SPECIAL PROGRAMS
English Language Institute
Through its English Language Institute (ELI), NMC offers a developmental program in English reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The purpose of the ELI is to provide special help to students for whom English is a second language. This helps them acquire the English language skills necessary for college-level course work.
Students wishing to enroll in ELI courses (and most courses at Northern Marianas College) are required to take a developmental placement test and to write a sample composition*. The placement test score and the composition are evaluated and used to place students in appropriate ELI courses. The NMC criteria for placement in and exit from the ELI program are similar to criteria used by other accredited institutions which serve students for whom English is a second language.
Two basic courses, EN 070 and EN 071, are offered for students who have had little exposure to spoken and written English, and whose placement scores are below 380. The emphasis in EN 070 is on listening and speaking, with some attention given to reading and writing. The emphasis in EN 071 is on reading and writing, with some attention given to speaking and listening. These intensive courses are at the beginning level of language development. Each class meets for six hours every week, and five additional hours per week are spent in the Learning Skills Center.
Students whose placement scores range from 380 to 439 are generally placed in the Level One courses of EN 072, 073, 074. These courses offer intensive instruction in speaking, listening, reading and writing; classes meet for six hours every week and five additional hours per week are spent in the Learning Skills Center.
Students whose placement scores range from 440 to 499 generally placed in the Level Two courses of EN 082, 083, 084 where semi-intensive instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing at an intermediate level is offered. These classes meet for four hours each week, and students spend an additional three hours each week in the Learning Skills Center.
Students whose placement scores range from 500 to 549 are generally placed in the Level Three courses of EN 092, 093, 094, which provide an English language bridge to full participation in NMC academic programs. These Level Three classes meet three house a week and language laboratory work is assigned as needed on an individual basis.
* Exemptions from this requirement may be granted by the English Department Chair on a case-by-case basis.
