Discussion points

Predicting words from context in a text about youth clubs. It then opens up discussion for how they might help reduce youth crime.

Editor’s note: cloze exercise with opportunities for writing / commenting. With answer sheet.

This is a short reading adapted from an online news report. It includes a short vocabulary exercise – matching words and phrases with the same meaning, an ordering question, and some comprehension questions for discussion. Answer sheet included.

Editor’s note: fully mapped to E2 Functional English

This was designed to be used with a group of dyslexic learners but would be applicable for any learners with spelling difficulties.

I have used this by separating the group into small groups or pairs and then giving each group a different strategy to try with one of the words from the word list (two are provided – one for E2-E3, one for L1-2) or a word of their own that they want to spell.

Worksheets and tasks around the theme of emergencies. Written for ESOL but also suitable for adult literacy and Functionakl English.

Learners must choose the next manager of the England football team. Using the task sheet to guide them, they must research, collate and present information for five candidates and then make the final choice.

There is scope for plenty of lively discussion around the choices made and also about what the manager’s job entails.

A Power Point presentation is included as an example, but can also be printed out to use in some of the additional activities described.

21 questions to answer about dos and don’ts on your CV preparation. Are the statements true, false or is there some discretion about what you can do? As a team quiz it prompts discussion and lets learners express their opinions and justify the points made. Can be used as a revision or introductory tool prior to creating a CV in Functional English, Functional ICT or work skills classes.
Answers are included.

A practice exam question based on the style of Edexcel functional skills writing exam questions. Ideal for motor vehicle students.

One task for L1/L2 (formal letter) and one for E3 (letter) which also has a writing frame. Both tasks are on the subject of proposed changes to the driving test and driving laws for new drivers. A fictional story in Great Britain (currently) but real in Northern Ireland, this task also promotes lots of discussion from students which could be used for speaking and listening practice.

Text about the 99p shop chain with comprehension questions, cloze exercise, writing numbers as words and more.

The text and picture are adapted from the wonderful First News site and the 99p Store site.

A powerpoint to spark discussion and introduce the topic of formal and informal language and choosing which is appropriate for different social and work situations. Aimed at E3-L1 Functional English learners.

The PPT can be used with the word match up game, which gets learners thinking about the difference between formal and informal language. Laminate the page and cut up into individual word cards.

An activity to explore money management and negative numbers. Be prepared to signpost students if need be.

The activity starts with discussing who is most likely to get into debt and then by recognising that anyone can if they don’t have good money skills.