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.

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
Exam tips and help

5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Selecting Texts for Beginner EAL Learners

I am absolutely fascinated by this blog written by Lauren Piovesan, the founder of ESL Reads. Despite spending two decades simplifying texts - a task that I enjoy and sometimes find a challenge - I've never really analysed what I'm doing.

Although written for EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers this is a useful guide for both experienced and new teachers of ESOL, adult literacy (Functional Skills English) and indeed vocational subjects. 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Functional English reading
Reading
Pre-entry
pE Reading
ESOL
ESOL Reading

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

Functional English reading sticks E1-L2

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

Alternative feedback strategies Padlet for Functional English & GCSE

A huge collection of links to resources that can be used to support and feedback on English learning in Further Education (Functional Skills and GCSE)
Categorised by Level (FS E2, E3, L1, L2, GCSE) along with other categories such as R&D.  You are invited to add what you can. Compiled and created by Nicola Milton with other contributors.

Editor's note

There are some excellent feedback and marking sheets in here for Entry Level 2 FS Writing through to Level 2 Writing, along with very useful mock papers, progress review sheets and much much more!

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
General
Staff development
Aims & objectives, ILPs, reflections
Context
Education and teaching

Why the UK gave Abba 'nul points' at Eurovision

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

Five texts about children's screen time, physical activity and sleep - for Functional English at all levels

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 AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO1b Select & synthesise evidence from different texts
GCSE Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
Context
Health, Social care, Early years

Captain Tom reading, writing & SLC tasks

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

St Patrick's Day Functional English tasks

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

Six texts about TV licences - for Functional English at all levels

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
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