Science, Nature & Weather

A short topical resource inspired by the recent Artemis II mission. Questions build up from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2. Each page has questions based on a short text about the mission. Something for everyone: teachers can pick and choose pages to suit their learners' needs. Topics include: dates, clocks and calendars, odd nos., calculating with time, large numbers, compound measures, rounding and converting measures.

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:

This E3 - L1 and L2 reading comprehension resource focuses on British wildlife, including badgers, foxes and squirrels. The materials have been split into various elements so can be downloaded in whole or part, as required. 

The main texts feature engaging images, multiple-choice questions covering grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as additional activities. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it.  There will be more in the British wildlife series in the future. 

Editor's notes

A short story about a family day out.  The family go pond-dipping.  Easy to read with two lovely images to spark discussion and interest.  Worksheet to be given after reading the text. The second part of the worksheet should be completed without the text (if possible). Entry 1 to E2.  Some support may be needed at E1. Also a more complex / longer version for Entry 3 to lower L1.

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.

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.

Article from the BBC about the Northern Lights being visible in the UK during a solar storm, and 6 questions modelled on the L1 and L2 reading paper from Edexcel as a reading revision activity. 

Editor's notes

You can't get more topical than this!  Questions cover fact/opinion, vocabulary, language features, inference and more! There is also a short writing prompt. Great for last minute summer revision. 

Based on two adapted newspaper articles (an article and a comments page), this bumper set of 22 reading questions covers all the L1 & L2 Functional Skills English reading content descriptors, using assessment-style questions. There are two texts and the paper is split into three sections. 

Read adapted texts about the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree.  Tasks cover vocabulary and dictionary work, informal language, idioms and language work.

Editor's notes

Two page text from two BBC News articles that has been cleverly  adapted to focus on recognising and understanding typical features of informal text such as slang, contractions, idioms and hyperbole. Further questions cover general comprehension and inference.

There's also a question that can be used as a discussion prompt or a short writing task.