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

What is the course about?

This course focuses on developing your spoken communication and listening comprehension at Level 1. You will practise expressing ideas and opinions, participating in group discussions, giving short talks or presentations, and listening for detail, purpose, and gist. You will also work on your pronunciation, intonation, and clarity to improve your overall fluency.

The course prepares you for the ESOL Level 1 Speaking and Listening exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB) and helps you feel more confident communicating in work, education, and social situations.

What will we cover?

You will practise your speaking and listening skills in every class. If you pass your in-class assessments, you will prepare for the Speaking and Listening exam, which takes place a week after the course ends. Each class will be based around themes such as:

· Life in the UK

· Work and employment

· Health and wellbeing

· Technology and social media

· Daily routines and responsibilities

· Travel and enjoyment

You will focus on:

· Listening for gist, detail, and specific information

· Following and understanding spoken instructions and explanations

· Engaging in discussions and exchanging views

· Giving short talks or presentations

· Expressing feelings, opinions, and preferences clearly

· Improving pronunciation, stress, and intonation

· Using formal and informal language appropriately

· Understanding register, tone, and purpose in spoken English

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:

· Take part in discussions, presenting ideas clearly and responding to others appropriately

· Listen to and understand spoken English in a variety of everyday and formal contexts

· Give short talks or presentations using structured language

· Follow instructions, interviews, and conversations with understanding

· Use clear pronunciation and appropriate intonation

· Demonstrate the speaking and listening skills needed to pass the ESOL Level 1 Speaking & Listening exam and progress to the Level 1 Writing unit

You will also improve your digital skills using:

· Google Classroom

· Voice recording tools

· Online discussion and listening activities

· The internet

· Microsoft Word

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

This is a Level 1 course; this course is ideal for you if you can communicate feelings on familiar topics using straightforward information and clear statements of fact and/or opinions, and read and obtain information from everyday sources, and use the common present, past and future tenses confidently. 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 travel or 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 Speaking & Listening exam for course ES403B will be on Wednesday 1st April 2026.

The ESB Level 1 ESOL Speaking & Listening exam for course ES407B will be on Tuesday 31st March 2026.

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on your discovering how to do and complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor. You will learn in a step-by-step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. You will work in pairs and small groups. Your tutor will work with you individually, so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

You will need to do homework every week and use Google Classroom.

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 Writing 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 (Reading, Writing) ACCREDITED COURSE

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

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

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

· Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)

· English communication skills - improve your confidence and fluency when you speak (entry 3-level 1)

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

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

· Conversation Club

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

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.