Gardening & Horticulture

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.

A short poem on the theme of food.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around food production and carbon footprint or the ethics of food choices. Could also be used as a basis for written work.

Editor's notes

I love this because it works on so many different levels!

This document has been created to support learners who work with handling and using pesticides within the framework of current legislation. The material supports the following outcomes:

An Entry 3 mock exam paper that follows the format for City & Guilds.

Based on a leaflet about gardening.

Editor's note

A marvellous practice paper! Suitable for all E3 Functional English students - whether or not their awarding body is C&G.  Covers almost all aspects of E3 Functional English reading & almost all writing SCS (subject content statements).