Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre - Home Free Level 1 Literacy Resources

Printable Literacy Resources for Adult Basic Skills Students updated 07/07/08

Worksheets and resources on this page are all linked to Level 1 of the UK Adult Literacy Core Curriculum. To view all areas of the curriculum from Entry 1 through to Level 2 go to our main Free Literacy Resources page.

Many worksheets in this section are available as PDF or DOC files. Learn more about downloading, saving or printing our resources.


Literacy Level 1

Speaking and Listening SLr/L1 Listen and respond
L1.1  L1.2  L1.3  L1.4  L1.5  L1.6
SLc/L1 Speak to communicate
L1.1  L1.2  L1.3  L1.4
SLd/L1 Engage in discussion
L1.1  L1.2  L1.3
 

Text Focus

Sentence Focus Word Focus
Reading Rt/L1 Reading comprehension
L1.1 L1.2 L1.3 L1.4 L1.5
Rs/L1  Grammar and Punctuation
L1.1  L1.2
Rw/L1 Vocabulary
L1.1  L1.2  L1.3
Writing Wt/L1 Writing composition
L1.1  L1.2  L1.3  L1.4  L1.5  L1.6
Ws/L1 Grammar and Punctuation
L1.1  L1.2  L1.3
Ww/L1 Spelling and Handwriting
L1.1 
L1.2

Literacy Level 1 - General Resources for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

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Personal Travel Planner & Planning a Holiday are two great activities (one long and detailed - suitable for 2-3 sessions; one shorter and quicker, for a single session) ideal for E3-L1 literacy and ESOL students of all ages. Contributed by Lynn Bradshaw, Redbridge College LBradshaw@redbridge-college.ac.uk 4 pages. 50K.

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Sentence level literacy is a huge and very informative PPT that could easily be split into several smaller presentations. Covers parts of speech (nouns, verbs, pronouns, etc.), conjunctions, compound & complex sentences, active - passive, tense, ideas for creative writing and more! Contributed by Julie Hobson, Northern Learning Trust. Zipped PowerPoint (PPT) file. 26 slides. 16K.

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Love Heart Literacy assignment covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2. 7 pages. 65K

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26 week Literacy Scheme of Work for E3-L2. An extremely useful and well thought out plan, originally used with New Deal learners and based around the free DfES Skills for Life learning materials. Contributed by Jan Long, janlong@tiscali.co.uk 6 pages. 50K.

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Writing a job programme is a great 3 hour Key Skills Communication / Literacy Level 1 lesson plan for Painting & Decorating students. Also includes cards for hands-on planning and discussion (in small groups) and work sheet / writing frame for drafting a job program for a 3 bedroom house. Contributed by Clive Robertson, Newcastle College. clive.robertson@ncl-coll.ac.uk  7 pages. 40K. Covers elements in SLlr, SLc, SLd, Rt, Ws, Wt, Ww. Also listed under contextualised resources.

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Problem Page is a great way to encourage paired reading, writing and discussion skills. Students discuss a typical problem from a tabloid newspaper page and then, in pairs, work on different problems and how they would solve them. For Entry 3, L1/2 ESOL and Literacy. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 12 pages. 60K

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Literacy exam tips. Written with dyslexic learners in mind but useful for all learners working up to the L1 and 2 adult literacy exams. A special focus on grammar questions.   Contributed by Helen Worsley, West Nottingham College Helen.Worsley@westnotts.ac.uk 3 pages. 30K

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Live the lotto dream is a fabulous project that covers many E3/L1 literacy and numeracy elements. You win the lottery, buy a flat and have to furnish it from the Argos catalogue! Learn about budgeting, working with areas and floor plans, bank statements, rounding, estimating, and much more. Everything must be written up as a comprehensive report with a clear conclusion (a great guidance page on report writing is included in the resource). Contributed by Dave Walkden, dave.walkden@duchy.ac.uk  Duchy College, Cornwall. 8 pages. 300K.
ZIP Who wants to be an A student? Level 1 Literacy. Great 'Millionaire' game, complete with music and (US) sound effects: 15 real Level 1 Literacy questions covering spelling, grammar, locating information, vocabulary and punctuation. Please also download the accompanying help file (below) which includes instructions, score cards and other props.  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 32 screens. Zipped PPT. 1.2MB
PDF Literacy Millionaire games (above) teacher's notes, student answer record sheet (to keep track of how much money you have won!), game cards to laminate (50/50, phone a friend, ask the audience), winner's certificate and student rules. To accompany the Level 1 and 2 'Who wants to be an A student' PowerPoints contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 300K.

