Campus Resources
Spring International Language Center, Denver: This organization provides intensive English and cross-cultural education to international students.
- Located at 2575 West Church Avenue, Littleton Colorado 80120
- Phone number: 303-797-0100
- Email: [email protected]
Arapahoe Library District: This organization provides English conversation circles, ELL classes, and computer classes in English, Spanish and Russian.
- Located at 12855 East Adam Aircraft Circle, Englewood, Colorado 80112
- Phone number: 303-542-7279
Church in the City: This organization offers ELL classes and free childcare.
- Located at 1580 N. Gaylord Street, Denver Colorado 80206
- Phone number: 303-839-1493
- Email: [email protected]
Trinity United Methodist Church: This organization has six levels of ELL classes that take place on Sundays from 3-4PM.
- Located at 1820 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80202
- Phone number: 303-839-1493
- Email: Fill out a contact form here
The Learning Source: This organization provides ELL classes in multiple locations.
- Located at 929 29th Street Denver, Colorado 80205
- Phone number: 303-922-4683
- Email: [email protected]
Off-Campus Resources (Fees Apply)
Focus Points Family Resource Center: This organization provides ELL classes at a variety of levels and locations.
- Located at 2501 East 48th Ave, Denver Colorado 80216
- Phone number: 303-292-0770
Intercambio de Comunidades: This organization offers six levels of ELL classes, both in person and online.
- Located at 4735 Walnut Street B, Boulder Colorado 80301
- Phone number: 303-433-0190
- Email: Fill out a contact form here
Asian Pacific Development Center: This organization exists to serve and support all immigrant and refugee communities with a whole health, community-based engagement approach through health, education and advocacy.
- Located at 1537 Alton Street Aurora, Colorado 80010
- Phone number: 303-923-2920
- Email: [email protected]
Mi Casa Resource Center: This organization offers ELL classes with free childcare for children four years and older.
- Located at 345 S. Grove Street, Denver Colorado 80219
- Phone number: 303-573-1302
Online Resources for CLD Individuals
Below are links to helpful resources for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students. If you know of any other helpful links, don’t hesitate to email us ([email protected]) so we can add them to our site!
5 Minute English
Short and easy English Language Learner exercises, designed to be fun for students.
English as a Second Language
This is another web page with resources for teachers and students.
Resource Guide for English Language Learners
This is Purdue OWL’s landing page for their ESL page. There’s also a link to ESL specific exercises.
Wyzant English as a Second Language Lessons and Help
This website has a comprehensive list of ESL strategies and tools to help you learn the language.
English as a Second Language America
This website includes helpful information on reading, vocabulary, pronunciation and writing.
Dave's English as a Second Language Café
This website is a meeting place for ESL + EFL teachers and students from around the world.
Randall's Cyber-Listening Lab
This site allows you to boost your listening and comprehension ability with various activities.
Khan Academy
Here you’ll find an introduction to grammar. Each section comes with a point system, so you can master your learning and have fun!
Additional Helpful Resources
Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education: This office supports Colorado school districts, schools and educational leaders with equitable access to grade-level standards and ensures a well-rounded education.
Denver Public Library’s Immigrant Resource Guide: This guide provides equitable opportunities for learning, discovery and connection.