ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words

Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
i) Use bilingual and English-English dictionaries, either online versions or books, and decide which is best for a particular purpose
(ii) Use alphabetical order or alternative strategies to find a required word (iii) Know that words are sometimes listed under a ‘stem' word, and apply this knowledge when using dictionaries

Source: Adult ESOL Core Curriculum (DfES, 2001) 

A City Girl Takes a Walk - reading comprehension

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.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rt/L1.1a Understand how meaning is built up in paragraphed texts
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/E3.5a Use variety of reading strategies to read/understand unfamiliar words
ESOL Rt/E3.2a Distinguish between different purposes of texts at this level
ESOL Rt/E3.7a Scan different parts of texts to locate information
ESOL Rt/L1.5a Use skimming, scanning and detailed reading in different ways for different purposes
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Science, Nature & Weather

Staying Safe Online - Fake News and Scams

Various activities based around the subject of staying safe online, fake news and online scams. Practise and preparation for the reading exams with questions to practise alphabetical order, features of text, purpose, style, reading comprehension and alphabetical order.

Editor's note

Such a useful  and topical resource! Written for Entry 3 ESOL but also ideal for Functional Skills English and Digital Literacy. The reading text on page looks deceptively simple but some of the exam-style questions are challenging and would also be suitable for Level 1.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.2a Distinguish between different purposes of texts at this level
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/E3.6a Skim read key textual features (title, heading and illustrations) for different purposes
ESOL Rt/E3.7a Scan different parts of texts to locate information
ESOL Rt/E3.8a Read every word to obtain specific information
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters
ICT
Protecting privacy - Entry Level
Protecting data - Entry Level
Being responsible online - Entry Level
Digital wellbeing - Entry Level
General
Study Skills and General Teaching
Context
Health and safety
Electrical, Electronics & Technology

Travel and Transport - E3 ESOL tasks

Various activities to practise travel and transport themes and ideas. Read about a journey to college, answer comprehension questions and exam style questions,  form questions, use adverbs of frequency and conjunctions, along with speaking, listening  and writing practice - all on the subject of a journey to college. 

Editor's notes

Engaging and relevant! Written for E3 ESOL but the reading text and several of the exercises (for example: conjunctions) also provide useful and relevant practice for E2-L1 Functional Skills English. 

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E2.19 Write in compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect clauses
FS English E2.20 Use adjectives and simple linking words
FE E3.21 Use compound sentences & paragraphs where appropriate
FE E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
FE E3.3 Communicate information & opinions clearly on a range of topics
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.7a Scan different parts of texts to locate information
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Wt/E3.3a Show sequence through the use of discourse markers and conjunctions
ESOL Wt/E3.1a Recognise the process of planning and drafting
ESOL Ws/E3.2a Use basic sentence grammar accurately
ESOL Lr/E3.2a Listen for detail in narratives & explanations
ESOL Sc/E3.4c Give an account/narrate events in the past
Context
Motor vehicles & Transport
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Education and teaching

Unusual Hobbies E3-L1 Reading practice

A reading practise exercise in the style of formal reading exams. Read about unusual hobbies and then choose multiple choice, true/false, and other questions to check a range of reading skills including tone, layout features, vocabulary and general comprehension.

Editor's notes

Written for E3 ESOL but also provides useful and relevant practice for E3-L1 Functional Skills English. Includes a proof reading question on grammar, spelling and punctuation. Interesting article on ghost hunting and keeping ants!

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rs/E3.2a Recognise function of CLs, full stops, commas, question- exclamation- and speech marks, bullet points /numbering
ESOL Rs/L1.1a Use implicit & explicit grammatical knowledge to predict meaning & check for sense
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/E3.5a Locate organisational features, such as contents, index, menus
ESOL Rt/E3.7a Scan different parts of texts to locate information
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Hobbies and Freetime Activities - Reading Practice

Reading activities to practise reading skills and prepare for exams. The first activity is 3 reading texts and exam style questions focussing on purpose, tone, features and other skills. The second activity asks students to select the correct word practising spelling, grammar and vocabulary skills. All activities are along the theme of hobbies and free time activities. Help to prepare for Entry 3 reading exams.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/E3.5a Use variety of reading strategies to read/understand unfamiliar words
ESOL Rs/E3.1b Use knowledge of syntax and grammar to work out meaning
ESOL Rt/E3.2a Distinguish between different purposes of texts at this level
ESOL Rt/E3.5a Locate organisational features, such as contents, index, menus
ESOL Rt/E3.6a Skim read key textual features (title, heading and illustrations) for different purposes
ESOL Rt/E3.7a Scan different parts of texts to locate information
ESOL Rt/E3.8a Read every word to obtain specific information
ESOL Rt/L1.2a Know how language and other textual features are used to achieve different purposes
ESOL Ww/E3.1a Apply spelling knowledge to a wide range of common & special-interest words
ESOL Ww/E3.1b Apply knowledge of strategies to aid with spelling
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Our Street

A poem on the theme of neighbourhoods.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around housing, traffic, local communities or recycling.

Editor's notes

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

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Context
Motor vehicles & Transport
Family and relationships

Walking Through the Woods

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.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Context
Animals, animal care, farming & equine
Gardening & Horticulture
Science, Nature & Weather
Mental health, awareness & psychology

A Seaside Holiday

A poem on the theme of holidays.  Can be used as a reading and punctuation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around traditional British holidays, ways to spend leisure time or enjoying new experiences by using different senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).

Editor's notes

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

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.1a Read and understand technical vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

The Runner

A light hearted poem on the theme of exercise.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around exercise, diet and fitness or the Education System.

Editor's notes

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

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.1a Read and understand technical vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Context
Sport and fitness

What makes you feel ... ?

A poem on the theme of  feelings.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around personal emotions and wellbeing.

Editor's notes

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

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FE READING and understanding words
ESOL
ESOL Speak clearly & with appropriate register
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL: Follow/participate in exchanges or discussions
ESOL Trace and understand main events of a text
ESOL Rw/E2.3a Use context & range of phonic / graphic knowledge to decode words
ESOL Rw/E3.1a Recognise and understand relevant specialist key words
ESOL Rw/E3.3a Use a dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.1a Use reference material to find the meaning of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.1a Read and understand technical vocabulary
ESOL Rw/L2.2a Use reference material to find the meanings of unfamiliar words
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
Context
Mental health, awareness & psychology
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