These four purposes provide a framework for describing the oral com- munication needs of adult ESOL learners. First, adult ESOL learners need access to information and resources. For example, the needs of newly arrived immigrants and refugees include obtaining housing, medical care, and sustenance. They must also develop the speaking skills to fi nd work and subsequently to carry out the responsibilities of their employment. All of these access-oriented needs require spoken English. Numerous social needs for spoken English are related to the EFF cat- egories of voice and action. These include adult ESOL learners being able to communicate with their employers.
