Intensive English Program Levels and Courses
IEP Level Descriptions
The curriculum of the Intensive English Program consists of two levels of English proficiency. Levels are grouped into intermediate and advanced to allow students of similar abilities and interests to study together.
Intermediate Level
Intermediate students can understand most questions and statements at normal speaking speed. They can carry on conversation with native speakers in most social situations. Nevertheless, their fluency and accuracy may still be weak in one or more areas. Students at the intermediate level are expected not only to practice English in meaningful conversation but also to gradually prepare for academic study.
Advanced Level
Advanced students can use English with accuracy and fluency, including reading and writing. They are approaching readiness or are nearly ready to begin academic study. Students at the advanced level are expected to deliver oral presentations, read academic texts, listen to academic lectures, and learn how to write academic papers and short extensive research papers.
Course Descriptions
Listening and Speaking
Students in this class discuss a variety of cultural events and academic topics. Students also practice delivering presentations and actively participating in a group setting. The goal of this course is to develop communicative fluency and accuracy not only in everyday conversations but also in academic settings. The advance course highlights the connections between speaking and listening for academic purposes. In order to be prepared for university, students in the advanced course will develop note-taking skills as well as learn to manage seminar discussions.
Reading and Writing
Students in this course will read academic essays and popular literature and participate in group discussions about the readings. They will also learn to plan, organize, write, and revise original written work in the academic style expected in university courses. The intermediate course helps students develop both reading and critical thinking skills to improve reading comprehension and become more effective readers. Based on the readings, students will practice a variety of writing activities including the techniques of paraphrasing and summarizing of information effectively. At the advanced level, the focus is on more academic topics. The advanced course helps students improve their academic vocabulary, learn to edit papers, integrate proper citations for academic papers, and analyze tone and style. The ultimate goal of the advanced course is for students to successfully produce academic research papers.
College Skills
This course is designed to help international students develop the advanced skills and strategies necessary for success in university courses and professional settings. This includes organization, time management, goal setting, and study skills. This class will enable students to anticipate and prepare for the challenges they will likely face once they begin college. Students will read authentic texts about various strategies for success, participate in group discussions, write short reflections, and give short presentations. Additional emphasis will be placed on effective academic reading, research, and inquiry. Several guest speakers from various departments across the university will visit the course to provide information about transiting to UNG.
Reading Group
This course is designed to help international students develop the advanced skills and strategies necessary for university-level reading comprehension. This includes reading authentic magazine articles, annotating, summarizing, and sharing opinions about a wide range of topics. Students will read articles before class and come prepared to participate in small group discussion. They will also have opportunities to lead discussions by selecting articles and preparing discussion questions.
Creativity and Critical Thinking (only offered for on-campus class)
This course is only offered for on-campus, face-to-face class.
The ability to critically analyze arguments rather than to memorize information has become a prerequisite for college. This skill is equally valued in professional settings. This class to develops students' creative thinking and problem solving skills to successfully meet the challenges of the future. This class also prepares students to develop the social, team-building, leadership, and personal skills that are necessary for a successful and well-rounded university experience.
English Structure and Grammar (only offered for on-campus class)
This course is only offered for on-campus, face-to-face class.
This course is designed to review basic grammar structure and to use these structures in reading, writing, and communication. Structures emphasized include a review of subject/verb agreement, modals, noun clauses, adjective clauses and conditionals. Students will use authentic readings to identify, analyze, and apply grammatical structures in written and oral activities - to original written sentences and paragraphs. Vocabulary development will be included in each class meeting.
Duolingo Test Preparation Class
This course will help you to familiarize yourself with the format of the test by reviewing the types of questions asked. We will discuss how to approach each question type and how to study for these questions. We will also discuss the rules of the test and the consequences associated with not following the rules. You will also have plenty of opportunities to ask the instructor for help about specific questions you encounter when taking practice tests on the Duolingo English Test website.
Our class will meet online for a face-to-face live chat once per week for eight weeks. The total cost for this class is $200.