What is the course about? 

This course will help you develop the English you need to participate actively in UK life both at home, in the street, with friends and at work. You will develop your English language skills in writing, to take the Ascentis ESOL L1 Writing exam at end of your course. Throughout the course you will develop your written fluency in conversations about everyday topics and interpersonal issues. You will practise writing opinion essays and articles with clear arguments and evidence on a range of topics.  

Is a pre-enrolment interview or assessment required for this course? 

Yes, you will have done an Initial Assessment.  

However, your tutor will carry out a Diagnostic Assessment on the first session of the course to establish that you are still at the right level for the course 

What level is the course and do I require particular skills, experience or prior qualifications? 

This is a Level 1 course.  

This course is ideal for you if you are comfortable using English in everyday life but now need to become more accurate, increase your vocabulary, do well at work and express your ideas and opinions. 

The course is not suitable for beginners. 
You will need to do a diagnostic on the first week of the course. 

What topics does the course cover? 

You will focus on writing in order to prepare for the exam. Each class will focus on a certain topic such as the news, current affairs, music, sports, employment, or cultural values. You will focus on:  

• writing opinion essays and articles with clear arguments and evidence on a range of topics  

•  writing formal and informal letters and emails with grammatical accuracy and correct layout and structure  

•  completing forms with appropriate levels of detail and correct conventions  

•  writing reports or leaflets with appropriate language and conventions  

•  writing coherent paragraphs with a clear structure which link to other paragraphs   

• improving your spelling of non-everyday topics  

•  identifying the purpose and tone of different texts and distinguishing opinion from fact.  

• using a range of tenses especially perfect forms both simple and continuous, developing your use of the passive voice

How will I be taught and assessed? 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 

Are there any other costs or equipment I need to get? 

You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a file to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts. 

You will need a Smartphone (IPhone or Android) and your tutor will update you on what will be accessible via your phone. 

By the end of the course what should I be able to do? 

• use your English to participate actively and confidently in most situations in everyday life – at home, in the street and at work 
  • pass the Ascentis English Writing ESOL Level 1 exam 
  •  write opinion essays and articles with clear arguments and evidence on a range of topics 
  • use a range of discourse markers to organise your writing 
  • write formal and informal letters and emails with grammatical accuracy and correct layout and structure 
  • complete forms with appropriate levels of detail and correct conventions 
  • write reports or leaflets with appropriate language and conventions 
  • write coherent paragraphs with a clear structure which link to other paragraphs 
  •  use a range of tenses especially perfect forms both simple and continuous 
  • use the passive voice accurately 
  • use compound and complex sentences with more than two clauses including relative clauses, reported speech and question tags 
  • use a range of phrasal verbs and use particle order correctly 
  • develop the correct use of indefinite, definite and zero articles 

What are the progression opportunities following this course? 

There are courses you can do after this course. These are: 

• Ascentis ESOL level 1 Reading (for students who have not achieved the unit) 

• Ascentis ESOL Level 1 Speaking & Listening (for students who have not achieved the unit) 

• Ascentis Level 2 Speaking & Listening (after completing Level 1 Reading and Speaking & Listening)