A5531 - ESOL reading qualification (level 1)

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Start Date: 14/09/2026      End Date: 18/11/2026        Start Time: 09:15      End Time: 11:45        Hours per Week: 5.00      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £32.50 (tuition)     £549.00 (overseas)     £0.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Nowshad Khan        No of Places: 3
Idea Store Chrisp Street

Course Overview

Course Overview
Do you want to read confidently and understand detailed information in English for work, study and everyday life?
This course will help you develop the reading skills you need to understand a wide range of workplace and everyday texts. You will read texts such as job adverts, emails, reports, instructions, timetables and online information.
You will learn how to find important information quickly, understand meaning from context, and recognise the purpose and tone of different texts. You will also develop your ability to compare information and interpret longer texts.
By the end of the course, you will feel more confident reading independently and understanding detailed written information in a range of contexts. You will also be prepared for the Ascentis Level 1 Reading qualification.
In this course you will
- practise reading a range of workplace and everyday texts
- develop strategies to understand information quickly and accurately
- learn how to compare texts and interpret meaning

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* read short workplace and everyday texts (e.g. emails, notices, short articles) and identify main points and key details
* read two related texts (e.g. letters, adverts, emails) and compare information, purpose and tone
* read longer texts (e.g. reports, articles, instructions) and locate specific information and understand meaning from context
* use reading strategies (e.g. skimming, scanning, headings and layout) to locate information quickly in a range of texts
* identify purpose, tone and intended audience in different types of texts (e.g. workplace communication, adverts, safety notices)
* identify and interpret layout features (e.g. diagrams, tables, headings, hyperlinks) to navigate and understand texts effectively
* read and respond to digital texts (e.g. online forms, emails, work portals) using tools (e.g. search functions, spellcheck) to support understanding
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
This is a course for learners working towards ESOL Level 1.
This means you can:
- read and understand short texts in everyday situations
- find key information in texts (e.g. time, place, instructions)
- understand the main idea of texts
- follow written instructions
- read simple digital and printed texts with some independence

You may have completed an Entry 3 ESOL course or already have experience reading English in your daily life.
You will complete an initial assessment before starting the course to make sure this is the right level for you.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

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.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

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 improve.
You will make a simple learning plan together to help you develop your reading skills step by step.
As part of your learning, you will complete a short personal task about something important in your life. This will help you practise your reading skills and show your progress.
Examples of personal tasks include:
- read a short text (e.g. email, notice or article) and answer questions to show you understand the main ideas and details
- read two texts and compare information, purpose and tone
- read a longer text and find specific information or understand meaning from context
- use reading strategies such as skimming and scanning to locate information quickly
- read digital texts (e.g. emails, forms, online information) and respond appropriately

Some tasks may include real-life activities outside the classroom (for example, reading workplace communication or accessing online services).
You will keep your work in a folder. Your teacher will give you feedback to help you improve your reading skills.
You will complete the Ascentis Level 1 Reading assessment during the course in your classroom with your teacher.
The assessment includes three tasks:
Task 1: read a short text and answer questions to show you understand the main points and details
Task 2: read two texts and compare information, purpose and tone
Task 3: read a longer text and answer questions to find specific information and understand meaning from context

You will practise these tasks regularly in class so you feel confident and ready.
At the end of the course, you will talk about your progress and your next steps with your tutor.
You need to attend at least 80% of your classes.
Prosp User 12
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

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: communication for work and everyday situations (level 1 Ascentis Skills for Employment)
Work experience: ESOL for early education and childcare (ESOL level 1)
ESOL for health and care: learning about the sector (ESOL level 1)
Work experience: becoming an ESOL teaching assistant (level 1)
Work experience: starting a volunteering role (level 1)
ESOL speaking and listening (Level 1/2 qualification)
IELTS Preparation Course
Functional Skills English

Please ask your teacher for more information or contact: esoladvice@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Prosp User 10

Other info

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.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

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.
Prosp User 14