The English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) of the University of Colombo offers an English programme for the students doing the LL.B. Degree programme in the Faculty of Law throughout the four years of the degree programme. The course is compulsory for all students who do not show the required level of competence in English upon entering the University. Lessons used in the programme comprise the four major skills in English, namely, speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition, students will be equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of grammar.
All new entrants to the University are required to sit for the Placement Test in English conducted by the ELTU. The purpose of this test is to place students in the appropriate level of English competency. The placement test paper consists of four sections with each corresponding to the four proficiency levels. Those who score more than 50% for all four sections are exempted from the Proficiency Course in English. It is mandatory for the students to sit for the placement test so that they can be placed in a class appropriate for their proficiency level.
The students are required to follow the Proficiency Course in English of the level into which they have been grouped throughout the academic year. They can move on to the next level upon the successful completion of the end-of-year examination. Students who do not successfully complete a proficiency level in a particular academic year may progress to the next proficiency level, but they are required to complete that level before they finish their degree program.
- Completing the Proficiency Course in English program is a prerequisite to obtain the LL.B. degree.
- At the end of the academic year, students have to sit for the end-of-year written examination paper, which carries 70 marks.
Students have to face two assignments, which carry 15 marks each. A written assignment is held at the end of the first semester and an oral assignment is held at the end of the second semester.
All first year undergraduates offering English for the examination, regardless of the level into which they have been grouped, must also sit for the Compulsory Grammar paper in English. 50% of the Compulsory Grammar paper is set at the level I standard. Students are required to score a minimum of 50 marks to pass the compulsory grammar paper. It is mandatory for all students other than the exempted students to pass the Compulsory Grammar Paper and the relevant level papers in order to obtain the LL.B. Degree.
In addition to the Proficiency Course teaching, students can use the Self Access Centre of the ELTU where they can study independently and improve their English language skills. Facilities available in the Self Access Centre include developing reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary through self-study packs, reference books, magazines, newspapers; developing listening skills through computer-aided language learning, movies, songs and audio material; developing speaking abilities through group and pair work with peers, work cards and discussions with facilitators.
All students following the Proficiency Course in English are required to have 70% attendance in order to be eligible to sit for the final examination.