This course is FREE if: a) Your pay is less that £23, 301.50 a year OR b) You are on Universal Credit or JSA or ESA (WRAG). Learn more!
Matters of opinion (level 2)
Time: 18:15 - 20:30
Location: Keeley Street
You need to do a pre-course assessment. Contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 8078 0489 for a face-to-face assessment or click the Start Assessment button on this page. Log on with your email address (not name).
This course is FREE if a) you are on a Low Wage or b) you are either on Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) or Employment & Support Allowance(ESA) or c) you want to get a job or progress into a better job and you receive other state benefits (including Universal Credit). For more information click here
Check your level
Course Code: HEM001
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Do you often feel you want to say something but don't know the right word? Do you need to increase your vocabulary so you can express yourself with friends or at work? This course will help you speak with confidence, increase your range of expression and help you talk (and write) about a variety of important subjects. We will discuss topics which require you to use complex language so you will learn new vocabulary, how to express the same thing in different ways and how give a range of opinions such as mild disagreement to strong approval. You will also learn new grammar and develop your verb tenses including reported speech. The course will mainly focus on speaking, listening and reading but students will have the opportunity to write too.
What will we cover?
• discussions around a number of important and interesting topics – such as love, relationships, politics, books, current affairs etc.
• how to listen to other opinions and then agree or disagree with them.
• how to listen and read for details and general meaning
• how to express yourself, make critical judgements and give reasons for them
• how to link your arguments
• how to give a well-balanced argument in a presentation or essay
• development of vocabulary around significant topics
• use of stress when speaking.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• discuss important and interesting topics – to give your point of view and respond to others
• identify details and follow general meaning in both conversations and narratives
• identify details and general meaning in a variety of texts such as articles and songs.
• find the right word so you can say what you want to say
• use language to make critical judgements and give reasons for the judgements
• use correct language to link your arguments
• research information and make notes so your arguments and opinions are well-informed
• give a well-balanced argument in a presentation or essay
• use key vocabulary of significant topics
• use a variety of phrases to introduce your opinions and belief
• use a variety of phrases to contradict others
• stress appropriate syllables when speaking
By the end of this course you will also have improved your English and your digital skills through use of digital recording devices, computers and the internet.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is for Level 2 students i.e.. upper-intermediate to advanced. It is ideal for anyone who can communicate well in everyday life but who wants to participate in more complex conversations. You will need to do a pre-course assessment.
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 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 challenging 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 many courses you can do before, at the same time or after this course. These include:
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 1 speaking and listening)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 1 reading and writing)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 2 speaking and listening)
• ESOL - communication skills for life and work (level 2 reading and writing)
• Workplace communication skills: customer care and front of house hospitality (ESOL level 1-
• Develop your writing and language skills (level 1-level 2)
• A mile in my shoes: how to tell a story (level 1-2)
• ESOL pronunciation: stage 1 (level 1-2)
• English dialogue: speaking, listening, pronunciation, performance (level 1-2)
• Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)
• Writing skills in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2)
ESOL and making podcasts: pronunciation, presentation, expression (level 1-2)
You can also do classes in the maths and digital skills areas. These include:
For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.
This course is FREE if: a) Your pay is less that £23, 301.50 a year OR b) You are on Universal Credit or JSA or ESA (WRAG). Learn more!