ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading)
This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB).
You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to...
Before booking on this course, we'll need you to log in or register with us if you're new. Please then contact us for a chat with our team to check that this course is the right level for you. Why do I need an advice session
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course focuses on developing advanced reading skills suitable for Level 2 learners. You will learn how to locate and compare information, analyse language features, understand structure and layout, and interpret meaning at a deeper level.
The course uses real-life and functional texts related to everyday topics such as work, housing, health, technology, education, and citizenship. You will also practise reading to support your writing and speaking development and use digital tools to access and review materials.
This course prepares you for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam with English Speaking Board (ESB).
What will we cover?
You will focus on different types of texts and themes related to adult life and professional development in the UK, such as:
Workplace communication
Housing, health and wellbeing
The environment and society
Law, rights, and responsibilities
Technology and online safety
Education, careers, and training
Reading skills you will develop include:
Skimming for gist, scanning for specific information, and reading for detail
Identifying main points and supporting details
Comparing information, ideas, and opinions across texts
Understanding layout features such as headings, bullet points, and graphics
Recognising different purposes and audiences (e.g. informative, persuasive, instructive)
Analysing tone, bias, and persuasive language techniques
Using vocabulary strategies: understanding unfamiliar words using context, affixes, and synonyms/antonyms
Evaluating how language and structure are used to achieve purpose
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 variety of complex texts with accuracy
Use advanced reading strategies to locate, interpret, and compare information
Identify purpose, audience, tone, and key details in formal and informal texts
Analyse how writers use language and structure to influence or inform readers
Evaluate how effectively meaning is communicated
Demonstrate the skills needed to pass the ESB Level 2 Reading exam
Use your reading skills to support further education, training, or work
You will also develop your digital literacy by using:
Google Classroom
Online reading tools and websites
Digital documents and exam-style papers
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a Level 2 ESOL course. You should already have completed a Level 1 ESOL Reading course or be working confidently at Level 1 in speaking, writing, and reading.
You need to:
Be able to read and understand everyday texts with some independence
Use past, present and future tenses with accuracy
Be confident in using a variety of sentence structures
Be willing to study regularly, complete homework, and take part in reading discussions
You must attend regularly and complete all class assignments to the 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 success on this course.
The ESB ESOL Level 2 Reading exam will be on Tuesday 11th November 2025.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn in a supportive and interactive environment using individual, pair, and group work. Lessons will involve reading comprehension tasks, vocabulary building, and critical analysis.
You will be given weekly homework and independent reading tasks to develop your skills further. You’ll also use Google Classroom to access practice tests, resources, and feedback from your tutor.
Your tutor will guide you through ESB exam-style questions and provide regular feedback on your progress.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring:
A pen
A lined A4 notepad or notebook
A folder to keep handouts and assignments
Your tutor will provide:
Worksheets and practice materials
A code to access Google Classroom
ESB exam-style papers
There are no additional costs for course materials.
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.
After successfully completing this course and passing your ESB Level 2 Reading exam, you can do:
ESOL - Communication skills for Life and Work - Level 2 (Speaking & Listening, Writing) ACCREDITED COURSE
Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)
Grammar in practice: advanced (level 2+)
ESOL: Develop your writing: grammar, vocabulary, expression (advanced)
English dialogue: speaking, listening, pronunciation, performance (level 1-2)
Communication skills: developing your writing, speaking and digital skills through creating a radio programme (ESOL level 1-2)
Develop your writing and language skills (level 1-level 2)
Learn English - discover London, its history, culture and people (level 1-level 2)
Conversation Club
English for professionals: C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Proficiency, CPE )
Enrol in courses to support your career, such as Employability, Customer Service, or Digital Skills for Work.