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Spreadsheet covering the entire adult literacy curriculum (E1 to Level 2): one sheet for each of the 12 areas such as: speak to communicate, reading - sentence level, writing - word level, etc. Contributed by Di Jenkins, jenkd006@medway.org.uk Bradfields School FE Unit, Gillingham, Kent. Adult literacy curriculum - all elements, all levels from E1-L2. 60K

XLS Excel progress charts showing all the curriculum indicators for Level 1 Literacy. Provides, on one page, a quick, visual record of progress and achievement and is particularly useful in forming and updating individual learning plans. They can be kept in students' basic skills folders and used to set targets and track progress. For more information on the complete series of these files PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD this PDF overview file. Contributed by Dave Walkden, dave.walkden@duchy.ac.uk basic skills tutor at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Cornwall. Level 2 Literacy. 1 sheet. 20K

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Initial and diagnostic assessment This fill-in chart can help students decide what they really want to work on in class. It then points the tutor to related diagnostic assessment tasks. For Entry 3 and Level 1 literacy.

Online quiz - 2004 How much do you remember? contributed by Angela Bell who made the quiz for her literacy students in Suffolk. Links to a BBC timeline (covers range of Level 1 reading skills - scanning, using organisational features, etc.), with suggestions for individual writing.


Speaking and Listening –  Level 1 (Listen and Respond)

Level 1 - General speaking and Listening Resources

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CV and Telephone Skills is a super presentation full of useful tips for writing your CV, answering the telephone, taking messages, etc. Contributed by Steve Mangan. Use in conjunction with Steve's CV templates (above). Also filed under Contextualised resources (Employment skills). 11 slides. 40K zipped PPT file.

SLlr/L1.2 Listen for and understand explanations, instructions and narratives on different topics in a range of contexts

(a) understand the importance of sustaining concentration and listening to the end to get overall understanding

(b) understand the different listening demands when listening face to face, in a large group, and on the telephone

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Merry Hill Shoppers is a series of tasks based on this Midlands shopping centre. Covers reading comprehension, maps, giving and following instructions and makes a good starting point for discussion about crime (theft) and the police. First used with New Deal students. With ideas for extension and for adapting to your local area. Contributed by Jane Harbord, Future Skills for Dudley Borough Council Jane.Harbord@dudley.gov.uk 4 pages. 50K

PDF Card game - listening to and following instructions is a great paired game for improving listening , speaking and reading skills.  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 60K. 4 pages.
PDF Sweets game - listening to and following instructions is a great paired game for improving listening , speaking and reading skills - plus you get to eat the sweets at the end!  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 100K. 4 pages.

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Produce a non fiction text is a great series of reading, writing and listening resources that includes: difference between fiction and non fiction, sorting out facts and opinions (with 3 related activities), researching the web to extract facts (with fill in sheets) and turn these into statements to be used in guessing game. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyianni, margaretlago2@btopenworld.com County Training, Shropshire. 9 pages. 80K.
PDF The Commonwealth: great set of resources for E3/L1 literacy and ESOL. Contributed by Neil Hardy n.hardy@parklanecoll.ac.uk Park Lane College, Leeds. 5 page. 20K.

SLlr/L1.3 Use strategies to clarify and confirm understanding (e.g. facial expressions, body language and verbal prompts)

(a) understand listener can use visual and verbal signals to confirm or query understanding with speaker

(b) know and use some strategies to check their own understanding

PDF Card game - listening to and following instructions is a great paired game for improving listening , speaking and reading skills.  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 60K. 4 pages.
PDF Sweets game - listening to and following instructions is a great paired game for improving listening , speaking and reading skills - plus you get to eat the sweets at the end!  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 100K. 4 pages.

SLlr/L1.4 Provide feedback and conformation when listening to others

(a) understand that speakers need feedback from listeners  to gauge the effect of what they are saying and make adjustments if necessary

(b) know and use some visual signals when listening face to face and on the telephone

PDF Card game - listening to and following instructions is a great paired game for improving listening , speaking and reading skills.  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 60K. 4 pages.
PDF Sweets game - listening to and following instructions is a great paired game for improving listening , speaking and reading skills - plus you get to eat the sweets at the end!  Contributed by Jo Williams, jlwilliams@talk21.com 100K. 4 pages.

SLlr/L1.6 Respond to questions on a range of topics

(a) know that questions come in a variety of forms depending on context and topic

(b) understand the expectations that different sorts of questions convey, and respond appropriately

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Moral Dilemmas is a great game aimed at 16-18 year olds (easily adapted for other age groups) that provides focus points for group discussion along with reading, writing and listening practice. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 20K.

Speaking and Listening –  Level 1 (Speak to Communicate)

SLc/L1.1 Speak clearly in a way which suits the situation

(a) understand that pace, volume and precision of articulation vary depending on the situation (speaking face to face, on the telephone, to a group)

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Be my Valentine is a brilliant resource - especially for younger, teenage students. Includes an original poem, discussion of slang, background info on Valentines Day, writing and speaking ideas. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyiani, Lakelands School, Sports & Language College, Shropshire margaretlago2@btopenworld.com 4 pages. 150K

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Give me  some advice is a great way to encourage students to provide non threatening advice, whilst improving their writing and listening-speaking skills. For Entry 3. L1/2 ESOL and Literacy. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 30K.

