ESOL: Thinking in English - become fluent in speaking and writing (entry 3-level 1)

What is the course about?

This course is about challenging your English and taking it to the next level by talking and thinking about stimulating topics.

There will be a lot of pronunciation work and a focus on communication and getting your point of view across to other people. You will develop your reading and listening skills so you can understand the detail of what is said and not said, as well as the bigger picture and the overall meaning.

You will practise using evidence to justify what you are thinking or understand about a problem, issue or topic. You will practise both asking and answering questions about particular topics, stories and problems. You will need to give reasons for your answers, solutions and comments, and learn to express yourself in detail so other people can understand you. You will develop your vocabulary so you can express yourself more accurately.

By having to think in English, you will gradually become more fluent and stop translating from your first language.

What will we cover?

•thinking in English to feel confident you can talk and write about complex topics
•solving problems
• reading and listening to debates about challenging topics and problems and identifying the overall general meaning - seeing the bigger picture
• reading and listening between the lines so you can see the implications of what someone is saying or writing
• finding and using evidence to give reasons for your ideas and opinions about different topics and texts you are reading or listening to
• expressing yourself so you get your point of view across to other people and change their minds
• choosing the best vocabulary for different situations
• asking and answering questions about different important topics
• expressing yourself with good fluency and pronunciation about different difficult topics.

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

• think in English and feel confident you can talk and write about complex topics
• read and listen to debates about challenging topics and problems and identify the overall general meaning - see the bigger picture
• read and listen between the lines so you can see the implications of what someone is saying or writing
• find and use evidence to give reasons for your ideas and opinions about different topics and texts you are reading or listening to
• express yourself so you get your point of view across to other people and change their minds
• choose the best vocabulary for different situations
• ask and answer questions about different important topics
• express yourself with good fluency and pronunciation about different difficult topics.

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

This is for students at Entry 3-Level 1 (B1-B2) who want to improve their fluency and become more 'natural' when they communicate in English.

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 rules and features of English. You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also 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.

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

You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a file to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and a code for Google classroom so you can communicate with classmates and access materials, videos etc. online.

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

There are lots of courses you can do at the same time or after this course. These include:
• ESOL, maths and digital skills - for life and work (entry 2-entry 3)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (entry 3 speaking and listening)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (entry 3 reading and writing)
• Grammar in practice: pre-intermediate (entry 2- entry 3)
• Grammar in practice: intermediate (entry 3-level 1)
• ESOL: Learn English and learn about London, its people and your rights (entry 3-level 1)
• ESOL: Develop your speaking and listening skills (entry 3-level 1)
• Communication skills: how to speak with confidence inside and outside work (ESOL entry 3- level 1)
• Workplace communication skills: how to be confident and do well in interviews (ESOL entry 3-level 1)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 1 speaking and listening)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 1 reading and writing)

You can also do classes in the maths and digital skills areas.

For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.