Living in the UK

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

A substantial comprehension resource about recycling and general waste in the UK. It includes sections relating to general recycling, fly tipping and dog fouling. There is also information about the new regulations coming into force next year.

It is suitable for Functional Skills English, general comprehension and ESOL at higher levels. There are a number of activities and SPaG questions and a writing task. 

Editor's notes:

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.

This handout is mostly about the Citizens Advice service (CA) in the UK. It was created mainly for educators working with people who are new to the UK and often do not know where to turn for help and advice. I have found, through discussions with many learners that they know very little about the help and support available. Some suffer severe depression, racist abuse and feel isolated. By directing people to the right service a lot of these issues can start to be addressed and eased. 

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

updated 3/12/24 (phone number on slide 6 corrected from 111 to 101)

A PowerPoint exploring the emergency services including 112 and gas emergencies. Simple text with images to encourage discussion and awareness concerning what is and what is not classed as an emergency. There is also a set of printable flash cards with suggestions.

Editor's notes

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.

The purpose of this resource is for learners to learn the vocabulary and phrases relating to using a pharmacy in the UK; practise listening for detail, reading and writing and roleplay scenarios. There are discussion points, flash cards and exercises.

Use as a teaching aid, as assessment material or homework etc.

Editor's notes

Reading comprehension based on the for countries of the UK.  

Includes basic information about each of the countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland which is followed by generic more detailed information about the NHS, education and working plus the emergency services. 

Editor's notes

Picture quiz and two sets of differentiated questions. Part of the Living in the UK series.