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30 Words of the week and related speaking activity - lots of ideas here for themed Word level starters. Give your lessons a longitudinal structure and improve students' dictionary, speaking, spelling and vocabulary skills in small steps across the academic year. Originally used in a series of 30 lessons in a mixed ability classes (E3-L2)With suggestions for further resources and shared texts, related words, revision, spelling tips, and end of term /plenary speaking activities and more. 10 pages. 400K.

SLc/L1.3 Express clearly statements of fact and give short explanations, instructions, accounts and descriptions

(a) know how to match content and level of detail to context and situation

(b) understand that, to convey meaning clearly in  talk of more than a few moments, it is necessary to sustain concentration and keep the thread running

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Merry Hill Shoppers is a series of tasks based on this Midlands shopping centre. Covers reading comprehension, maps, giving and following instructions and makes a good starting point for discussion about crime (theft) and the police. First used with New Deal students. With ideas for extension and for adapting to your local area. Contributed by Jane Harbord, Future Skills for Dudley Borough Council Jane.Harbord@dudley.gov.uk 4 pages. 50K

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30 Words of the week and related speaking activity - lots of ideas here for themed Word level starters. Give your lessons a longitudinal structure and improve students' dictionary, speaking, spelling and vocabulary skills in small steps across the academic year. Originally used in a series of 30 lessons in a mixed ability classes (E3-L2)With suggestions for further resources and shared texts, related words, revision, spelling tips, and end of term /plenary speaking activities and more. 10 pages. 400K.

SLc/L1.4 Present information and ideas in a logical sequence and include detail and develop ideas where appropriate

(a) understand that speakers need to organise, sequence and link what they say so that listeners can follow

(b) understand that main points and ideas can be supported and developed with details (e.g. examples, evidence)

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Give me  some advice is a great way to encourage students to provide non threatening advice, whilst improving their writing and listening-speaking skills. For Entry 3. L1/2 ESOL and Literacy. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 30K.

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30 Words of the week and related speaking activity - lots of ideas here for themed Word level starters. Give your lessons a longitudinal structure and improve students' dictionary, speaking, spelling and vocabulary skills in small steps across the academic year. Originally used in a series of 30 lessons in a mixed ability classes (E3-L2)With suggestions for further resources and shared texts, related words, revision, spelling tips, and end of term /plenary speaking activities and more. 10 pages. 400K.

Speaking and Listening – Level 1 (Engage in Discussion)

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Planning a Fireworks Display has useful prompts for general discussion work (small groups) and its budgeting slant also makes it suitable for numeracy classes. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyiani, Lakelands School, Sports & Language College, Shropshire margaretlago2@btopenworld.com 2 pages. 17K.

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Problem Page is a great way to encourage paired reading, writing and discussion skills. Students discuss a typical problem from a tabloid newspaper page and then, in pairs, work on different problems and how they would solve them. For Entry 3, L1/2 ESOL and Literacy. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 12 pages. 60K

SLd/L1.1 follow and contribute to discussions on a range of straightforward topics

(a) understand that a discussion can be affected by the nature of its purpose and that their own purposes may differ from that of others
(b) know how to respond appropriately to other points of view

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What's in your wallet?  Written for learners on the autistic spectrum (who often find it particularly difficult to infer meaning that is not explicitly stated) but suitable for many literacy and/or numeracy students. General financial numeracy theme on budgeting, expenditure, saving etc - accompanied by two way discussion, making sense of monetary idioms and clichés (e.g. 'making both ends meet'), and writing complete sentences. Contributed by Anne Hodgson, Beechwood College for young adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Aspergers Syndrome. anne.hodgson@beechwoodcollege.co.uk 1 page. 90K.

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Moral Dilemmas is a great game aimed at 16-18 year olds (easily adapted for other age groups) that provides focus points for group discussion along with reading, writing and listening practice. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 20K.

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 Conversation skills encourages learners to think (and mind-map / thought-web) about skills required for a good conversation and then test them out and evaluate after a 5 minute conversation with a partner. Contributed by Anne Hodgson, Beechwood College anne.hodgson@beechwoodcollege.co.uk

SLd/L1.2 respect the turn-taking rights of others during discussions

(a) understand that an effective discussion involves everyone having a fair chance to make their contributions

(b) know and use some strategies to signal to others that they can speak (facial expression , gesture, phrases)

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 Conversation skills encourages learners to think (and mind-map / thought-web) about skills required for a good conversation and then test them out and evaluate after a 5 minute conversation with a partner. Contributed by Anne Hodgson, Beechwood College anne.hodgson@beechwoodcollege.co.uk

Reading –  Level 1 –  Text Focus (Reading Comprehension)

General reading comprehension resources

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Inheritance is another wonderful, illustrated story from Tracy Richardson, Level 2 Literacy learner at Henley College, Coventry. The story is arranged in 13 chapters and is followed by comprehension questions, vocabulary and dictionary work, and a word search. Contact Tracy through Robert Holt, Rholt@henley-cov.ac.uk, who suggests using this story with Entry 3 -Level 2 learners for reading comprehension work. 21 pages (story 14 pages, worksheets 6, answers 1) 350K.

