Mar 28, 2024  
2018 - 2020 CNM Catalog, Volume 50 
    
2018 - 2020 CNM Catalog, Volume 50 [The CNM Academic Year includes Fall, Spring, Summer Terms]

IRW Frequently Asked Questions


What happens if I score below a 74 as my combined Accuplacer Reading Skills and Sentence Skills?

If you score below a 74 on your combined Accuplacer Reading Skills and Sentence Skills, you should consider the following options.

  • Take the intersession 1-credit Test Preparation Class called IRW 0896 to get tips and practice on how to score higher on the sentence skills and reading skills Accuplacer test.
  • Take the 3-week IRW 0796 Bridge Class which offers both group and individualized learning activities to increase students’ readiness for IRW 0970.
    • Upon successful completion of IRW 0796, students may enroll in a 12-week IRW 0970 course.
  • Work on your own on the free Accuplacer test websites to review the kinds of questions asked on the real Accuplacer.
  • Go to tutoring and get help in test taking strategies.
  • Retake the Accuplacer. 

What is IRW 0970?

Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) 0970 is now a combination of Reading and English skills. Rather than take 6 credits of Reading and English, the courses have been combined and streamlined into one 3-credit course.  For a complete description of the course, see IRW 0970 . The new placement score is a combined Accuplacer Reading and Sentence Skills score of 75-124.

  • RDG 0750 + ENG 0750 = IRW 0970
  • Successfully completing IRW 0970 means you have a Reading and Writing Proficiency 1.

What happens if I have taken English 0750 but not Reading 0750? 

Check your combined Accuplacer score.  Your combination of Sentence Skills and Reading Skills from the Accuplacer may place you into IRW 0980.  If not, you will need to enroll in IRW 0970 OR retake either the Sentence Skills or Reading Skills portion of the test or retake both of them.  You may also want to consider taking the IRW 0896 Test Preparation class which is a one credit class offered in the intersession.  If your combined score does not place you into IRW 0980, you would be better served in IRW 0970.


What happens if I have taken Reading 0750 and not English 0750?

Check your combined Accuplacer score.  Your combination of Sentence Skills and Reading Skills from the Accuplacer may place you into IRW 0980.  If not, you will need to enroll in IRW 0970 OR retake either the Sentence Skills or Reading Skills portion of the test or retake both of them.  You may also want to consider taking the IRW 0896 Test Preparation class which is a one credit class offered in the intersession.  If your combined score does not place you into IRW 0980, you would be better served in IRW 0970.


What is IRW 0980?

Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) 0980 is now a combination of Reading and English.  The new Accuplacer placement score is a combined Accuplacer Reading and Sentence Skills score of 125-165.  For a complete description of the course, see IRW 0980 .   The new placement score is a combined Accuplacer Reading and Sentence Skills score of 125-165.

  • RDG 0950 + ENG 0950 = IRW 0980. 
  • Successfully completing IRW 0980 means you have a Reading and Writing Proficiency 2

What happens if I have taken English 0950 but not Reading 0950? 

Check your combined Accuplacer score.  Your combination of Sentence Skills and Reading Skills from the Accuplacer may place you into IRW 0980 or it may even place you into college level courses.  If not, you will need to enroll in IRW 0980 OR retake either the Sentence Skills or Reading Skills portion of the test or retake both of them.  You may also want to consider taking the IRW 0896 Test Preparation class which is a one credit class offered in the intersession.  If your combined score does not place you into IRW 0980, you would be better served in IRW 0970.


What happens if I have taken Reading 0950 and not English 0950?

Check your combined Accuplacer score.  Your combination of Sentence Skills and Reading Skills from the Accuplacer may place you into IRW 0980 or it may even place you into college level courses.  If not, you will need to enroll in IRW 0980 OR retake either the Sentence Skills or Reading Skills portion of the test or retake both of them.  You may also want to consider taking the IRW 0896 Test Preparation class which is a one credit class offered in the intersession.  If your combined score does not place you into IRW 0980, you would be better served in IRW 0970.


What is the difference between ESOL 0971 and IRW 0970?

These courses are equivalent courses which have the same course outcomes.  The difference is that ESOL 0971 is designed to help non-native speakers of English prepare for college-level reading, writing, and oral communication demands. ESOL instructors not only address listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, but they also concentrate on developing students’ grammatical and lexical knowledge. Additionally, ESOL teachers help learners explore the aspects of American culture that impact college students. See ESOL Program .


What is the difference between ESOL 0981 and IRW 0980?

These courses are equivalent courses which have the same course outcomes.  The difference is that ESOL 0981 is designed to help non-native speakers of English prepare for college-level reading, writing, and oral communication demands. ESOL instructors not only address listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, but they also concentrate on developing students’ grammatical and lexical knowledge. Additionally, ESOL teachers help learners explore the aspects of American culture that impact college students. See ESOL Program .