Shared text

An exemplar text for shared reading and often preparation for writing

This resource is aimed at Entry Level ESOL and/ Functional English. It discusses the widespread use of lithium batteries, the dangers they pose and how to dispose of them safely.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE 1.16 Communicate information in words, phrases & simple sentences
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FE E3.20 Use appropriate format & structure inc. appropriate use of headings & bullet points
FE E3.18 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly & in logical sequence e.g. chronologically, by task
FE E3.19 Write text of appropriate length & level of detail
Pre-entry
pre-Entry General
ESOL
ESOL Sd/E1.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E2.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E3.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Wt/E3.2a Structure main points in short paragraphs
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Health and safety
Recycling, the environment and sustainability
Electrical, Electronics & Technology

Part of the Living in the UK series.

This resource covers the difficult but very real issue of domestic abuse. The information is provided sensitively and includes information and questions about Clare's Law, and an invented but realistic situation. 

Discretion is advised but it is an important and often sidestepped safeguarding issue. Whilst there is a plethora of information, I found not all of it was suitable nor accessible enough for meeting the needs of my learners. 

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rt/L1.1a Understand how meaning is built up in paragraphed texts
ESOL Rt/L2.1a Identify different ways meaning is built up in a range of texts of varying genres
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked
ESOL Rt/L2.3a Identify the main points and specific detail in different types of text of varying lengths & detail
ESOL Rt/L1.5a Use skimming, scanning and detailed reading in different ways for different purposes
ESOL Skimming, scanning & detailed reading
Context
Equality and safeguarding
Mental health, awareness & psychology

Quite a large resource that looks at the legal age e.g. marriage, leaving school, voting, etc. in the UK. It is suitable for ESOL, FE and other English related courses.

Reading comprehension, discussion, writing and more with texts aimed at E1-L2.  Pick and choose those that suit your needs best. 

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FS Eng READING understanding and locating information
FS Eng WRITING composition
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
Context
News, Politics & Government items

A set of activities based on the Ask for Angela scheme, an important initiative set up with the aim of keeping people in social situations safe. 

The tasks include reading comprehension, SPaG and writing tasks, along with research and discussion opportunities. Planning should be encouraged as part of the writing tasks. There's also a separate task on organisational and presentational features using two Ask for Angela posters.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
FS Eng E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L2.16 Understand organisational features & use to locate relevant information in a range of sources
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked
ESOL Rt/L2.3a Identify the main points and specific detail in different types of text of varying lengths & detail
ESOL Ws/E3.3a Use punctuation to aid clarity in relation to beginnings and ends of sentences
ESOL Ws/L1.3a Use punctuation to aid clarity and meaning
ESOL Ws/L2.4a Use a range of punctuation to achieve clarity in simple and complex sentences
ESOL Sd/L1.2a Express views and opinions
ESOL Sd/L2.1a Make relevant contributions and help to move discussions forward
ESOL Rt/E2.4a Obtain information from illustrations, maps, diagrams and captions
ESOL Rt/E3.5b Use organisational features in a range of reference sources
ESOL Rt/L1.4a Use organisational & structural features to locate information
ESOL Rt/L2.6a Use organisational features and systems to locate texts and information
ESOL Rt/L1.2a Know how language and other textual features are used to achieve different purposes
Context
Health and safety
Equality and safeguarding

A 10 minute rhyming script of Charles Dickens' novel 'A Christmas Carol'. Ideal for use as an end of term activity.

It can also be used as a discussion starter and as a topic for further writing. Suitable for groups of mixed levels from Entry 2 to Level 2 and beyond.

Editor's notes

Another clever and funny rhyming (play)script from Jean. Can be used on so many levels and for so many different learning objectives - in addition to being good fun! 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
Functional Skills English reading
FS Eng SL&C Speaking
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

This is an adapted version of Colleen Kelly's very useful Understanding the UK. I've made a few changes and shortened the text, as this is how I would like to use it with my particular class. I think the first part of Colleen's text provides some really good models of language for describing countries which I want my class to use and adapt to describe other countries as well as learning a little bit about the UK.  

