English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Level 1 Reading

Course aim

This course will build on the reading skills you learned at Entry 3. This course leads to a City & Guilds Level 1 Reading qualification.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

• You will need to talk to a member of staff and do a short activity to make sure the course is right for you. For more information and to book an appointment please call 0300 303 3464
• You should be using different reading techniques to help you find information in a wide range of texts. You must be able to identify the purpose, and intended audience for different types of text.

By the end of the course I should be able to:

• Explain how the choice of language and features of a text are used to achieve different purposes e.g. instruct, explain, describe, persuade.
• Use an appropriate technique (skimming, scanning or detailed) for different reading situations.
• Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary, applying knowledge of word structure, related words, word roots, derivatives and borrowed words from other languages.
• Identify the tone of a text from the vocabulary, e.g. formal/informal, humorous/serious, personal/impersonal.
• Recognise and use a range of synonyms and antonyms, to express variation in meaning.

How will I be taught?

• The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
• You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning

What kind of feedback can I expect?

• A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
• You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
• You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
• You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
• There will be a number of tasks appropriate to your course such as written work, creating art or craft, video, photography or small projects. Some of these may be marked to help you progress
• The tutor will also explain what the exam will be like, and they will give you plenty of practice so you know what to expect.

What else do I need to know?

• Official document(s) showing your name, address, date of birth Certificates for English / English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications you have. Paper, pen/pencil to every lesson, folder to put your work in, small notebook.

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

• No pre reading or pre course work is required
• No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
• It is useful if you are already reading a range of texts in English (e.g. fiction, non-fiction, news, instructions)

What can I do next?

• Progress to another WEA course
• Progress to a course with another provider
• This course could lead to a range of job opportunities. Follow link to National Careers Service for more details https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
• Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next