Functional English - writing

Supportive table mat designed for those re-sitting writing at L1 and L2.

Editor's note

Short, succinct and useful :) 

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)

 A resource covering:

Speaking & Listening: Class discussions. 

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.

The Legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Speaking & Listening: Discussion - Real or Myth? 

Reading: Purpose of text. Organisational Features. Punctuation. Synonyms activity. Comprehension. Effect of word choices.

Writing:  Write questions for an interview. Create a leaflet for a tourist board. Write a letter of complaint. 

Editor's notes

Bound to prompt a lot of interest and discussion! No answer sheet.

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.