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.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/esol-communication-skills-for-life-and-work-level-2-reading1183753ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading)https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/e/s/esol-reading-level1-es503a-1024.jpg339339GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Skills for life/Courses/Skills for life/ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)/Courses/Skills for life/ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)/ESOL: Speaking & listening22851364157718621228513641577<p>This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB). </p><p>You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study. </p><p> </p><p>This course runs during term 1. </p><p> You need to do a short test before joining. <br>Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423 </p> <br />
<p><p><strong>This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/13701267686301-Free-ESOL-English-Communication-Maths-Digital-Skills-Course">Click here</a></strong></p><p>003035089ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading)339339https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/e/s/esol-reading-level1-es503a-1024_3.jpgInStockDaytimeTue+ThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-08T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Skills for lifeES503A339339ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading)339237339esol-communication-skills-for-life-and-work-level-2-reading/es503a-2627<p>This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB). </p><p>You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study. </p><p> </p><p>This course runs during term 1. </p><p> You need to do a short test before joining. <br>Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423 </p> <br />
<p><p><strong>This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/13701267686301-Free-ESOL-English-Communication-Maths-Digital-Skills-Course">Click here</a></strong></p><p>0000-Available|2026-09-08 00:00:00<p>This course focuses on developing advanced reading skills suitable for Level 2 learners. You will learn how to locate and compare information, analyse language features, understand structure and layout, and interpret meaning at a deeper level. </p><p>The course uses real-life and functional texts related to everyday topics such as work, housing, health, technology, education, and citizenship. You will also practise reading to support your writing and speaking development and use digital tools to access and review materials. </p><p>This course prepares you for the <strong>ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam with English Speaking Board (ESB). </strong></p><p>This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB). </p><p>You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study. </p><p> </p><p>This course runs during term 1. </p><p> You need to do a short test before joining. <br>Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423 </p> <br /><br /><br /><br />
<p><p><strong>This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/13701267686301-Free-ESOL-English-Communication-Maths-Digital-Skills-Course">Click here</a></strong></p><p><p>You will focus on different types of texts and themes related to adult life and professional development in the UK, such as: </p><ul><li><p>Workplace communication </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Housing, health and wellbeing </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The environment and society </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Law, rights, and responsibilities </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Technology and online safety </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Education, careers, and training </p></li></ul><p>Reading skills you will develop include: </p><ul><li><p>Skimming for gist, scanning for specific information, and reading for detail </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Identifying main points and supporting details </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Comparing information, ideas, and opinions across texts </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Understanding layout features such as headings, bullet points, and graphics </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Recognising different purposes and audiences (e.g. informative, persuasive, instructive) </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Analysing tone, bias, and persuasive language techniques </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Using vocabulary strategies: understanding unfamiliar words using context, affixes, and synonyms/antonyms </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Evaluating how language and structure are used to achieve purpose </p></li></ul><p>By the end of the course, you should be able to: </p><ul><li><p>Read and understand a variety of complex texts with accuracy </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Use advanced reading strategies to locate, interpret, and compare information </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Identify purpose, audience, tone, and key details in formal and informal texts </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Analyse how writers use language and structure to influence or inform readers </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Evaluate how effectively meaning is communicated </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Demonstrate the skills needed to pass the ESB Level 2 Reading exam </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Use your reading skills to support further education, training, or work </p></li></ul><p>You will also develop your digital literacy by using: </p><ul><li><p>Google Classroom </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Online reading tools and websites </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Digital documents and exam-style papers </p></li></ul><p>This is a Level 2 ESOL course. You should already have completed a Level 1 ESOL Reading course or be working confidently at Level 1 in speaking, writing, and reading. </p><p>You need to: </p><ul><li><p>Be able to read and understand everyday texts with some independence </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Use past, present and future tenses with accuracy </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Be confident in using a variety of sentence structures </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Be willing to study regularly, complete homework, and take part in reading discussions </p></li></ul><p>You must attend regularly and complete all class assignments to the tutor’s satisfaction to be entered for the exam. </p><p> <strong>IMPORTANT</strong>: Please<strong> DO NOT</strong> travel or take holidays during the course unless it is an emergency. Regular attendance is required for exam entry and success on this course. </p><p> <br><strong> The ESB ESOL Level 2 Reading exam will be on Tuesday 11th November 2025. </strong></p><p> </p><p>You will learn in a supportive and interactive environment using individual, pair, and group work. Lessons will involve reading comprehension tasks, vocabulary building, and critical analysis. </p><p>You will be given weekly homework and independent reading tasks to develop your skills further. You’ll also use <strong>Google Classroom</strong> to access practice tests, resources, and feedback from your tutor. </p><p>Your tutor will guide you through ESB exam-style questions and provide regular feedback on your progress. </p><p>Please bring: </p><ul><li><p>A pen </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A lined A4 notepad or notebook </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A folder to keep handouts and assignments </p></li></ul><p>Your tutor will provide: </p><ul><li><p>Worksheets and practice materials </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A code to access Google Classroom </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>ESB exam-style papers </p></li></ul><p>There are no additional costs for course materials. </p><p>This course has three parts. You usually complete one part each term. </p><p>After this course, you can move on to the Speaking & Listening unit. </p><p>After successfully completing this course and passing your ESB Level 2 Reading exam, you can do: </p><ul><li><p><strong>ESOL - Communication skills for Life and Work - Level 2 (Speaking & Listening, Writing) ACCREDITED COURSE </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Grammar in practice: advanced (level 2+) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>ESOL: Develop your writing: grammar, vocabulary, expression (advanced) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>English dialogue: speaking, listening, pronunciation, performance (level 1-2) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Communication skills: developing your writing, speaking and digital skills through creating a radio programme (ESOL level 1-2) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Develop your writing and language skills (level 1-level 2) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Learn English - discover London, its history, culture and people (level 1-level 2) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Conversation Club </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>English for professionals: C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Proficiency, CPE ) </strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Enrol in courses to support your career, such as <strong>Employability, Customer Service</strong>, or <strong>Digital Skills for Work.</strong></p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Your tutor will help you choose the right next course during progression week. </p><p> Questions? Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423. </p><p> </p>ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)ESOL: Speaking & listeningvirtual339339237ES503AINTXTue+Thu08/09/26 - 05/11/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:0016 sessions (over 9 weeks)1611 weeks or longerWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAvailable courses2026-09-08T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeSep 2026Skills for life339339ESOL - communication skills for life and work - level 2 (Reading)esol-communication-skills-for-life-and-work-level-2-reading/es503a-2627<p>This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB).&nbsp;</p><p>You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This course runs during term 1.&nbsp;</p><p> You need to do a short test before joining.&nbsp;<br>Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423&nbsp;</p> <br />
<p><p><strong>This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/13701267686301-Free-ESOL-English-Communication-Maths-Digital-Skills-Course">Click here</a></strong></p><p>0000-Available|2026-09-08 00:00:00<p>This course focuses on developing advanced reading skills suitable for Level 2 learners. You will learn how to locate and compare information, analyse language features, understand structure and layout, and interpret meaning at a deeper level.&nbsp;</p><p>The course uses real-life and functional texts related to everyday topics such as work, housing, health, technology, education, and citizenship. You will also practise reading to support your writing and speaking development and use digital tools to access and review materials.&nbsp;</p><p>This course prepares you for the <strong>ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam with English Speaking Board (ESB).&nbsp;</strong></p><p>This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB).&nbsp;</p><p>You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This course runs during term 1.&nbsp;</p><p> You need to do a short test before joining.&nbsp;<br>Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423&nbsp;</p> <br /><br /><br /><br />
<p><p><strong>This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/13701267686301-Free-ESOL-English-Communication-Maths-Digital-Skills-Course">Click here</a></strong></p><p><p>You will focus on different types of texts and themes related to adult life and professional development in the UK, such as:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Workplace communication&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Housing, health and wellbeing&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The environment and society&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Law, rights, and responsibilities&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Technology and online safety&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Education, careers, and training&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>Reading skills you will develop include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Skimming for gist, scanning for specific information, and reading for detail&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Identifying main points and supporting details&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Comparing information, ideas, and opinions across texts&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Understanding