SLc/E3.4

Make requests and ask questions to obtain information in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
(a) Know how to make requests and ask questions clearly and simply so the listener understands what information is required
(b) Know some strategies for clarifying and confirming understanding, especially when speaking over the telephone
(c) Know and use suitable politeness conventions, and formal language and register where appropriate

The Caller

An unusual and very useful exercise written for preparation for work students who were nervous of taking messages and writing down information. It also provides useful reading and comprehension practice for all Entry Level learners and will prompt discussion on the importance of asking the right questions and writing down messages.
Ideal for Entry Level work skills students and for underpinning Entry 2 Functional English. Fully mapped to E2 Functional English crieria and the Skills for Life curriculum.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional Skills English
AL Rt/E2.1 Follow main points of short texts
AL Rt/E3.1 Understand longer texts
Adult Lit SLc/E2.2 Make requests and ask questions to obtain information in everyday contexts
SLc/E3.4
Context
Employment skills & Public services

Questioning for understanding

Questioning for understanding is a really useful help sheet that encourages learners to ask relevant questions (any topic, any level). Based on Kipling’s “What and Why and When, And How and Where and Who” with teaching ideas and useful links.

For a related resource using the same idea to investigate and write newspaper reports please see Ellie Walsh’s Looking at Newspapers (below).

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Poetry
AL SLc/E1.3
Adult Lit SLc/E2.2 Make requests and ask questions to obtain information in everyday contexts
SLc/E3.4
SLc/L1.2
SLc/L2.2
General
Study Skills and General Teaching
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond

Religious and cultural festivals - active listening game

Step by step instructions for an excellent paired activity. Also provides useful practice for formal speaking and listening assessments.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
SLlr/E3.2
SLlr/E3.6
SLc/E3.4
SLc/E3.3
ESOL
ESOL Listen and respond (Lr)
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