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Speaking (S)
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries

A 15 minute play based on Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.  The script follows the plot of the original play (with a few minor changes) and is written in the style of a pantomime.

Ideal for use as an introduction to the play or as an end of term activity.  Can also be used to enhance acting skills.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
General literacy / English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional Skills English reading
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE English Spoken Language AO7 Formal presentation skills
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

A short story about a family day out.  The family go pond-dipping.  Easy to read with two lovely images to spark discussion and interest.  Worksheet to be given after reading the text. The second part of the worksheet should be completed without the text (if possible). Entry 1 to E2.  Some support may be needed at E1. Also a more complex / longer version for Entry 3 to lower L1.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE E2.13 Use basic punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question, exclamation marks)
FE E1.13 Use lower-case letters when there is no reason to use capital letters
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Ws/E2.4a Use a capital letter for proper nouns
ESOL Ws/E1.1a Construct a simple sentence, using basic word order & verb form
ESOL Ws/E2.3a Use correct punctuation, e.g. capital letters, full stops, question marks
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rt/L1.1a Understand how meaning is built up in paragraphed texts
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
Context
Science, Nature & Weather

Part of the Living in the UK series, this resource covers reading, writing and communication for Entry 1-3 learners. 

There are two separate resources: one for E2-E3 and a simplified version for E1.  Each features an illustrated short reading text followed by:

  • comprehension questions
  • punctuation questions
  • various writing tasks
  • suggestions for short talks and Q&A sessions

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E2.13 Use basic punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question, exclamation marks)
FE 1.16 Communicate information in words, phrases & simple sentences
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FE E3.18 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly & in logical sequence e.g. chronologically, by task
FE E3.19 Write text of appropriate length & level of detail
FS Eng E1.6 Make clear statements, communicate feelings & opinions on straightforward topics
FS Eng E2.5 Clearly express straightforward information & communicate feelings / opinions
FE E3.3 Communicate information & opinions clearly on a range of topics
FE E2.2 Make requests & ask clear questions appropriately in different contexts
FE E3.2 Make requests & ask concise questions using appropriate language in different contexts
FS Eng E2.1 Identify & extract main information & detail from short explanations
FS Eng E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Ws/E2.3a Use correct punctuation, e.g. capital letters, full stops, question marks
ESOL Sc/E1.4a Make simple statements of fact
ESOL Sc/E2.3c Give a short account
ESOL Sc/E3.4c Give an account/narrate events in the past
ESOL Sc/E2.2d Ask for factual information (present, past, future)
ESOL Sc/E3.3b Ask questions to obtain personal or factual information
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Family and relationships
Catering Food Nutrition

Part of the Living in the UK series, this resource focuses on basic sentences for Entry 1-2 learners.

There is a reading text  (informal message) about meeting new neighbours. As the learner moves through the resource they will encounter:

  • comprehension questions
  • basic sentence punctuation
  • speaking and listening tasks
  • a further reading text about BBQ safety
  • two writing tasks.

This resource lends itself well to group, teacher led learning although it can be used by individuals working alone.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E1.11 Punctuate simple sentences with capital letter & full stop
FE E1.12 Use capital letter for pronoun ‘I’ and proper nouns
FE E1.13 Use lower-case letters when there is no reason to use capital letters
FE E2.13 Use basic punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question, exclamation marks)
FE 1.16 Communicate information in words, phrases & simple sentences
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FS Eng E1.6 Make clear statements, communicate feelings & opinions on straightforward topics
FS Eng E2.5 Clearly express straightforward information & communicate feelings / opinions
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Ws/E1.1a Construct a simple sentence, using basic word order & verb form
ESOL Ws/E1.2a Use basic punctuation to show where sentences begin and end
ESOL Ws/E1.3a Use basic punctuation to write about oneself using "I"
ESOL Ws/E2.1a Construct simple and compound sentences
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
ESOL Sc/E1.4a Make simple statements of fact
ESOL Sc/E2.3c Give a short account
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Family and relationships
Catering Food Nutrition