English Language Institute - ELI
The English Language Institute is designed for students whose first language is other than English, and who are currently in grades 9 or above. At least three years of studying English in their home school is required.
| Curriculum Long Weekend Trip |
Eligibility Course Descriptions |
Curriculum
Through ELI language courses in reading and writing, ELI students experience substantive changes in their language abilities. As active and engaged collaborative learners in class, and through the use of a wide variety of language learning strategies, students are able to master the appropriate use of English for both school and social settings.
CORE STUDENT OUTCOMES FOR ELI WRITING INCLUDE:
- Writing to discover and articulate ideas;
- Formulating, developing, and supporting ideas;
- Revising to improve effectiveness;
- Choosing language and style appropriate to audience and purpose;
- Proofreading and editing to correct errors;
- Summarizing, analyzing, an d evaluating written works.
CORE STUDENT OUTCOMES FOR ELI READING INCLUDE:
- Formulating questions that require descriptive and explanatory analyses
- Recognizing and understanding multiple modes of inquiry based on observation and analysis of a reading;
- Synthesizing information from various sources, drawing conclusions;
- Communicating clearly and concisely the methods and results of reading;
- Reflecting upon and evaluating their thought processes and worldview in comparison to others on the basis of literature.
Upon arrival, all students are tested and subsequently placed within ELI levels.
Each student is required to take two English courses either in Level I or Level II. Emphasis is placed on class discussion, group work, and writing. Students write at least one paper a week and keep daily journals.
Level I: For students who have a good command of written and spoken English.
Level II: For students who are fluent in English, but who need additional, advanced work in reading, writing, and conversation.
THIRD COURSE FOR LEVELS I AND II
The third course (minor course) will be determined after an English placement test. Students will be scheduled in their two English major classes. Depending on which classes students are placed, the third course will be Language Strategies or Public Speaking in Level I, and TOEFL Prep or Speech and Debate in Level II.
Long Weekend Trip
Participants in the English Language Institute will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York City over the high school Long Weekend. This trip is required for all students enrolled in this program.
Some highlights of previous trips have been:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island
- Phillies professional baseball game
- Independence Hall
Eligibility
Participants must be non-native speakers of English who have studied the language at least three years in their home schools and who can converse in English. All ELI candidates must submit an application, application fee, topic essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and two recent compositions written for English class with their teacher's comments and corrections.
Note: If a candidate wishes to apply to a program other than ELI (for example, COMPASS), they must submit a documented TOEFL score of at least 550 on a paper-based test, 213 on a computer test or 80 on a computer-based test, along with the other required application forms.
A TOEFL score is NOT required to apply to the ELI program.
Course Descriptions
LEVEL I - MAJOR COURSES
EL10 Writing Workshop I
Reviews the structures of English, expands vocabulary; students practice the language through three forms of writing - personal, persuasive, and expository essays. These skills are developed through discussion, grammar exercises, reading, assigned compositions, and free writing exercises.
EL11 Skills in Literature
Encourages active participation in class discussions as students learn to become appreciative readers, expressing opinions about their reading of poetry, fiction, and drama. The development of analytical skills and understanding symbolic language and plot are stressed. Readings provide a view of American literature and culture.
LEVEL I - THIRD COURSES
el010 Language Strategies
Language Strategies is designed to enable Level I ELI students to assess and improve their level of skill in specific areas of English proficiency, especially conversational speaking, listening comprehension, and oral presentation. The course requires daily reading assignments, short writing assignments, and weekly listening and speaking assessments.
en011 Public Speaking
Specifically designed to prepare students for many situations in which they will have to speak in public. This course introduces students to types of speeches, methods of delivery, and qualities an audience looks for in a speaker and allows ample practice in both prepared and extemporaneous speaking. Students deliver their own prepared speeches as the culmination of their work.
LEVEL II - MAJOR COURSES
EL20 Writing Workshop II
Explores various forms of writing. Emphasis is placed on the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Forms of writing to which students are exposed include narrative, expository, persuasive, personal, and research. Revision of papers is at the core of this course.
EL21 Analyzing Literature
Introduces students to analytical reading of short stories, novels, poems, and plays. Emphasis is placed on close reading and critical writing, skills essential for study in all disciplines at the college level. The broad range of works gives voice to diverse perspectives in English.
LEVEL II - THIRD COURSES
el011
TOEFL Prep
Enables students to assess and improve their level of skill in three areas of English proficiency measured on the Test of English as a Foreign Language: listening comprehension, structure, and reading comprehension. If you plan to take the TOEFL, this is the course for you. The course requires constant drilling, diligent completion of TOEFL-based exercises, and continuous practice with vocabulary terms.
el012 Speech and Debate
This advanced public speaking class sharpens students’ oral and written presentation skills. A good speech or effective debate requires solid research on the topic, good organization of your speaking points as well as a concise and effective presentation. Students deliver their own prepared speeches as the culmination of their work. Building a speaker’s confidence is the main goal of the course.