Rt/L1.2

Recognise how language and other textual features are used to achieve different purposes, e.g. to instruct, explain, describe, persuade
(a) Understand that choice of language and textual features reflect the purpose of a text
(b) Know that different types of text use different sorts of language, structural and presentational devices
(c) Understand that readers can choose different sorts of texts to read for pleasure, depending on their tastes and interests, e.g. imaginative texts (stories, novels, poems), factual texts (biographies, travel writing, information texts)

I created this activity for my ESOL students but it would also work well for Functional English.
The idea is taken from Laura Jeffrey Kiiza’s text types mind map drag and drop activity (L1) – see link below under See also.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
Rt/L2.4
Rt/L2.2
Rt/L1.2
GCSE Reading A2 Analyse language & structure
Functional English reading
ESOL
ESOL Rt/L2.4a Understand and identify how written arguments are structured
ESOL Rt/L2.2a Identify the purposes of a wide range of texts, whether inferred or explicitly stated
ESOL Rt/L1.2a Know how language and other textual features are used to achieve different purposes

A L1/2 Functional English Card match activity. Serves as a tactile supplement/plenary to identifying the contrasts in the tone of language used in factual, opinionated and biased statements.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Rt/L2.5
Rt/L2.4
Rt/L1.2
Functional English reading

A power point attached that covers the 4 main types of text. Includes objectives and group activities.

Aimed at Level 1 and ideal for Functional English.

Level
Level 1
English
Rt/L1.2
Functional English reading

Cards which can be used as a plenary or warm up to match definitions and features to types of text.
Editor’s note
With Functional English mapping

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Rt/L2.2
Rt/L1.2
Rt/E3.2
Functional English reading

A useful game I created to help my students understand and recognise different types of documents. It is particularly useful as a plenary. I first used it several years ago in an observed lesson, and the game was highly complimented!

Editor’s note
With extensive instructions, differentiation ideas and full Functional English mapping.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Rt/L2.2
Rt/L1.2
Rt/E3.2
Functional English reading

An interactive PowerPoint that could be used by the whole class or individually to identify the four main purposes of text. I used it with a new L2 group as a whole class activity.

First, we discussed why people write and wrote their ideas down. Tthen we moved on to looking at the PowerPoint. Each example text was discussed and its purpose(s) was identified. We then looked at the relevant BBC Skillswise factsheets (links are provided within the PPT) to see if the example text shared the same features.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Rt/L2.2
Rt/L1.2
Functional English reading

Wonderful high L1 – Level 2 resource which looks at the purposes and sources of a range of texts. Includes: useful handout with example of the four main types of text; discussion and examples of texts with more than one purpose; examples of badly written texts with mixed and confusing purposes; inferred and hidden meanings; writing practice (for four different purposes); re-ordering a long instructional text; and a set of final multiple choice questions to check skills.
Fully mapped to the Functional English criteria.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L2.5
Wt/L1.4
AL Rw/L2.3 Vocabulary (language features, synonyms, formality)
Rt/L2.2
Rt/L1.2
Rs/L2.2
Rs/L2.1
Functional English reading

Fantasy job lesson plan is a step by step detailed plan based on Jane Harbord’s popular Fantasy Job Project resource submitted in 2008 (see below). Gets students looking at job adverts and discussing what is required by employers. Great for general literacy classes or employment skills groups.

Level
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
AL Wt/E3.1 Plan & draft writing
Wt/L1.5
Rt/L1.2
Rt/E3.2
Wt/L1.4
Wt/L1.1
Context
Employment skills & Public services

An excellent and refreshingly different circular writing activity that encourages students to explore a range of styles and write for different purposes. Ideal for consolidating work on purpose of text. The sample texts (you will never think of making a cup of tea in the same way again!) make a super resource in their own right.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Rt/L1.2
Rt/L2.2
Wt/L1.4
Wt/L2.6

Fantasy job project is a great way to get student looking at job adverts and discussing what is required by employers. This scaffolded writing task lists points for students to consider before planning A3 job adverts/posters. First used with New Deal students.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Rt/E3.2
Rt/L1.2
AL Wt/E3.1 Plan & draft writing
Wt/L1.1
Wt/L1.5
Wt/L1.4
Context
Employment skills & Public services