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 topical reading activity based on a BBC News article about the recent ‘Super-moon’ eclipse. Learners are to extract information from the text and from images included in the article.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Context
News, Politics & Government items

Rugby themed task on reading (use of quotations and dialogue, facts versus opinions), researching and writing a short article. Topic links to ICT, suitable for use during e.g. Rugby World Cup, Six Nations Tournament or with any group keen on sport![img_assist|nid=5708|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=100|height=71]

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
General literacy / English
ICT
Functional Skills ICT: Developing, presenting and communicating information
Entry 3 ICT
Functional Skills ICT: Finding and selecting information
General ICT resources
Functional Skills ICT: Using ICT
Context
Sport and fitness
Electrical, Electronics & Technology

A movable PowerPoint that can be used as a starter, revision, recap, group activity, etc. Covering ALL FOUR purposes: INFORMATIVE, INSTRUCTIVE, PERSUASIVE and DESCRIPTIVE. Can be used in conjunction with the ‘comparison table’ which contains the same information in the simple and quick reference table (see my other resources).

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Use language style and purpose
Functional English reading
Recognise purpose

Reading comprehension on the reburial of King Richard III in Leicester Cathedral in March 2015.
Followed by writing tasks.
Level 1-2, with answers and curriculum mapping

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
General literacy / English
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries

Editor’s note (11/3/2015)
Now includes an E2-3 version.

Topical L1-2 Functional English reading and writing tasks based on publicity about the latest, terrible round of adult education cuts.

Two cleverly differentiated resources. One for L1-2, the other for E2-E3. Both consist of a reading comprehension and two writing tasks.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Education and teaching

Comprehension based on a Red Nose Day order form for schools. Two comprehensions – one L1/L2, one E3. Also some embedded maths and the E3 version includes form filling. I recommend introducing the form with a discussion about features of text and layout.

Editor's note (13/2/22)
The PDF form is no longer available from the Red Nose Day website but you can download it from the link below.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Form filling
Context
Voluntary, Charity and Community

First 100 high frequency keywords typed out on excel in alphabetical order.

Editor’s note
A multitude of uses! Spelling or reading assessments / revision, making flash cards, etc.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
M8
English
Functional English - writing
Rw/E2.1
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
Functional English reading
Ww/E2.1
Ww/E1.1
ESOL
General ESOL
General
Dyslexia support

A simplified reading about cyclones with reference to the two cyclones in Australia in February 2015 followed by some exercises. The exercises are at different levels to meet the very different abilities of students in my class.

Editor’s note
Lovely selection of reading materials and exercises – includes fill-in tables, questions, word searches (two levels), and a blank map to add cyclone paths. E1-E3.

Update (28/2/15)
Small error in wind speed chart now corrected.

Level
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
M8
English
AL Ww/E1.2
AL Rt/E3.1 Understand longer texts
AL Rt/E2.1 Follow main points of short texts
Functional English reading
Context
News, Politics & Government items

A simplified and adapted version of Carrie Bray’s 2011 New Year’s Eve Functional English practice test (which is aimed at E3). This version is aimed at E2 and includes: reading comprehension questions based on New Year superstitions, a cloze exercise, form filling, writing task, and speakign & listening actvities. Great as an introductory topic to spring term sessions.

To find the original higher level resource scroll down to See also and select New Year’s Eve E3 English tasks.

Level
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
General literacy / English
ESOL
General ESOL
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries

A simplified and adapted version of Laura Bell’s New Year Resource (which is aimed at E3-L2).
This version is aimed at E2-E3 and is a reading comprehension based on a BBC website report of New Year round the world. Great as an introductory topic to spring term sessions.

To find the original higher level resource scroll down to See also.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English reading
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
Context
News, Politics & Government items