English as a Second Language

Program Description

The English as a Second Language Program (ESL) at Northern Michigan University offers three levels of instruction. Students will take a placement test and be assigned to the level that meets their ability.

Level I-- Everyday English

Level I provides basic instruction in listening comprehension, conversational English, newspaper reading, and basic writing for students who do not have a TOEFL score and for tourists who are interested in learning survival English.  Course material emphasizes everyday English usage, aiming to help students obtain communicative competence.

Level II-- College English

Level II provides pre-college instruction in listening comprehension, classroom English speaking, textbook reading, and composition writing for students who have achieved or are close to 173 computer-based, 500 paper-based or 61 iBT on the TOEFL exam.  Course material emphasizes English comprehension, aiming to help students obtain confidence and fluency in understanding college English.

Level III-- Graduate School English

Level III courses provide advanced instruction in listening comprehension, classroom English speaking, academic journal reading, and academic writing for students who are interested in becoming graduate assistants in American universities.  Course material emphasizes English production, aiming to help students obtain confidence and competence using English to teach discipline-specific subject matters and to write academic papers.

Students take courses and participate in structured activities that are designed to familiarize them with North American culture and improve their understanding of the English language as it is used in daily situations and classroom environments.