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        ELI Transition Level

Transition Level for Advanced Students

The ELI Transition Level is designed to help students move from English classes to regular university academic studies. The ELI offers two different transition level tracks, one for students preparing for undergraduate studies, and one for students preparing for graduate (advanced degree) studies. Assignment to the Transition Level is based on the results of the ELI Placement Test, and prior coursework at the ELI if applicable.

Undergraduate Transition Level. Students at this level enroll in an academic course (usually one of the social sciences -- such as cultural anthropology, introductory psychology, or government) and an ELI Support Course. The support course meets 6 hours per week and uses the content from the academic course to strengthen language and study skills. In addition, the students learn about the culture of an American classroom. Students at this level also enroll in an advanced academic writing class, as well as advanced speaking and advanced reading skills classes.

Graduate Transition Level. Students at this level enroll in a 10 hour per week core class, concentrating on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills for graduate level academic work. They learn techniques for writing research papers, reading academic papers and literature, participation in small group discussions, and debating at the graduate level. The students also enroll in the ELI course "Experiencing Graduate Study" where they learn about the culture and expectations of graduate school, as well as advanced speaking class and a transition level elective course. Students with a 530 (197) on the TOEFL may be allowed to take one graduate level academic course through Extended Studies while enrolled in the ELI's graduate transition courses.

English Language Institute
MSN 4C4
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA
22030-4444 USA
E-mail:
Fax: (703) 993-3664
Phone: (703) 993-3660
Site Last Updated:
November 23, 2004
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