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Love Heart Literacy assignment covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2. 7 pages. 65K

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Problem Page is a great way to encourage paired reading, writing and discussion skills. Students discuss a typical problem from a tabloid newspaper page and then, in pairs, work on different problems and how they would solve them. For Entry 3, L1/2 ESOL and Literacy. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 12 pages. 60K

PDF The Renaissance is a handy web research and reading worksheet for art students (Literacy or Key Skills). Contributed by Lisa Roberts lisa.roberts@cornwall.ac.uk Cornwall College 40K. 1 page.
PDF Looking at newspapers ( group work), quiz,  writing frame. E3-L2. 4 pages. 46K. Contributed by Donni Bridson from Paston College.

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Suffixes and SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review). Two more wonderful mind maps from Nikki Brown, additional support tutor from Cornwall College, St Austell nikki.brown@st-austell.ac.uk One summarises spelling rules for adding suffixes and is accompanied by 3 pages of revision worksheets. The second one sums up the SQ3R reading strategy. 7 pages. 100K.

Rt/L1.1 Trace and understand the main events of continuous descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts.

(a) understand that meaning is developed through a text, and it is necessary to sustain concentration and relate the parts of a text to each other in order to trace the main events and get an overall sense of what a text is about
(b) understand that personal knowledge and experience, knowledge of context, grammar and vocabulary all contribute to determining overall sense
(c) understand that meaning in texts can be implied as well as explicitly stated

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Dr Who reading practice is a topical comprehension activity with two sets of differentiated questions (also includes alphabetical ordering) for E3-L1 and L2. Makes a great practice / revision activity before L1-2 exams. Based on a recent story on the BBC web site. Contributed by Andrea McCulloch, LEAP Skills for Life Centre, Barnard Castle and Learn East, Peterlee. 5 pages, 40K

PDF The German Shepherd Dog is a Level 1/2 text with comprehension questions and is ideal for any student with an interest in animals. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 2 pages. 50K

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May Day L1 reading comprehension and writing task is based on a news article about the traditional Trade Union rally in London on May 1st. Comprehension questions (inc. dictionary work) followed by a related 3-step (plan, draft, final copy) writing task. Contributed by Christine Robinson, Stockton Adult Education. 5 pages. 40K

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Merry Hill Shoppers is a series of tasks based on this Midlands shopping centre. Covers reading comprehension, maps, giving and following instructions and makes a good starting point for discussion about crime (theft) and the police. First used with New Deal students. With ideas for extension and for adapting to your local area. Contributed by Jane Harbord, Future Skills for Dudley Borough Council Jane.Harbord@dudley.gov.uk 4 pages. 50K

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Myths and legends is a set of three worksheets designed to encourage students to explore the language used in three English legends (Matilda's Bracelet, The Abandoned Children of Wailing Wood, The Ghost Hound of Lyme Regis). Stories can all be listened to on the wonderful http://myths.e2bn.org/mythsandlegends/ (printable versions are also available). Questions also cover general comprehension and a lot of dictionary work. Contributed by John England, j.england@staff.covcollege.ac.uk City College, Coventry. 3 pages (each with approx. 20 questions). 20K

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Inheritance is another wonderful, illustrated story from Tracy Richardson, Level 2 Literacy learner at Henley College, Coventry. The story is arranged in 13 chapters and is followed by comprehension questions, vocabulary and dictionary work, and a word search. Contact Tracy through Robert Holt, Rholt@henley-cov.ac.uk, who suggests using this story with Entry 3 -Level 2 learners for reading comprehension work. 21 pages (story 14 pages, worksheets 6, answers 1) 350K.

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Be my Valentine is a brilliant resource - especially for younger, teenage students. Includes an original poem, discussion of slang, background info on Valentines Day, writing and speaking ideas. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyiani, Lakelands School, Sports & Language College, Shropshire margaretlago2@btopenworld.com 4 pages. 150K. 

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Love Heart Literacy assignment covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2. 7 pages. 65K Rt/L2.7  Rt/L2.1   Rt/L2.3  Ws/L1.1

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Cavity wall construction. Cloze exercises. A great way of improving reading and grammar skills alongside vocational knowledge. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 25K. 2 pages. See also contextualised resources

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Bricklaying in hot and cold weather. Two cloze exercises. A great way of improving reading and grammar skills alongside vocational knowledge. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 30K. 2 pages. See also contextualised resources

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Dream - Writing an Acrostic Poem is a fabulous interactive PPT originally written for National Poetry Day 2007 (but ideal at any time!). Each page (many with type-in boxes) provides a separate task - ideal for groups or pairs. Provides a complete lesson through from initial discussion to presentation, feedback and reflection. From Moira Garland and Jennifer Baines j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk m.garland@parklanecoll.ac.uk Park Lane College, Leeds. Zipped PPT. 14 screens. 160K. Rt/E3.1 Rt/L1.1 Rt/L2.1

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Pancake day literacy and numeracy activities. Two pancake texts to read, questions to answer, recipes to re-size (simple ratios) and instructions to match and order. Wonderful topical work for Entry 2 to Level 1. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyianni, margaretlago2@btopenworld.com County Training, Shropshire. 6 pages. 70K

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George Michael - a controversial interview is an ideal non-threatening way to introduce the topic of drugs, alongside reading and discussion practice. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 6 pages. 60K.

