Rt/L2.2 Identify the purpose of a text and infer meaning which is not explicit

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.

Students first use Laura’s drag and drop activity on the computer (this covers both persuasive and instructive texts).
I then gave them the features of persuasive texts (see page 1 of resource) which they cut up and stick on the text on page 2 (or they could simply annotate the text using coloured pens etc.).

A rigorous and fully mapped reading assessment with mark sheet and detailed answers. This resource takes account of the changes demanded since Ofqual published its thematic review of Functional Skills in January 2015. Can also of course be used for normal classwork, revision, homework or private study. Ideal for Pancake day but could be used any time of year.

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

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.

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.

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.

A topical Level 2 reading and writing assignment based on an article from the from the Observer. Ideal for early spring / late winter but can be used any time of year. Covers comprehension, purpose of text, apostrophes, vocabulary and dictionary work, and writing. Includes differentiation and extension ideas.

This is a topical lesson, looking at the Japanese tsunami disaster and its coverage in the media.

It introduces students to identifying facts and opinions. It also allows students to discuss their own views (appropriately) about this disaster. Students are also given the opportunity to write their own newspaper article based around the facts of the events.

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.

An excellent series of activities (help sheet, sample text, card match game & teaching notes) covering this difficult topic. First used in a Level 2 ESOL reading class but also ideal for Literacy.