Y2901 - ESOL Level 1 Reading S2

Header
Start Date: 24/02/2026      End Date: 07/05/2026        Start Time: 12:30      End Time: 15:00        Hours per Week: 5.00      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £32.50 (tuition)     £549.00 (overseas)     £0.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Bethan Bowett        No of Places: 20
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
This is a 9-week, ESOL Level 1 Reading exam course.

Do you want to feel more confident reading and understanding work documents, online information, and everyday texts?
This course will help you develop the skills you need to understand and respond to a wide range of texts used in life and work. You will read workplace documents, news articles, instructions, reports, online posts, and more. You will practise finding key information quickly, understanding the writer’s purpose, and recognising how text structure and language create meaning.

The course also includes digital skills. You will learn how to read and respond to information on digital platforms, such as online forms, emails, and web pages. You will practise recognising common features of online texts, checking information for accuracy, and using online tools to help you read and understand texts more effectively.

By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently read, understand, and interpret different types of texts for both work and everyday life. You will also be prepared to take the ESOL Level 1 Reading exam.

Objectives

Objectives
Objective 1
Objective 1
Read and understand a range of workplace and everyday texts – Understand the main points and details in texts such as job adverts, shift rotas, meeting agendas, travel timetables, and community notices.
Objective 1
Objective 2
Objective 2
Use reading strategies to locate information quickly – Apply skimming, scanning, and using headings, bullet points, or indexes to find details in manuals, online job listings, and instructions.
Prosp User 3
Objective 3
Objective 3
Identify purpose, tone, and audience – Recognise whether a text is intended to inform, persuade, advise, or warn, such as workplace emails, adverts, and safety posters.
Prosp User 4
Objective 4
Objective 4
Understand layout features – Identify and explain how features such as bold text, diagrams, columns, tables, and hyperlinks help the reader navigate a text.
Prosp User 5
Objective 5
Objective 5
Develop digital reading skills – Read and respond to workplace and everyday texts on digital platforms, such as online application forms, work portals, and email, using tools to check and improve accuracy.
Prosp User 6
Objective 6
Objective 6
empty
Objective6
Objective 7
Objective 7
empty
Objective7
Objective 8
Objective 8
empty
Objective8
Objective 9
Objective 9
empty
Objective9
Objective 10
Objective 10
empty
Objective10

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
This is a Level 1 ESOL class for adults aged 19 and over. Your English will be at intermediate to advanced level. You can already understand and talk about a range of topics, but you may need to improve your vocabulary, reading speed, and ability to interpret complex texts.
You will need to complete a pre-course assessment to check which level you are working towards.
Prosp User 8

Equipment Required

Equipment Required
Please bring:
• A folder
• Pens & pencils
• Lined A4 paper
• A smartphone (if you have one)
• A reusable water bottle
We will give you the WIFI details in the first lesson.
If you do not have a smart phone or a computer, speak to your tutor.
You will also need a personal Gmail account to access the Google classroom, which will be used for submitting coursework and accessing course materials. If you do not have a Gmail account speak to your tutor.
Prosp User 9

What courses can I go on to?

What courses can I go on to?
There are other courses you can do after or at the same time as this course:
• ESOL Level 2 Speaking & Listening Exam Class
• ESOL Level 2 Reading & Writing Exam Class
• Introduction to Functional Skills English Level 1/2
• Functional Skills English Level 1/2
• Functional Skills Maths Level 1/2
• Becoming Confident in Digital Skills
• Digital Skills Entry 3/Level 1
• Digital Skills in the workplace: Using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Please ask your teacher for more information or contact ESOLAdvice@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Prosp User 10

What examination is there?

What examination is there?
You will take the Ascentis Level 1 Reading exam in your classroom with your teacher.
The exam has 3 tasks:
Task 1: Read a short text (such as an email, notice, or short article) and answer multiple-choice or short-answer questions to show you understand the main points and details.
Task 2: Read two related texts (such as a letter and an advert) and compare the information, purpose, and tone.
Task 3: Read a longer text (such as a report, news article, or set of instructions) and answer questions to show you can find specific information and understand meaning from context.

The exam is an important part of your course, so you MUST come to all your classes.
Prosp User 11

How will I know I am making progress?

How will I know I am making progress?
At the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about which reading skills you most need to develop and help you create an individual learning plan. You will have a tutorial meeting during the course to discuss your strengths, areas for development, and any problems you may have. You will keep a folder with your work to review your progress, and your tutor will give you regular feedback on classwork and homework.

To make good progress, you must attend all your classes and complete work outside of class. If you miss 3 lessons in a row without telling your teacher or 4 lessons in total, you will lose your place on the course.
Prosp User 12

Other Info

Other Info
This course also helps you build transferable skills for life and work, such as:
• Communication skills – understanding and responding to written information accurately
• Decision-making – identifying the most relevant information to act on
• Problem-solving – interpreting and comparing information from different sources to find solutions
• Digital confidence – reading and evaluating online information safely and effectively
By developing these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, progressing in your career, or continuing your studies.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.

Prosp User 14