Functional English - writing

This activity is designed to follow on from previous discussion about formal language and letter writing. It can be adapted to suit all levels but is best for Entry 3 – Level 2.
Learners will consider the importance of the purpose, content, style and tone of letters; and write a suitable letter of complaint from a given scenario.

Two sets of reading comprehension questions and a writing task – all based on a thank you letter to a friend. Ideal for, and fully mapped to, E2 Functional English or any literacy lesson that is focusing on informal letters.

Two sets of reading comprehension questions and a writing task – all based on a simple everyday letter informing a friend of a change of address. Ideal for, and fully mapped to, E1-E2 Functional English or any literacy lesson that is focusing on informal letters.

Set of reading comprehension and computer-based research/writing task based on a set of instructions for making your own terrarium from a drinks bottle. Written for, and fully mapped to, Entry 2 Functional English and ICT, but could also be used for E1 and E3 learners.

This wonderful pack of differentiated resources is ideal for mixed ability classes from Entry 1 through to Level 2. It takes the learner through:

• the layout of formal and informal letters
• formal and informal language
• typical vocabulary for formal letters
• sentences and paragraphs
• writing a range of letters
• revision and/or assessment exercises

Includes writing prompts, task sheets, matching /sorting cards, and a many cut and stick exercises.

Fully mapped to the Functional English writing criteria.

I was prompted to create this set of tasks after seeing a lovely Red Nose event poster in my staff email. Although it focuses on Comic Relief 2011, this resource could easily be adapted for other charity events. Please read the resource to find out how you can obtain an editable Word version.
Functional English covers reading, spelling, writing, listening, speaking and discussion skills. Functional Maths covers time, money, doubling and halving, and 2D shapes.
Fully mapped to E1-E2 Functional Skills criteria.

This is a topical lesson, looking at the Japanese tsunami disaster and its coverage in the media.

It introduces students to identifying facts and opinions. It also allows students to discuss their own views (appropriately) about this disaster. Students are also given the opportunity to write their own newspaper article based around the facts of the events.

This is an activity that’s evolved over time and I’ve used it with learners ranging from E3 to L2. It’s always fun and can get the group talking and sharing thoughts. It’s a good way to reinforce the importance of choosing the correct tone for a letter.

It also has the advantage that it needs little preparation and no resources (except pen, paper and students!).

A comprehension exercise in response to the earthquake and consequent tsunami in Japan. To be used along with research tasks or discussion.

Introduce the lesson with a discussion about the events surrounding the earthquake and some BBC footage.

The students need to be given the information without the questions to encourage them to read fully – this is not a scanning exercise. Then, when they have finished reading they can answer the questions, either in short on the sheet or in full on separate paper – differentiate accordingly.

A Level 1/2 PPT quiz on commas. Some slides are based on persuasive-type texts so can also be used for purpose of text extension work, others are based on recent news items.

The game is multiple choice and based on colours. I use coloured hoops (as in hoola hoops) and bean bags. It can be team based or individual. Each player throws a beanbag into the hoop that corresponds with their chosen answer.