Exam tips and help

Tips and hints for literacy/English and/or numeracy/maths exams and assessments.

L1 Functional Skills English Revision Handout

Major update 17/5/23 written for Legacy FS in 2011 but fully updated to reflect the Reformed Functional English Content. 

This is a handout aimed at L1 Functional English learners. It contains brief guidance on exam technique for the reading exam followed by detailed, updated help with the writing exam. This has tips on maximising marks in the 7 key areas that an examiner looks at (4 areas for composition and the three SPaG areas)
Although written for Level 1 it would also serve as a useful reminder for Level 2 students 

Level
Level 1
English
Functional English reading
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE Writing composition
General
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Comparing texts (Q13 L2 Edexcel paper)

How to answer Question 13 in the Edexcel Pearson Level 2 Functional Skills English reading exam.

Editor's notes

Really detailed and helpful advice on answering this tricky question that is worth 6 points!  5 minute slideshow. No voice over

 

Level
Level 2
English
FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts, inc. how they are conveyed
General
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Introduction to L2 Reading Paper (Edexcel Pearson)

Edexcel/Pearson English Functional Skills Level 2 reading exam prep.

Editor's notes

Starts with a very useful overview of the Level 2 Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English reading exam - length, no of questions, pass mark etc. This is followed by discussion of several exam techniques such as time management, understanding instructions, etc. YouTube 4 minute slideshow. No voice over. 

English
Functional English reading
General
Exam tips and help

Magic Formulas

This is a handout for Functional Skills L1/L2 which talks about formulas, substitution and BODMAS (BIDMAS).

“Editor’s note*
It includes worked examples from past papers and useful tips and hints. Fully mapped to L2 FM and GCSE Maths 1-5

Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
Maths
FM Contextualised underpinning
FM L1.7 Follow the order of precedence of operators
FM L2.3 Evaluate expressions & make substitutions in given formulae in words & symbols
FM L2.12 Follow the order of precedence of operators, including indices
GCSE A1 (Algebraic notation)
GCSE A2 (Substitution)
GCSE A3 (Algebraic concepts & vocabulary)
GCSE A4 (Simplify & manipulate algebraic expressions)
GCSE A5 (Use & rearrange formulae)
AN N1/L2.4
General
Exam tips and help

Top Tips for L1-2 Functional Skills English tests

Top Tips for English tests is a handout that can be given out to learners. It contains a reading text and questions taken from an IQ sample assessment with tips on how to answer specific questions.

It can be used as is or separated to be used as a class resource – teachers will need access to IQ’s sample assessment materials, which are freely available in the IQ website at http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/sectors/functionalskills .

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
General
Exam tips and help

Top tips for L2 Functional Skills Maths tests

Top Tips for Maths tests is a handout/classroom resource that can be used as an activity or as a handout.

It takes learners through the process of working out a complex Level 2 Maths question, with reference to how the marks can be gained, and the maths skills required to complete the question. The question is taken from IQ sample assessment materials http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/sectors/functionalskills and builds on common mistakes made by learners during ‘live’ assessments.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Maths
Functional Maths - numbers and the number system
Functional Maths
General
Exam tips and help

Preparing learners for L1-2 FS English writing

More and more vocational teachers are being asked to prepare learners for Functional Skills exams.

This resource is designed to give advice on format, style and layout; appropriate content and paragraphing which would accompany any awarding organizations exam. My college used Edexcel . Can be used for Level 1 and Level 2.

Editor’s note
This resource is ideal for all but will be especially helpful to non-specialist English teachers. Incredibly useful!

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
General
Exam tips and help

Top Tips for Functional Maths exams

Mainly written for L1 and L2 test preparation this is also suitable for Entry Level 3

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Maths
Functional Maths
General
Exam tips and help

L1 Functional Maths key info for revision

This resource contains the basic information with examples for learners preparing to sit level 1 Functional Maths. It is by no means comprehensive but does cover the areas that most learners find problematic, such as ratio, fractions, decimals, percentages and perimeter, area and volume.

Level
Level 1
Maths
General numeracy / maths
Functional Maths
General
Exam tips and help

Grammar quiz

PPT slides with common errors.
Originally designed for a GCSE class, it can also be used with L1/L2 learners.

Editor’s note: covers a range of common errors found at E3-L2. Easily adapted to suit your students’ levels and/or to
include real mistakes from your students’ work.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Apply grammar
General
Exam tips and help
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