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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.
This integrated set of worksheet tasks develops speaking, listening & communication; reading and writing skills in relation to a topic of individual interest to the learner and also encourages independent research and planning.
Updated June 2017
New Entry 3 reading and writing tasks added. Available below as a separate PDF file. You will also need to download the L1-2 version as it uses the same text.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
A recap game to practise applying knowledge of when to use capital letters. Learners supply names, dates, places and objects to create a mis-matched story.
This is a simple activity to get learners used to the concept of writing instructive text. It can be used as an introduction to the topic of ‘Purpose of Text’ and is easily adaptable to different contextualised areas e.g. instructions on how to: hang a door; insert hair rollers; change a tyre; make a bouquet etc.
The activity allows for ease of differentiation between levels, based on your assessment of the output, and works well as a main activity for Entry Level learners, or a fun warm-up for Level 1/2 learners.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L1.6
Adult Lit Wt/L1.5 Use format and structure for different purposes
Adult Lit Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience
Adult Lit Wt/L1.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate
Adult Lit Wt/L1.2 Judge how much to write and the level of detail to include
Simulations of email and online banking registration forms. Can be used in succession, as for the banking registration form you need an email address. When you press the “create account” button it will open the printing menu. Good luck!
This is a resource for mixed ability groups. It can act as an ice breaker and will help students ot think about word choice and context. It is useful in writing sessions.
This can be played by 4 or more players. If you have more than 8, you may want to print out the “things” cards twice.
This was produced as practice assessment material for a group of learners working towards E3 Functional English (with City & Guilds). They were struggling with producing the writing in the time allowed so we practised several short, sharp topics. Planning methods were tackled separately.
Editor’s note
Fully mapped to the E2-L1 Functional English writing criteria.
This is a combination of speaking & listening, note taking & writing, that I have used successfully as an ice breaker with new groups. It involves learners talking to several people and finding out about their food likes & dislikes (plus allergies, religious considerations etc) before planning a menu for a dinner party. The menu must be acceptable to all the guests! Finally each learner produces their menu presented in a conventional style.
Level
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating