ALERT (Adult Literacy ESOL Resources Training) is a website that provides free adult education resources. There are ESOL, literacy and ICT resources available from levels E1 to L2. Please feel free to download any resources you may find helpful - and of course, please free to add your own!
Editor's notes
There are some wonderful resources here - especially for Entry ESOL and Literacy. Resources include interesting topics such as Chinese New Year, St Patrick's Day, The Great Famine, etc. Well worth a browse.
Eye witness accounts can now pop up in the L2 assessments and there is very little guidance or examples of this genre. This useful task comes with a sample written response (of a strong pass) and examiner feedback which really helps the learner (and their teachers!) understand what is required.
Download help
Upon following the link, select “Resources” not “Sample assessment material”. Then scroll down until you see the download file (which is a zip file).
Level
Level 2
English
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
FE L2.23 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.26 Convey clear meaning & establish cohesion using organisational markers effectively
FE L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
The Science of Reading blog is well worth a look - especially the Tuesday Teaching Tips.
For example, the entry for Tuesday April 25th included a useful morpheme chart & a lovely idea of pulling out & deeply analysing specific vocabulary over a period of several days (in this case the word 'siphon'!).
Here's another easy-read guide about Queen's death. I like the practicality of this 4 page PDF: it includes reassurances that stamps & money are still OK to use & clearly explains vocabulary such as the meaning of half mast). Perfect for E1 reading. 👑👍
This is lovely and could be very useful as a prompt for Entry Level Functional English reading, writing and discussion activities. 👍👑 . The link below points to the two main easy-read articles written after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In addition, there are many other topical easy read news articles here: https://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/easy-read/
English for Swimming is a huge 88 page resource pack created in Australia for CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities. The pack covers almost every aspect of SLC and reading that you could think of, along with links to supplementary materials, including videos. There is a particular emphasis on vocabulary, conversation activities and reading comprehension, with some wonderful texts (see Image of contents page).
This resource from the Comic Relief Red Nose Day website would make a nice quick E1-2 English/ESOL onscreen writing task. The PDF has type-in boxes but could also be printed. Learners think up their own events (perhaps through paired discussion or small group discussion?) and then each completes poster, writing/typing in complete sentences as appropriate for level. (I.e. simple sentences for E1 and a mix of simple and compound sentences for E2).
Link updated 7/3/22 A huge collection of links to texts and videos that can be used to support English learning in Further Education (Functional English and/or GCSE.) Neatly categorised by vocational area (I counted at least 20 areas!). You are invited to add what you can. Compiled and created by Hollie Barnes and at least 10 contributors.
Use your English, mathematics, and problem-solving skills to navigate one of the first missions from Earth to Mars. You will need to lead your crew through the vastness of space and overcome any problems which you encounter along the way. Be prepared to make tough decisions and lead from the front.
Masses of very good English writing ideas and resources. Compiled and created by Nicola Milton and contributors.
Resources are usefully arranged under the contexts used by Pearson and other AOs in the Reformed Functional English exams.
