Conversation Club

What is the course about?

This course is designed for individuals who speak English as a second language and want to improve their speaking and listening skills in a supportive, immersive environment. Through engaging conversations and interactive activities, participants will enhance their fluency, learn natural English expressions, and develop both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The course also focuses on understanding social cues and norms, helping learners build confidence in everyday conversations while exploring a variety of themes and topics with fellow participants.

What will we cover?

We will speak about, read and listen to many different topics to help you improve your communication skills and self-expression. You will also participate in role-plays and improvisation tasks. You will improve the skill of carefully listening to others and contributing to healthy and interesting discussions.

This will include: • Listening and responding to familiar people in the context of straightforward and personal context • Exploring topics from a range of perspectives. Topics may include: life in the city of London, likes and dislikes, shopping, home, family and friends, culture and creativity, health, education and skills, nature and the environment, the weather, travel and transport, training and work life, local history and landmarks, food and cooking, money, interests & hobbies, technology & AI, the global community, government & politics, social issues • Identifying key points in a conversation

• Exchanging information effectively • Learning useful phrases for different types of verbal communication depending on the situation • Some activities will include developing your reading skills, note taking or writing things down

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Ask and answer questions about your life in London

· Talk about yourself and your community

· Speak using present, past and future tenses

· Compare historic and modern times

· Read interesting and creative texts such as short stories, poems, articles, profiles and narratives

· Discuss written texts such as stories, emails, text messages, adverts, posters, notices, flyers, etc.

· Play common British communication games such as Charades, Pictionary, Taboo and The Yes/No Game

· Feel confident in your English and comfortable to not feel worried about making mistakes

· Correct yourself and others when the focus is on speaking accurately

· Confidently recognising and learning how to use other forms of communication such as interjections, body language, language or signs that show approval or disapproval and reasoning skills

· British polite-isms - Introduce and practise common British polite expressions for natural and respectful conversation

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is open to all learners enrolled on our ESOL classes and is ideal for those who want to gain additional skills in English and improve their confidence in speaking. You can be at any ESOL level, Pre-entry to Level 2.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover British communication rules and features of spoken English. You will work with other students carrying out pair or group work. You will complete fun and challenging tasks in an enjoyable and relaxing way. You may do or explore learning outside the classroom and sometimes use digital skills to help you.

When you start this class, you will need to join Google Classroom. Your tutor will help you with this.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You do not need anything in particular for this club, however, having a pen at hand will be useful. You will also be given a code to join Google Classroom. Apart from that, just bring yourself and your enthusiasm to talk!

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

At the end of the course, you may continue attending and come to future sessions. Your tutor can discuss other ESOL/English courses that may suit your level of English including speaking, listening, reading and writing courses.

Your tutor will help you choose the right next course during progression week.

For more information, ask your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 7492 2511.