ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 1 (Reading)

What is the course about?

This course focuses on developing higher-level reading skills through practical, real-life materials. You will learn how to read for purpose, skim and scan texts, understand structure and layout, and work out meaning from context. The course will also improve your ability to compare texts and analyse how information is presented. You will also review your writing and speaking to support your learning.

This course prepares you for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 1 Reading exam, with the English-Speaking Board (ESB). It will also boost your skills needed for further education or employment.

What will we cover?

You will practise your reading skills in every class. If you pass your in-class assessments, you will prepare for the Reading exam, which takes place a week after the course ends. Each session will focus on reading skills and understanding different text types through relevant topics such as:

· Life in the UK

· Work and employment

· Health and wellbeing

· Culture and traditions

· Technology and media

· Travel and leisure

You will focus on:

· Strategic reading: skimming for gist, scanning for detail, and reading for specific information

· Reading different types of texts: • Informational texts (leaflets, websites, reports) • Instructional texts (forms, how-to guides) • Persuasive texts (adverts, blogs, opinion pieces) • Descriptive and narrative texts (short stories, articles)

· Recognising text structure: headings, subheadings, bullet points, paragraphs, indexes, hyperlinks

· Understanding vocabulary in context, including synonyms, antonyms, and word formation

· Identifying the writer’s purpose and audience

· Comparing and evaluating texts

· Recognising how language and layout affect meaning

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

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

· Read and understand a range of everyday and formal texts with confidence

· Use different reading strategies to find, interpret, and compare information

· Understand vocabulary and expressions used in various written contexts

· Identify main points, details, and purpose of a range of texts

· Recognise language features such as tone, bias, and persuasive techniques

· Demonstrate the reading skills required to pass the ESOL Level 1 Reading exam and progress to ESOL Level 1 Speaking & Listening

You will also improve your digital skills using:

· Google Classroom

· The internet for research

· Microsoft Word

· Online reading and vocabulary tools

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

This is a Level 1 course. It is ideal for you if you can communicate ideas in speaking and writing, understand texts at Entry 3 level, and use common present, past, and future tenses with some confidence. You will need to attend regularly, and complete and pass all in class assignments to your tutor’s satisfaction to be entered for the exam.

IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT take holidays during the course unless it is an emergency. Regular attendance is required for exam entry and is essential for success on this course.

The ESB Level 1 ESOL Reading exam for course ES403A will be on Wednesday 12th November 2025.

The ESB Level 1 ESOL Reading exam for course ES407A will be on Thursday 13th November 2025.

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

You will learn in a supportive and inclusive classroom with group activities, individual reading practice, and digital resources. Your tutor will guide you step-by-step through tasks and provide individual feedback to help you improve.

You will work in pairs, small groups, and independently. Weekly homework will be set, and you’ll use Google Classroom to access lessons and complete assignments.

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

Please bring:

· a pen

· a lined A4 paper notepad or notebook

· a folder for your work

Your tutor will give you worksheets, other materials and a code to join Google Classroom.

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

This course has three parts. You usually complete one part each term.

After this course, you can move on to the Speaking & Listening unit.

There are other courses you can do at the same time or after this one. These include:

· ESOL - Communication skills for life and work - Level 1 (Speaking & Listening, Writing) ACCREDITED COURSE

· Communication Skills for Life and Work (ESOL Entry 3 - Level 1) – Online Weekend Course

· English dialogue: speaking, listening, pronunciation, performance (Level 1-2) (Only Term 1)

· Grammar in practice: Intermediate (Entry 3-Level 1)

· Conversation Club

· Learn English - discover London, its history, culture and people (Level 1-Level 2)

· Communication skills: developing your writing, speaking and digital skills through creating a radio programme (ESOL Level 1-2) (Terms 2 & 3)

· Develop your writing and language skills (Level 1-Level 2)

· ESOL: Learn English and learn about London, its people and your rights (entry 3-level 1)

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

Questions? Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423.