ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)

Fraud and Scams in the UK 

This resource looks at phone and other types of scams and fraud.  It alerts the reader to the common tactics used by scammers and offers suggestions to avoid becoming a victim. The text is suitable for higher level E3 to L1-2 but the material is easily adapted for lower levels. Part of the Living in the UK series. 

Editor's notes

Read a formal letter (from a bank) and, in particular, take note of the layout. Then plan and write your own formal letter to the manager of a supermarket. 

Editor's notes

I've said this before about other writing resources from Angela but I reiterate here: it’s so important for learners to have realistic exemplar/model pieces of writing so they know what they’re aiming for (see Angela's page for resources in the same vein - articles, reports, speeches and leaflets). Also useful for ESOL.

Suitable for ESOL and Functional English this resource was created to encourage discussion and understanding about this sometimes difficult topic in a sympathetic way. Uses a fictional story about a girl called Amina who learns about British Values through her community - with reading questions and a discussion/presentation/writing task.

The tutor can use the suggested lesson tips or go their own way to suit their learners.

Editor's notes

A simplified version of a news report taken from ABC's Behind the News. Dating from 2020 it talks bout US Gun Laws from an Australian perspective. The reading text also comes with comprehension questions, a cloze passage, dictionary activities and a writing prompt. There are related tasks at two levels E3/L1 and L1/2.

Editor's notes

These three simple resources are aimed for teaching the layout features and conventions of informal and formal letter writing.  There are three templates: 

Developed after a training session with Geoff Petty, I use this self-assessment checklist for mixed level groups. 

Although colour-coded to various levels, the idea is that any learner, regardless of level, can use the checklist to assess their own writing, and map their strengths and weaknesses.  It also helps  teachers to see how effectively learners are able to self-evaluate.   I have found it to be a really good tool to foster independent learning.

Editor's note

This interesting report on an overseas sportsman in UK allows for work in ESOL. The report covers a footballer who wishes to live in Cardiff and previously moved from Birmingham to Moscow. The comprehension questions cover his career and the people that influence his life. A conversation between the journalist and player allows for forming questions and the last task is a writing opportunity.

Editor's note

Also suitable for Functional English - see the notes within the resource. I love the dialogue exercise. :)

A multi-skill worksheet that incorporates speaking, listening, reading and writing, based on a short (1:22) BBC news video about a 100th birthday trip to London. Aimed at E3 / L1, but suitable for higher level E2 and for L2 as a recap (for L2 - elicit examples of the grammar and instructions beforehand).

Key learning outcomes: learners will:

A reading comprehension and vocabulary activity suitable for both ESOL and Literacy / Functional Skills. The activities are based on a BBC News article about John Cronin’s online business, John’s Crazy Socks. John, who has Down’s Syndrome, is a co-founder of the business, along with his father, Mark.

This resource is aimed at high E3, L1 and L2 ESOL learners who make mistakes when using conjunctions, prepositions and adverbs in their writing to express contrast. There are seven speaking, reading and writing tasks in all.