Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

An updated version of Laura Bell's 2017 Solstice resource (also uses information from British Heritage), this topical resource is bound to be popular. It includes an introductory PPT (with a final differentiated article-writing task and an informative video link) along with a PDF set of reading tasks

Editor's notes

Part of the Living in the UK series, this resource covers reading, writing and communication for Entry 1-3 learners. 

There are two separate resources: one for E2-E3 and a simplified version for E1.  Each features an illustrated short reading text followed by:

• comprehension questions
• punctuation questions
• various writing tasks
• suggestions for short talks and Q&A sessions

Editor's notes

Corrections  (May 15, 2025 8.32pm) Apostrophe error in title fixed on all 6 pages.  (May 15 2.30pm) Bonus question 25 part c: the answer has 7 letters - not 8. Apologies!

Part of the Living in the UK series, this resource focuses on basic sentences for Entry 1-2 learners.

There is a reading text  (informal message) about meeting new neighbours. As the learner moves through the resource they will encounter:

• comprehension questions
• basic sentence punctuation
• speaking and listening tasks
• a further reading text about BBQ safety
• two writing tasks.

This resource lends itself well to group, teacher led learning although it can be used by individuals working alone.

A  10 minute pantomime ideal for use as an end of term activity.

It can also be used as a discussion starter and as a topic for further writing.

Suitable for groups of mixed levels from Pre Entry to Level 2.

Editor's notes

Wonderfully clever and funny script. Can be used on so many levels and for so many different learning objectives - in addition to being jolly good fun! Lots of ideas and discussion points in the separate teaching notes.

A short narrative for reading comprehension to engage ESOL learners and encourage exploration of the wonderful spaces in the UK. There are questions but answers are not provided.  Also encourages group reading and discussion. 

Editor's notes

This 5 paragraph text would also be useful for E3-L1 Functional Skills English.  Questions cover vocabulary/synonyms, adjectives, general comprehension, and text types.

Based on a short, simplified text about Burns Night, this set of 14 questions covers all E3 Functional Skills English reading content descriptors plus a couple of writing elements. Unlike assessment papers, the questions are arranged under topics such as purpose, punctuation, organisation, etc. 

Editor's note

Every year I say I'm going to create a Burns Night resource and every year (until this one) I leave it too late!  An L1-2 version is also available. Happy Burns Night!

Based on an adapted newspaper report, this set of 26 reading questions covers many L1 and L2 Functional Skills English content descriptors. Unlike assessment papers, the 24 questions are arranged under topics so could be used for targeted revision: purpose and main points, detail and inference, punctuation (for understanding), style and tone, words and language, organisational features. Some questions are deliberately challenging and you may want all learners to tackle all the questions.

Editor's note

Read an example of written instructions that include several typical layout features of instructional texts. 
Followed by a choice of writing tasks to complete.

Suitable for Entry 3 through to Level 2 English Functional Skills.

Editor's note

Love the wide appeal of this resource: the sample instructions are those left for a babysitter but also include pets and cooking! The writing tasks cover preparing for a job interview or how to play a game (for example, online or board games).

Read an example of a report (about the facilities at a new community centre). Then plan and write your own report about a local park. For Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills English.

Editor's notes

This is just what other Functional English teachers need: I think it’s so important for learners to have realistic exemplar/model pieces of writing so they know what they’re aiming for. Also useful for ESOL.