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

A Christmas Carol - 10 minute rhyming script

A 10 minute rhyming script of Charles Dickens' novel 'A Christmas Carol'. Ideal for use as an end of term activity.

It can also be used as a discussion starter and as a topic for further writing. Suitable for groups of mixed levels from Entry 2 to Level 2 and beyond.

Editor's notes

Another clever and funny rhyming (play)script from Jean. Can be used on so many levels and for so many different learning objectives - in addition to being good fun! 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
Functional English reading
FS Eng SL&C Speaking
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

British Wildlife E3-L2 reading, writing & discussion tasks

This E3 - L1 and L2 reading comprehension resource focuses on British wildlife, including badgers, foxes and squirrels. The materials have been split into various elements so can be downloaded in whole or part, as required. 

The main texts feature engaging images, multiple-choice questions covering grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as additional activities. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it.  There will be more in the British wildlife series in the future. 

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
ESOL
ESOL Reading (R)
ESOL Writing (W)
ESOL Speaking (S)
Context
Animals, animal care, farming & equine
Science, Nature & Weather

A Midsummer Night's Pantomime

A 15 minute play based on Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.  The script follows the plot of the original play (with a few minor changes) and is written in the style of a pantomime.

Ideal for use as an introduction to the play or as an end of term activity.  Can also be used to enhance acting skills.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
General literacy / English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE English Spoken Language AO7 Formal presentation skills
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Living in the UK - Understanding Idioms

A PowerPoint with an introduction to idioms, followed one idiom per slide. Covers 10 common idioms with images, an example and simple explanation.  Perfect for whole class learning, discussion and embedding knowledge for all levels, and especially for ESOL. 

In addition there are several game suggestions in the slide notes and a separate set of match cards. Use together or on their own. 

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
General literacy / English
ESOL
General ESOL
ESOL Listen and respond (Lr)
ESOL Speaking (S)
ESOL Extract main points & ideas

April Fools' Day L1-L2 reading tasks

Corrections  (May 15, 2025 8.32pm) Apostrophe error in title fixed on all 6 pages.  (May 15 2.30pm) Bonus question 25 part c: the answer has 7 letters - not 8. Apologies!

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L2.16 Understand organisational features & use to locate relevant information in a range of sources
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
Functional English reading
FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L2.13 Identify implicit & inferred meaning in texts
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime script for end of term English

A  10 minute pantomime ideal for use as an end of term activity.

It can also be used as a discussion starter and as a topic for further writing.

Suitable for groups of mixed levels from Pre Entry to Level 2.

Editor's notes

Wonderfully clever and funny script. Can be used on so many levels and for so many different learning objectives - in addition to being jolly good fun! Lots of ideas and discussion points in the separate teaching notes.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
Functional English reading
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

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
Adult Literacy: Reading
Pre-entry
pE Reading
ESOL
ESOL Reading (R)

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
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