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Amir Khan Biography comprehension provides valuable practice in skimming, scanning and reading in detail for Level 1learners. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 35K
PDF Buyer Beware! A shared text used during a series of lesson on descriptive writing. Text can be used for a multitude of activities but is particularly good for work on prefixes and suffixes, and punctuation. Best enlarged to A3 to allow for annotation and highlighting. Includes suggested exercises and teaching ideas. Contributed by Penny Halliday, Oxford Brookes Student and volunteer literacy tutor, pen.halliday@btinternet.com. 3 pages. 40K.

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Hilton Leeds Garforth. Read a web page about the Hilton and answer 7 multiple choice (exam-style) questions covering comprehension, spelling and grammar. With teaching ideas and answer sheet. Contributed by Moira Garland from Burton Road Adult Education Centre, Park Lane College, Leeds, who says: 'I am attaching a worksheet that I hope will be useful to others, though it is of course a Leeds based resource. But as the Hilton is global maybe it could be used nationally too'. 3 pages. 30K.

Rt/L1.2 Recognise how language and other textual features are used to achieve different purposes (e.g. to instruct, explain, describe, persuade)

(a) understand that choice of language and textual features reflect the purpose of a text
(b) know that different types of text use different sorts of language, structural and presentational devices
(c) understand that readers can choose different sorts of texts to read for pleasure, depending on their tastes and interests, e.g., imaginative texts: stories, novels, poems; factual texts: biographies, travel writing, information texts

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Text types is an excellent and refreshingly different circular writing activity that encourages students to explore a range of styles and write for different purposes. The sample texts (you will never think of making a cup of tea in the same way again!) is a super resource in its own right. Contributed by Heidi Griffin, Bournemouth Adult Learning.  40K. 3 pages

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Fantasy job project is a great way to get student looking at job adverts and discussing what is required by employers. This scaffolded writing task lists points for students to consider  before planning A3 job adverts/posters. First used with New Deal students. Contributed by Jane Harbord Jane.Harbord@dudley.gov.uk Future Skills for Dudley Borough Council. 2 pages. 30K

PDF Looking at junk mail is a great hands-on fill-in activity where learners are asked to inspect a range of leaflets and note down emotive language, textual features, images, etc. Contributed by Karen Gaynor, Bolton Community College Karen.Gaynor@bolton-community-college.ac.uk 2 pages. 20K

tarsia fjsw

Level 1 purpose of text Tarsia puzzle is an original and thought provoking 24 piece hexagonal jigsaw puzzle where pairs or small groups of learners must match examples of text (e.g. novel, board game rules, bus timetable) to their main purpose (e.g. descriptive, instructional, informative, persuasive). Use for revision or as an ice breaker or starter activity. Guaranteed to create promote discussion as learners solve puzzle.  Created with Tarsia Formulator (see our Useful Links page for further details) which is available for free download and creates its own custom Tarsia (fjsw) files. Contributed by Andrea McCulloch, LEAP Skills for Life Centre, Barnard Castle and Learn East, Peterlee. 12K. Rt/L1.2.

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Fire instructions? For re-ordering, comprehension and looking at the layout and features of instructive texts. Contributed by Angela Kennedy-Lockwood, Matthew Boulton College, akennedy-lockwood@matthew-boulton.ac.uk 2 pages. 27K.

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Types of text - What am I? Useful card game for consolidation and revision. Students must describe the features, layout and style of different texts. Contributed by Angela Kennedy-Lockwood, Matthew Boulton College, akennedy-lockwood@matthew-boulton.ac.uk 2 pages. 16K.

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updated (first uploaded July 2006) Hired or Fired is a lesson plan for E3- L2 based loosely on 'The Apprentice' TV show. Timed differentiated plan covering purpose of text, writing a persuasive advertisement and planning a newspaper article using a graphic organiser (using Maureen Prowse's graphic organiser - see here). Includes plan, task sheet and images. Now with blank spaces to allow you to fill in the name of your own local shopping centre etc rather than use Mocha Parade in Salford. Contributed by Jodie Travis, Accrington and Rossendale College travisjodie@hotmail.com 130K. 5 pages.

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Types of text - student handout that explains the layout and language features of instructive and persuasive texts.  Use with the related drag and drop worksheet (below).  Contributed by Laura Jeffrey, Matthew Boulton College, ljeffrey@mbc.ac.uk 3 pages (last page is the teacher's answer sheet for the drag and drop exercise). 30K.

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Types of text drag and drop interactive worksheet. Drag the features of instructive and persuasive texts to the correct area. Use with the related handout (above) which also includes an answer sheet. Contributed by Laura Jeffrey, Matthew Boulton College, ljeffrey@mbc.ac.uk 2 pages. 40K

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Purpose and audience task sheets provide a good ice breaker for mixed ability and family literacy groups and make for easy differentiation as learners choose their own texts to work with. Contributed by Emma Shaw. Medway Adult Education. emma.shaw@blueyonder.co.uk 2 pages. 30K.

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Fact and opinion is a multi-sensory set of resources and a great follow up to our ever-popular Chomwell Green resources. Discuss and decide which statements are facts and which are opinions, then complete the worksheet sheet in pairs. Ideal for mixed ability groups. From Emma Shaw. Medway Adult Education. emma.shaw@blueyonder.co.uk  4 pages. 80K.

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Produce a non fiction text is a great series of reading, writing and listening resources that includes: difference between fiction and non fiction, sorting out facts and opinions (with 3 related activities), researching the web to extract facts (with fill in sheets) and turn these into statements to be used in guessing game. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyianni, margaretlago2@btopenworld.com County Training, Shropshire. 9 pages. 80K.

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Happy Holidays is a 14 screen presentation that was used and created during a series of 8 x 2 hour lessons. DO NOT USE IT ALL AT ONCE - and please read the notes underneath each slide! Start by looking at postcards. Then learn about compound words and write a group postcard (followed by individual ones). Move on to look at adjectives and the persuasive language of holiday advertisements (inc. working out unfamiliar vocabulary) and finish by writing your own hotel adverts. Please also download the related PDF file (below) which includes writing frames, planners and posters. Zipped PPT 600K.

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Happy Holidays extra resources is to accompany the Happy Holidays PowerPoint (above) and includes 'footsteps to good writing', classroom poster or handout, planner, adjective wheel worksheet, 2 shared texts, and 3 writing frames along with plenty of teaching ideas and curriculum links. Again, DO NOT USE IT ALL AT ONCE. 15 pages 200K.
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Different types of text (part 2) The different purposes of text. Looks at information, instructions, entertainment, persuasion and more! Another great presentation that builds upon Sally's other three PPTs (above).  Contributed by Sally Shipton, Stafford College S.Shipton@staffordcoll.ac.uk 11 screens Zipped PowerPoint (PPT) file. 125K

PDF Looking at letters Take a detailed look at the purpose, intended audience and language of letters. Fill-in worksheet, teachers' notes, follow up ideas. Use as preparation for individual letter writing. 4 pages. 75K.
PDF Purpose of text 12 practice Level 1 literacy exam questions based on 6 different short texts (most from past papers) specially selected or adapted to be used for revision of purpose and form of text (also useful for homework or displaying on an OHP). 6 pages. 50K.
PDF Purpose of Text text sorting activity for E2-L1 students but adaptable for E1 and L2. Inc. 6 purposes: inform, explain, entertain, describe, persuade, instruct. Links, sample lesson plan, 2 OTs, tutor prompt / student reference cards, differentiated worksheets for E2, E3, L1. Extension ideas and activities. 14 pages. 150K.
PDF Descriptive Non Fiction Texts: tutor notes, curriculum links, hand-out (L1/2) about objective v subjective (persuasive) descriptions, reading activity on fact and opinion with fill-in sheet, lots of writing ideas. A companion to our House Ads shared text, Adjective games and our descriptive writing lesson plans. E2-L2. 5 pages.
PDF Updated Shared text Estate Agents Ads and Holiday cottages: a shared text for group work. Two houses for sale and a garage (all based on real descriptions from local Estate Agents). Plus a detailed description of a holiday cottage. Use for: studying fact - opinion, adjectives, descriptive - persuasive language, preparation for  group or individual writing projects. Originally used  as preparation for a class writing project (using adjectives) in Jan 2002. This text is best printed or enlarge to A3 - give each student a copy and encourage annotation, underlining, highlighting etc. 1 page. 84K.

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Updated Chomwell Green OHT - in Word format for shared group writing. Originally used for a class writing project (using adjectives) in Jan 2002. We have updated the font and the cost of the house! 
PDFL1  Instructional Texts on the Web group lesson plan followed by individual web investigations - looking at instructional texts. This lesson plan has 3 accompanying PDF worksheets (at levels E2, E3, L1/2). Each worksheet has four pages. You will need to read the plan before using the worksheets.

Rt/L1.3 Identify the main points and specific detail, and infer meaning from images which is not explicit in the text

(a) understand that some texts are structured around main points that are expanded or illustrated by specific detail

(b) understand that in some texts and situations only the main points are essential to get the meaning, whereas in others every detail requires careful reading 

(c) understand that images can be used to convey additional information to that in the printed text

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Love Heart Literacy assignment covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2. 7 pages. 65K

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Amir Khan Biography comprehension provides valuable practice in skimming, scanning and reading in detail for Level 1learners. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 35K
PDFL1  Instructional Texts on the Web group lesson plan followed by individual web investigations - looking at instructional texts. This lesson plan has 3 accompanying PDF worksheets (at levels E2, E3, L1/2). Each worksheet has four pages. You will need to read the plan before using the worksheets.

