Functional English reading

Reading’ within Functional Skills English qualifications is defined as the independent understanding of written language in specific contexts. Can be demonstrated through the use of texts on screen or on paper.

A short cloze exercise on the Olympic Opening Ceremony based on numbers (E2-L1), plus a writing activity at 2 levels (E2-3 and L1-L2).

Editor’s note
The cloze is also a clever way of embedding some maths (large numbers).

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
Maths
Functional Maths - numbers and the number system
Context
Sport and fitness
News, Politics & Government items

A reading based on a news item. Includes comprehension questions, wordsearch puzzle, crossword, putting words in order to make sentences.

Editor’s note
Aimed at E2-E3 but some parts are suitable for E1 (with support). With Functional Skills mapping.

Level
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
AL Rt/E3.1 Understand longer texts
AL Rt/E2.1 Follow main points of short texts
Functional English reading
Context
Animals, animal care, farming & equine

A simplified version of a newspaper article. The reading is followed by comprehension questions, a meaning match, a word find, and a scanning for correct spelling exercise. Developed for an adult student with Asperger’s, as well as dyslexia, who needs lots of motivation and exercises easy enough for him to be able to be successful without too much help.

Adapted from a Level 1 resource What happens to Ice Falling from planes
from Dave Norgate (2010).

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English reading
General
Dyslexia support
Autistic spectrum support
Context
Motor vehicles & Transport

A set of differentiated Functional Skills tasks aimed at E3-L2 maths and L1-2 English reading. Based on a well designed, unbiased infographic published on the eve of the EU referendum by the I newspaper.
With answers and detailed FS mapping.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English reading
Maths
HD1/L2.1
HD1/L1.1
Functional Maths
Context
News, Politics & Government items

Reading, writing and discussion tasks based on an email about a charity event. Discuss the email with a friend, design a poster, complete compound sentences, and answer a wide range of reading questions. Its wide appeal makes it ideal for mixed ability Entry groups.
With detailed E1-E2 Functional English curriculum mapping.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Context
Voluntary, Charity and Community

Three sets of differentiated reading questions (E1, E2, E3) based on a poster about a shire horse centre / farm.
Covers all aspects of Entry Level functional skills reading. The writing task asks learners to plan and create an advertising poster for an attraction of their choice.
Editor’s note
With full curriculum mapping

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Context
Animals, animal care, farming & equine

8 pictures and words to teach the vocabulary of things in a living room. Can be cut up and used as a picture / word match activity for groups or as a whole class activity. Can also be used to practise alphabetical ordering. There is also
a worksheet, a labelling exercise and short simple writing activity to practise the structure ‘there is / there are’.

Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
Adult Literacy: writing - punctuation & grammar (Ws)
Functional English - writing
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
Functional English reading
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Rw/M8.2 Associate sounds with patterns in letters, syllables, words,
pre-Entry Rw/M8.3 Recognise & read a growing no. of words signs symbols
pre-Entry Ww/M8.2 Associate sounds with patterns in some letters, syllables. words, rhymes, songs
pre-Entry Ws/M8.1 Understand that words are grouped together to convey meaning, using rules & structure
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.1a Use and spell correctly some personal key words and familiar words
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols

A Level 1 reading comprehension based on the late Muhammad Ali adapted from Biography.com.
Covers skimming and scanning, writing full sentences and searching for facts.

Editor’s note
With Functional Skills mapping and answers

Level
Level 1
English
Rt/L1.3
Functional English reading
Context
Sport and fitness

A reading comprehension based on two texts about the importance of applying sunscreen and a very brief outline of research (2011) into the increased risk of skin cancer for some people working in the construction industry.

Editor’s note
With answer sheet, Functional English mapping, and a related writing activity. Suitable for L1-2.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Construction Carpentry Plumbing

A set of three different texts and reading comprehension activities based on the theme of learning to drive, aimed at Level 1 learners who may be working towards Level 2. Plus two related writing activities.
Editor’s note
Includes full curriculum mapping and answers.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Context
Motor vehicles & Transport