Literacy Resources
Select learning level(s) and subject area(s) in the boxes below to find resources to suit. Then click on the title of a resource you are interested in to see full details of that resource, including file downloads, “more like this”, “see also” and comments from other users.
Literacy: Rs/E1.1, Rt/E1.1
Pre-entry: General pre-Entry
ESOL: ESOL Rs/E1.1a, ESOL Rt/E1.1a
Context: Independent living
Resource type: Cloze exercise, Reading comprehension, Writing frame, Writing prompts
Level: M8, E1
This is a lower-level version of ‘My Busy Day’ Housework by Laurence Fletcher (see below) for a basic literacy for ESOL class. Also suitable for M8-E1 literacy.
Reading comprehension, simplified cloze and sentence exercises.
Literacy: Functional English - speaking, listening & communication, Engage in Discussion
Resource type: Discussion points, Ice breaker, Listening and/or speaking activity
Level: E3, L1
This task was originally used for Functional Skills although it can be applied just as effectively to literacy sessions. The task aims to encourage learners to work in small groups to discuss what each phrase really means and therefore explore the different interpretations that other people have of them. Also makes a good ice breaker. Includes proverb cards, answer sheet and worksheet.
Literacy: Prefixes, suffixes & plurals, Rw/E3.5, Rw/L1.3
Resource type: Informative presentation
Level: E3, L1
This colourful PowerPoint aims to teach learners about the structure of words in the English language. Numerous examples are given to help learners think of their own root words, suffixes and prefixes.
Literacy: Rw/L1.1, Rw/L1.3, Rw/L2.2
Resource type: Interactive presentation, Interactive whiteboard, Sort or match cards, Worksheet or assignment
Level: L1, L2
This resource explores the differences between synonyms, antonyms and acronyms.
It includes an introductory PPT, a sorting activity with synonym cards, a Smart Notebook activity for interactive whiteboards, an antonym work sheet, and a synonym writing exercise.
I have found this a great resource for encouraging learners to explore a greater range of vocabulary, use dictionary and thesuarus skills, improve spelling and encourage descriptive
Literacy: Functional English - speaking, listening & communication, Present information
Free tags: Humour
Level: E3, L1, L2
Resource type: Discussion points, Listening and/or speaking activity
Cards that can be laminated and used over and over again for speaking and listening using persuasive language. Ideal for Functional Skills English speaking, listening and communication practice.
Literacy: Functional English - reading, Rt/L1.3, Rt/L2.3
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Sort or match cards
Level: L1, L2
Two resources, one for L1 and one for L2. Both resources include the same 12 short paragraphs. Each paragraph has four points – but which one is the main point?
Designed to be a group activity or a matching exercise this was adapted from an online resource at http://www.softschools.com/ because I didn’t have computer access for my groups and wanted to encourage group discussion. The learner has to read each short paragraph and decide which of four statements describes the main point.
Literacy: Wt/E3.1, Wt/E3.4, Functional English - writing
Context: Animal care & Equine, Employment skills & Public services
Level: E3
Resource type: Assessment material, Worksheet or assignment
A writing task / practice paper written for an E3 booster writing group of 16-18 year olds.
You want a Saturday job in a pet shop and write a letter to the manager about possible vacancies.
Fully mapped to the E2 and E3 Functional Skills English writing criteria, it also includes a one page tutor marking sheet. Modelled loosely on practice papers from the major awarding bodies but note that the marking scheme / points system is my invention and is not weighted exactly as it should be for formal assessment.
Literacy: Ww/E3.2, Prefixes, suffixes & plurals, Ww/L1.1
ESOL: ESOL Ww/E2.1b, ESOL Ww/E3.1a, ESOL Ww/L1.1a, ESOL Ww/L1.1b
Level: E2, E3, L1
Resource type: Handout or guide, Sort or match cards, Worksheet or assignment
Visual colour-coded resource, explaining the main plural spelling rules. Created for E2/E3 learners, but could also be useful for all visual learners working between E2-L2.
Includes: colour-coded fact sheet, blank table, worksheet and flash cards to cut out and laminate. Could be used for a number of different activities.
Literacy: Rt/E1.1
ESOL: ESOL Rt/E1.1a, ESOL Rt/E1.1b
Free tags: Australia
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment
Level: E1
An easy reading for beginners followed by complete the sentence exercise and a prompt to write about themselves. Two sheets – one for British students, one for Australian learners.
Literacy: Rt/E1.1
ESOL: ESOL Rt/E1.1a, ESOL Rt/E1.1b
Free tags: Equality and Diversity
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment
Level: E1
A short reading text for beginners followed by comprehension exercises. Useful for revising early family vocabulary.