Functional English reading

Reading’ within Functional Skills English qualifications is defined as the independent understanding of written language in specific contexts. Can be demonstrated through the use of texts on screen or on paper.

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
Exam tips and help

A set of 48 DARTs (directed activities relating to text) that can be stuck onto lolly sticks or used as is to encourage learners of all levels to interact with texts. The sticks are probably best used with realia such as: posters, local leaflets, booklets, instructions, recipes, newspaper/magazine cuttings, business cards, etc. but the resource includes a list of suitable Skillsworkshop texts. 

Most of the sticks are based on the Subject content functional skills (SCFS): English (DfE, February 2018)

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing

Aimed at Level 1 and Level 2 Functional English students. Loosely follows the style of the City & Guilds confirmatory reading test - includes questions on vocabulary and meaning, purpose and tone. Also covers aspects of the writing curriculum with questions on spelling, grammar, punctuation and paragraphing. 

Editor's notes

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV

A set of five texts about screen time, physical and sedentary activity, and sleep for Children under age 5. The texts can be used in various combinations for Functional Skills (FS) speaking, listening and communicating; reading and writing activities. Teachers can pick and choose their own texts and create related DARTs (directed activities related to text) and questions to suit. There will also be pre-prepared resources on skillsworkshop. See "See also" for links.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
Functional English reading
TL - Synthesise information
GCSE Reading A1 (a) Identify and interpret
GCSE Reading A1 (b) Select and synthesise
GCSE Reading A2 Analyse language & structure
GCSE A3 Compare texts
Context
Health, Social care, Early years

A topical reading comprehension on Captain Tom's 100th birthday with related writing and SLC (speaking listening and communication) tasks.  There are two versions: one for Entry Level 3 and one for Level 1 (also suitable for L2). Writing tasks include reports and emails (and at Entry 3 - a spelling test). SLC tasks cover short talks with Q&A sessions and discussions. 

Editor's note.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE SL&C Speaking
FE SL&C Active listening
FE SL&C Discussion
Functional English reading
FE Writing composition
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
Context
News, Politics & Government items
History, culture, museums, libraries

Editor's note (19/3/2020): answer sheet now available (contributors only)

Based on a text about the annual St Patrick's Parade in London. Aimed at L1 /L2 Reformed Functional Skills learners but also includes some Entry Level questions. Unlike formal assessment papers, questions are arranged by topic so that teachers can pick and choose the subjects they want to focus on. Includes: 

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
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 L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
FE E2.14 Form regular plurals
FE E3.14 Form irregular plurals
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

A set of six texts about TV Licences that can be used in various combinations for Functional Skills (FS) speaking, listening and communicating; reading and writing activities. Teachers can pick and choose their own texts and create related DARTs (directed activities related to text) and questions to suit. There will also be pre-prepared resources on skillsworkshop. When selecting texts consider the interests and levels of your learners, and what type of text and purpose you want to focus on.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV

EL3 reading, writing and proof reading resource based on a newspaper article about the decline of hedgehogs.

Editor's note

Fully mapped to the new 2018 Functional English content which comes into effect September 2019. 

10 comprehension questions which focus on extracting the main point and ideas. The main writing task is an informal email - planning and drafting is expected and there is an E3 writing  checklist for the learner. There are also short task on grammar, proof reading and adjectives.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English reading
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE E3.18 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly & in logical sequence e.g. chronologically, by task
FE E3.19 Write text of appropriate length & level of detail