Free Functional Skills and Skills for Life resources
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Functional English - writing
‘Writing’ within Functional Skills English qualifications is defined as the independent construction of written language to communicate in specific contexts. Text can be written on paper or electronically.
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)
Reading: Read to obtain detailed information. Organisational features. Punctuation. Writers choice of words.
Writing. Write a structurally objective report with correct punctuation and ambitious vocabulary.
Editor's notes
An interesting and challenging resource for Levels 1 and 2. Love the way the writing task encourages the use of specialist/technical/advanced vocabulary.
No answer sheet.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
Functional English - writing
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
FE L2.26 Convey clear meaning & establish cohesion using organisational markers effectively
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
This resource was created as a way to focus my learners on one person in a larger story. I believe it is a great way to get them used to using the Who, What, Why, When and Where writing method creatively. It is especially good for planning activities.
Editor's note
Although Functional English does not include creative / fiction writing this resource is still useful for general E3 and L1 planning and writing practice, and (for L2 students) as preparation for GCSE.
A set of six linked, differentiated texts about Valentine’s Day, with associated writing assessments.
Two texts and two writing tasks for Entry 1 and for Entry 2. One text and two writing tasks for E3, and one of each at Level 1.
Reading texts: an email, a recipe, a competition, a menu, a press release about a fun fair and a florist’s advert.
Writing tasks include form filling, an email, a restaurant review, a set of craft instructions, and a competition entry.
Answers will be available (to site contributors only) from late February 2018
Very topical resource based on an article about the popular, award-winning Blue Planet 2 series.
General reading comprehension questions (with a focus on reading for detail) followed by a challenging writing exercise where the learner has to email a friend and persuade them not to leave litter on the beach.
With answers and curriculum mapping.
Very topical resource about the the Blue Moon Eclipse due on 31 Jan 2018.
General reading comprehension questions followed by an interesting writing exercise where the learner has to enter a competition to win a telescope.
With answers and curriculum mapping.
This is a spelling/phonetics resource that could be used as a starter, differentiated activity or filler. Learners colour in the squares where the words have an /f/ sound, these words are hidden with words that are ‘gh’ but aren’t pronounced /f/. When completed the grid shows a smiley face. There are a few trap words in here which can be used for dictionary or internet search practice.
Level
GCSE L1-5
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Word origins
AL Ww/L2.1 Spell technical words
Functional English - writing
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
GCSE A6 Use a range of vocabulary & sentence structure - with accurate SPaG
A set of two exercises (one vocabulary exercise, then a directed writing exercise) plus an extension (fun exercise where learners use the ‘wrong’ register to write a text) to learn about formal and informal language in English.
Editor’s note
No answers
Love the final exercise :) The examples (which involve David Beckham and a broken washing machine) are hilarious.
Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L2.6
Wt/L2.5
Wt/L1.4
GCSE Writing A5 (a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences