Gardening & Horticulture

A look at some of the most annoying pests that invade our homes. This article looks at fruit flies and gnats. With reading and SPaG questions, plus two differentiated writing tasks. Suggested range is higher E3 to L1.

This is a large multi-page resource (12 pages, plus a shorter document with 2 sets of matching cards and a self-assessment checklist). Aimed at L1-L2 Functional English but also useful for GCSE. 

The main document includes:

Another of the UK's little-known fruits and where to find them.  This resource is aimed at L2 and is in the style of an assessment paper with questions and answers.  It includes reading comprehension and a writing task.

Editor's notes

This is a reading comprehension resource but also includes a writing and a presentation task.  There are three texts with questions. Target levels 1 and 2 Functional English and/or ESOL. 

Nettles are generally dismissed as weeds, however, they are in fact a versatile plant with many surprising uses. 

Editor's notes

Written with the 2025 spring equinox in mind (March 20 2025 at 0901) but I got struck down by a virus so it's a bit late! A set of Entry Level tasks - starting with E1-2 analogue clock/date/calendar type questions about the equinox and British summertime. Followed by a similar E2-E3 section. The final two sections (mostly E3) are about a garden centre and cover number, measures, money and rounding. Although the underpinning skills are all Entry Level some of the problem solving tasks are multi-step and would also be suitable for Level 1.

This article looks at the gorgeous free growing wild bramble or blackberry.  It includes basic information (reading), spelling and grammar exercises and questions.

Editor's notes

Lovely information text that could also be useful for E3-L1 Functional Skills English. Also includes a short writing task and discussion points.  Part of Colleen's Living in the UK series. Look out for the Strawberries resource in the same series.

This article looks strawberries in the UK and how to grow your own.  It includes basic information (reading), spelling and grammar exercises and questions.

Editor's notes

Lovely information text that could also be useful for E3-L1 Functional Skills English. There are also speaking and listening tasks. Part of Colleen's Living in the UK series. Look out for the Blackberries resource in the same series.

A descriptive poem on the theme of Nature.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion about the seasons, local environments, the life cycle of animals and plants, global warming or the benefits of outdoor exercise.

Editor's notes

Super for many levels and situations - includes suggested questions and discussion prompts.

A poem on the theme of shopping and food.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around shops, using technology, buying local produce and community spirit.

Editor's notes

Super for many levels and situations - includes a list of suggested questions/prompts.