English Preparatory Programmes

Course details

The English Preparatory Programme is an intensive English language programme aimed at students who already possess a basic level of English Language but who need to develop their English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) quickly and comprehensively. It is designed to take students from an elementary grasp of English up to a proficient level of fluency.

It follows a communicative approach to learning English which develops confidence and understanding while at the same time is fun and rewarding. The syllabus contains many ‘real world' situations and examples that are relevant to students in the modern world. At the same time there is still emphasis on the importance of accuracy in English use.

Programme Objective

Having successfully completed the English Preparatory Programme, students will be able to:

• Further their knowledge of English Grammar and become more familiar and confident with Grammar and sentence structures.
• Gain the required vocabulary for everyday life and further courses.
• Write reports, make presentations, take notes well, produce formal and informal letters and make balanced arguments.

Examinations & Assessment

All examination questions and the marking of scripts will be moderated and/or examined by the Marketing Institute of Singapore Training Centre Examination Board before they are released to students. The decision of the Board is final and no correspondence will be entertained.

Award of Certificate

Students who have completed all necessary course works, successfully passed all assessments and met all financial obligations to the Institute shall be awarded the Certificate of Completion.

Programme Structure & Curriculum

PE101 Preparatory English - Elementary (Level 1) 

During the Elementary level students will gain an understanding of the basic building blocks of English language. It provides a foundation in the structure of the language by gradually building students' understanding of the basic grammar, vocabulary and functions of English. Highlights of the course include: basic English tenses, question forms, functional English, social situations, agreeing and disagreeing, informal letter writing skills and filling in forms. 

PE201 Preparatory English - Pre-intermediate (Level 2)

The Pre-Intermediate level continues from where the Elementary level left off. It will build upon the foundations that were laid before. Students' understanding of English and confidence in using English will be widened and their ability to use the language for communicative purposes will be extended. Highlights of the course include: past and future tenses, modal verbs, adjectives and adverbs, comparing and contrasting, articles, word forms, natural English, directions, making suggestions, giving presentations and basic essay writing skills.

PE301 Preparatory English - Intermediate (Level 3) 

At the Intermediate level, students will raise their ability to use the English language to new heights. They will further consolidate their grasp of grammatical areas of English. They will be highly motivated by the challenging yet rewarding task-based learning that appears during the course. They will start to look at English in the world of work and higher learning therefore preparing them for their needs in the future. Highlights of the course include: use of passive constructions, phrasal verbs, conditional structures, use of conjunctions, sequencing, adverbial phrases, complaining and apologising, expressing quantity, giving opinions, formal letters, and common essay structures. 

PE401 Preparatory English - Upper Intermediate (Level 4) 

During the Upper-Intermediate level, students will have greater independence in their learning of the English language. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of all areas of the English form. They will begin to familiarize themselves with the use of English in the area of business. Group work and problem solving skills are improved through the completion of various tasks therefore ensuring students' readiness to go onto further study. Highlights of the course include: relative clauses, reported and direct speech, past conditionals, consolidation of all English tenses, indirect questions, idioms and phrasal verbs, interviewing skills, debating and discussing, improving presentations, application letters and resumes, report writing and editing newsletters.

Entry Requirements

Prospective students are required to take an English Placement Test to assess their English proficiency and thereafter they will be placed accordingly in the appropriate level of the English Preparatory Programme.