Course Details

Course Overview

This course will help you develop the speaking and listening skills you need to communicate more clearly and confidently in real-life situations. You will practise taking part in discussions, asking and answering questions, giving short talks, and understanding spoken English in a range of contexts.
You will use English in everyday situations such as speaking on the phone, making appointments, talking to doctors or teachers, and having conversations with neighbours, friends, and colleagues. You will also work on pronunciation, intonation, and stress to help people understand you more easily.
You will learn how to express your ideas using more accurate grammar and a wider range of vocabulary, helping you communicate more clearly and take part in longer conversations.
By the end of the course, you will feel confident joining discussions, giving short presentations, and understanding spoken English in everyday situations. You will also be prepared for the Ascentis Entry 2 Speaking and Listening qualification.

What will you learn and be able to do?

* listen to short talks, instructions or announcements and identify key information (e.g. time, date, place, main idea)

* take part in a discussion about familiar topics (e.g. a class trip, local activities or services) by taking turns, asking questions and responding to others

* ask and answer questions in everyday situations (e.g. at the GP surgery, in a shop, at the job centre) using a range of question forms (e.g. “Where is…?”, “How can I…?”)

* give a short talk on a familiar topic (e.g. a favourite place, a recent celebration or a hobby) using present simple and past simple

* use polite and appropriate language in different situations (e.g. making requests, offering help, agreeing or disagreeing in conversations)

* express opinions and preferences and give reasons using simple language (e.g. “I think…”, “I like… because…”)

* make and agree plans using future forms (e.g. “going to”, present continuous) in situations such as arranging a meeting or booking an appointment

* follow and give short instructions clearly (e.g. explaining how to complete a form or how to get to a location)

* speak clearly when taking part in conversations or giving a short talk using appropriate pronunciation, stress and intonation so that meaning is understood

* use present, past and future forms to talk about routines, past events and future plans (e.g. “I work…”, “I went…”, “I am going to…”)

Entry requirements

This is a course for learners working towards ESOL Entry 2.
This means you can:
- understand simple spoken English in everyday situations
- follow short instructions and understand basic information (e.g. time, place)
- ask and answer simple questions using short sentences
- take part in short conversations about familiar topics
- give basic information about yourself and your life

You may have completed an Entry 1 ESOL course or already have basic speaking and listening skills in English.
You will complete an initial assessment before starting the course to make sure this is the right level for you.

Equipment required

Please bring to every lesson:
• A folder
• Pens & pencils
• Lined A4 paper
• A smartphone (if you have one)
• A reusable water bottle
We will give you WiFi in your first lesson.
If you do not have a phone or computer, talk to your teacher.
You will need a Gmail account. Your teacher can help you set this up.

How will you know you are making progress?

From the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about what you can do and what you want to learn.
You will make a simple learning plan together to help you improve your English step by step.
As part of your learning, you will complete a short personal task about something important in your life. This task will help you practise your speaking and listening and show your progress.
Examples of personal tasks include:

listen to short talks or instructions and identify key information (e.g. time, place, main idea)
ask and answer questions in everyday situations (e.g. at the GP, in a shop, on the phone)
take part in a short discussion and respond to other people’s ideas
give a short talk about a familiar topic (e.g. a place, event or experience)
take part in a role-play (e.g. booking an appointment or asking for help)

Some tasks may include real-life activities outside the classroom (for example, speaking on the phone or asking for information in a service).
You will keep your work in a folder. Your teacher will give you feedback to help you improve your English.
You will complete the Ascentis Entry 2 Speaking and Listening assessment during the course in your classroom with your teacher and other learners.
There are three main parts:

Listening: listen to recordings and answer questions to show you understand key information
Role Play: take part in a short conversation in a real-life situation
Presentation and Discussion: give a short talk and take part in a group discussion by listening and asking questions

You will practise these tasks regularly in class so you feel confident and ready.
At the end of the course, you will review your progress and your next steps with your tutor.
You need to attend at least 80% of your classes to complete the course.

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Your teacher will talk to you about your next steps.
Other courses you can do after or at the same time as this course include:

ESOL everyday English: life in the community (entry 2)
ESOL everyday English: communication for work and everyday situations (entry 2)
ESOL Skills for Life qualifications at Entry 2 (Reading and Writing)

Please ask your teacher for more information or contact: esoladvice@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Please ask your teacher for more information or contact ESOLAdvice@towerhamlets.gov.uk

What examination is there?

Other info

We want to help you participate in your communities, become an active citizen and make progress in work or future studies. In our classes, you will develop important skills that all employers value and that will help you in everyday life. These include:
• Communication Skills
• Decision-Making
• Teamwork
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
By improving these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, advancing in your career, and becoming an active member of your community.

Extra Support

We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.

Y2870 - ESOL speaking and listening qualification (entry 2)

Dates: 14/09/2026 - 03/02/2027 Times: 12:30 - 15:00