Rt/L1.4 Use organisational and structural features to locate information.

(a) understand that different types of text have different structural and organisational features (index, menus, layers, etc.) 

(b) understand that different types of text require different methods of navigation (indexes in books, hyperlinks, etc.) 

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Love Heart Literacy assignment covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2. 7 pages. 65K

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Evaluating supermarket web sites. Your task is to set up a new web site for 'Blackwell Supermarkets' but you need to check out the competition first! Encourage your learners to use and evaluate organisational features of web pages. 4 questionnaires (with tailored questions) for Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons and Asda. Contributed by Jennifer Williamson, Juniper Training, Wolverhampton jennifer.williamson@junipertraining.co.uk 4 pages. 33K
PDF The Renaissance is a handy web research and reading worksheet for art students (Literacy or Key Skills). Contributed by Lisa Roberts lisa.roberts@cornwall.ac.uk Cornwall College 40K. 1 page.

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Amir Khan Biography comprehension provides valuable practice in skimming, scanning and reading in detail for Level 1learners. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 35K

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Produce a non fiction text is a great series of reading, writing and listening resources that includes: difference between fiction and non fiction, sorting out facts and opinions (with 3 related activities), researching the web to extract facts (with fill in sheets) and turn these into statements to be used in guessing game. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyianni, margaretlago2@btopenworld.com County Training, Shropshire. 9 pages. 80K.
PDFL1  Instructional Texts on the Web group lesson plan followed by individual web investigations - looking at instructional texts This lesson plan has 3 accompanying PDF worksheets (at levels E2, E3, L1/2). Each worksheet has four pages. You will need to read the plan before using the worksheets.

Rt/L1.5 Use different reading strategies to find and obtain information

(a) understand that there are different ways of reading for different purposes

(b) understand that skimming is for getting general gist and overall impression; scanning is for locating information

(c) understand that specific information is obtained through detailed reading

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Dr Who reading practice is a topical comprehension activity with two sets of differentiated questions (also includes alphabetical ordering) for E3-L1 and L2. Makes a great practice / revision activity before L1-2 exams. Based on a recent story on the BBC web site. Contributed by Andrea McCulloch, LEAP Skills for Life Centre, Barnard Castle and Learn East, Peterlee. 5 pages, 40K

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London Tube - is a series of differentiated questions based on the famous London underground map. Great for scanning practice and sparking off further discussion or writing work. Contributed by Janet Kinsey (Abingdon and Witney College) janet.kinsey@abingdon-witney.ac.uk 4 pages. 60K.

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Love Heart Literacy assignment covers alphabetical ordering, adjectives, reading comprehension, sentences and web research for E2-L2. 7 pages. 65K

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Dangers of working with cement: skimming, scanning and comprehension exercise. A great way of improving reading skills whilst learning important health and safety information. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 65K. 3 pages. See also contextualised resources.

PDF The Renaissance is a handy web research and reading worksheet for art students (Literacy or Key Skills). Contributed by Lisa Roberts lisa.roberts@cornwall.ac.uk Cornwall College 40K. 1 page.

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Premier League numeracy. Makes a great beginning of term activity for mixed ability (E3-L2) groups - especially if the group includes some footie fans! With lots of questions about last year's final Premier League table  Covers a range of number elements inc. fractions, tables, percentages and formulae. A small research question is also included that requires learner to find latest league table.  Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 3 pages. 30K.

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Amir Khan Biography comprehension provides valuable practice in skimming, scanning and reading in detail for Level 1learners. Contributed by Saul Pope, Education and Youth Services, High Wycombe. saulpope@yahoo.co.uk 2 pages. 35K

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Produce a non fiction text is a great series of reading, writing and listening resources that includes: difference between fiction and non fiction, sorting out facts and opinions (with 3 related activities), researching the web to extract facts (with fill in sheets) and turn these into statements to be used in guessing game. Contributed by Margaret Lagoyianni, margaretlago2@btopenworld.com County Training, Shropshire. 9 pages. 80K.

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Holiday brochure reading strategies provides interesting and topical practice with skimming and scanning. Step by step activities to follow, fill in chart and extension work. All you need is a selection of holiday brochures. Contributed by Leanne Lloyd,  East Durham and Houghall Community College. leannelloyd@ntlworld.com 2 pages. 30K.

