* Your native language: Some languages are more phonetically similar to English, making pronunciation easier to acquire. Others may have vastly different grammatical structures, presenting a steeper learning curve.
* Your prior English learning: Did you study English in your home country? If so, at what level? A year's immersion will build on prior knowledge.
* The teacher's experience and understanding: A teacher experienced in working with ESL/EFL students will have realistic expectations and offer more support and scaffolding. A teacher unfamiliar with the challenges of language acquisition might have higher, less realistic expectations.
* The context: Is this a formal academic setting or a more informal conversational class? Expectations will be higher in a university-level course than in a beginner's conversational class.
* The specific assignment: A presentation will have different expectations than a casual class discussion.
Reasonable expectations generally include:
* Understanding of basic grammar: You're not expected to be grammatically perfect, but you should demonstrate understanding of basic sentence structure, verb tenses, and common grammatical rules. Errors will be tolerated, especially initially.
* Basic vocabulary: You should be able to communicate your needs and ideas, even if you need to use simpler words or phrases.
* Pronunciation that is comprehensible: While perfect pronunciation is not expected, your speech should be understandable. Teachers will generally focus on clarity over flawless accent.
* Willingness to participate and learn: A positive attitude and effort to participate in class are highly valued. Teachers appreciate students who are actively trying to improve their English.
Unreasonable expectations would include:
* Native-level fluency: This is unrealistic after only one year.
* Perfect grammar and pronunciation: Errors are a natural part of the learning process.
* Extensive vocabulary in specialized fields: Expect to learn specialized vocabulary gradually.
In short, a good teacher will focus on your progress and effort, understanding the limitations of a short timeframe. They should provide support and opportunities for you to develop your English skills at your own pace. If you feel the teacher's expectations are unrealistic or overwhelming, consider speaking to them directly or seeking support from an ESL counselor or tutor.