layout features such as headings, bullet points, and graphics&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Recognising different purposes and audiences (e.g. informative, persuasive, instructive)&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Analysing tone, bias, and persuasive language techniques&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Using vocabulary strategies: understanding unfamiliar words using context, affixes, and synonyms/antonyms&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Evaluating how language and structure are used to achieve purpose&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>By the end of the course, you should be able to:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Read and understand a variety of complex texts with accuracy&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Use advanced reading strategies to locate, interpret, and compare information&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Identify purpose, audience, tone, and key details in formal and informal texts&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Analyse how writers use language and structure to influence or inform readers&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Evaluate how effectively meaning is communicated&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Demonstrate the skills needed to pass the ESB Level 2 Reading exam&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Use your reading skills to support further education, training, or work&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>You will also develop your digital literacy by using:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Google Classroom&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Online reading tools and websites&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Digital documents and exam-style papers&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>This is a Level 2 ESOL course. You should already have completed a Level 1 ESOL Reading course or be working confidently at Level 1 in speaking, writing, and reading.&nbsp;</p><p>You need to:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Be able to read and understand everyday texts with some independence&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Use past, present and future tenses with accuracy&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Be confident in using a variety of sentence structures&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Be willing to study regularly, complete homework, and take part in reading discussions&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>You must attend regularly and complete all class assignments to the tutor’s satisfaction to be entered for the exam.&nbsp;</p><p> <strong>IMPORTANT</strong>: Please<strong> DO NOT</strong> travel or take holidays during the course unless it is an emergency. Regular attendance is required for exam entry and success on this course.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;<br><strong> The ESB ESOL Level 2 Reading exam will be on Tuesday 11th November 2025.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You will learn in a supportive and interactive environment using individual, pair, and group work. Lessons will involve reading comprehension tasks, vocabulary building, and critical analysis.&nbsp;</p><p>You will be given weekly homework and independent reading tasks to develop your skills further. You’ll also use <strong>Google Classroom</strong> to access practice tests, resources, and feedback from your tutor.&nbsp;</p><p>Your tutor will guide you through ESB exam-style questions and provide regular feedback on your progress.&nbsp;</p><p>Please bring:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>A pen&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A lined A4 notepad or notebook&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A folder to keep handouts and assignments&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>Your tutor will provide:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Worksheets and practice materials&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>A code to access Google Classroom&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>ESB exam-style papers&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>There are no additional costs for course materials.&nbsp;</p><p>This course has three parts. You usually complete one part each term.&nbsp;</p><p>After this course, you can move on to the Speaking &amp; Listening unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>After successfully completing this course and passing your ESB Level 2 Reading exam, you can do:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p><strong>ESOL - Communication skills for Life and Work - Level 2 (Speaking &amp; Listening, Writing) ACCREDITED COURSE&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Grammar in practice: advanced (level 2+)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>ESOL: Develop your writing: grammar, vocabulary, expression (advanced)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>English dialogue: speaking, listening, pronunciation, performance (level 1-2)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Communication skills: developing your writing, speaking and digital skills through creating a radio programme (ESOL level 1-2)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Develop your writing and language skills (level 1-level 2)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Learn English - discover London, its history, culture and people (level 1-level 2)&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Conversation Club&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>English for professionals: C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Proficiency, CPE )&nbsp;</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Enrol in courses to support your career, such as <strong>Employability, Customer Service</strong>, or <strong>Digital Skills for Work.</strong></p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Your tutor will help you choose the right next course during progression week.&nbsp;</p><p> Questions? Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)ESOL: Speaking & listeningconfigurable
18621577ESOL: Speaking & listeninghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/essential-skills/english-for-speakers-of-other-languages/esol-speaking-listening1/2/285/1364/1577/18621/Courses/Skills for life/ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)/ESOL: Speaking & listening