Reading – Level 1 – Sentence Focus (Grammar and Punctuation)

Rs/L1.1 Use implicit and explicit grammatical knowledge (e.g. of different sentence forms, types of word, verb tense, word order) along with own knowledge and experience to predict meaning, try out plausible meanings, and to read and check for sense

(a) understand that knowledge of sentence patterns and word order can help to predict unknown words and get meaning from text
(b) understand that some sentence structures and types of word will occur more often in some types of text than others
(c) understand that grammatical and semantic clues can be used alongside whole-text and word-level clues to make sense of individual words and of complete sentences
(d) understand the terms tense, negative, adverb, pronoun, phrase

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Chicken paprika adverbs quiz provides useful on-screen practice in recognising adverbs (plus reading instructions). You can also print a separate copy of the recipe for reading practice, a paper based activity (or to cook it!). Contributed by Jim Gourlay, Sheffield College Jim.Gourlay@sheffcol.ac.uk 6 questions.

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Classification of nouns is an interactive PPT with type-in activity boxes. Covers common, proper, collective, compound and abstract nouns. A great introduction to grammar, vocabulary and/or punctuation topics. Contributed by Pam Vardy. 12 slides. Zipped PPT file. 20K.

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Cavity wall construction. Cloze exercises. A great way of improving reading and grammar skills alongside vocational knowledge. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 25K. 2 pages. See also contextualised resources

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Bricklaying in hot and cold weather. Two cloze exercises. A great way of improving reading and grammar skills alongside vocational knowledge. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 30K. 2 pages. See also contextualised resources

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What's an adverb? Single page handout PPT gives straightforward explanation and examples followed by practice. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 100K. Rs/L1.1

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Quick diagnostic test to assess students' knowledge of 'parts of speech'.  Very useful and also makes a good launching point for work on sentence structure. Contributed by Jim Gourlay, Sheffield College Jim.Gourlay@sheffcol.ac.uk 1 page. 20K.

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What are conjunctions? Information, examples of using conjunctions to join two sentences, plus related worksheet. Contributed by Gill Gallagher, Barnsley College g.gallagher@barnsley.ac.uk 2 pages. 65K

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updated (first uploaded 17/04/01) Which Suffix -cian -ssion, sion or tion? is an extensive 13 page resource that has had a major facelift. Covers parts of speech (nouns and verbs), spelling rules, writing sentences, vocabulary, adding and removing suffixes and much more. With extensive teaching notes, student aims sheet, and ideas for using as a multisensory resource.

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Conjunctions exercise also makes a good starting point for discussion on how different conjunctions alter the meaning of a sentence. Contributed by Laura Jeffrey Matthew Boulton College, ljeffrey@mbc.ac.uk Thank you Laura. 2 pages. 25K.

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Updated Graphic organiser activities. Find out about graphic organisers by completing the cloze. Then follow the instructions to create your own graphic organiser and plan a five paragraph magazine article in 5 minutes! All you need is your hand and a blank sheet of paper! From Maureen Prowse at maureenprowse@mjptraining.co.uk 60K. 3 pages.

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Parts of Speech is an absolutely amazing 28 screen PowerPoint (created as part of a PGCE assignment) from Jennifer Baines j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk Park Lane College, Leeds. Interactive activities, links and written exercises (that can also be printed as worksheets) plus lots of points for group discussion. Also great for teacher reference. Zipped PowerPoint file. 28 screens. 350K

PDF Literacy revision. Designed as an end of year activity for an Entry 3 - Level 1 literacy class at Abingdon and Witney College. Use as individual worksheets, a group class exercise, paired work, homework or a quiz. Most questions are based on ‘Words of the Week’. These are words that had been focused upon in various classes throughout the year.  Contributed by Penny Halliday, Oxford Brookes Student and volunteer literacy tutor, pen.halliday@btinternet.com. Thank you Penny. 3 pages. 190K.

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Updated Chomwell Green OHT - in Word format for shared group writing. Originally used for a class writing project (using adjectives) in Jan 2002. We have updated the font and the cost of the house! 
PDF Updated Shared text Estate Agents Ads and Holiday cottages: a shared text for group work. Two houses for sale and a garage (all based on real descriptions from local Estate Agents). Plus a detailed description of a holiday cottage. Use for: studying fact - opinion, adjectives, descriptive - persuasive language, preparation for  group or individual writing projects. Originally used  as preparation for a class writing project (using adjectives) in Jan 2002. This text is best printed or enlarge to A3 - give each student a copy and encourage annotation, underlining, highlighting etc. 1 page. 84K.
PDF Shared text (house ads, holiday cottages. 84K) to use with House for Sale: Group writing project. Using adjectives, persuasive/descriptive language. OT  (c) (d)
PDFL1  Instructional Texts on the Web group lesson plan followed by individual web investigations - looking at instructional texts. Lesson plan has 3 accompanying PDF worksheets (at levels E2, E3, L1/2 - 4 pages each) that include searching for imperatives. You will need to read the plan before using the worksheets (b)

Rs/L1.2 Use punctuation to help their understanding

(a) understand the function of the omissive apostrophe to indicate an contracted word form in texts written in an informal style
(b) know and use the term apostrophe
(c) secure knowledge of end-of-sentence punctuation and commas in helping make sense of continuous text

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Apostrophes is a very useful 2 page handout with information, tips and two quick exercises (one for omission, one for possession). Contributed by Vicky Douglas, Northern Learning Trust. 50K