Worksheet(s) or assignment

A traditional worksheet or assignment for printing on paper. Many can also be displayed successfully on an interactive whiteboard for group work.

Spelling Workbook

A comprehensive booklet covering all the basics someone needs to know to understand how the English spelling system works. It provides explanations, examples and brief practice activities. The materials are best used over a period of time, supplemented and reviewed for application.

Editor's notes

Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE E2.16 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
FE L2.22 Spell words used in work, study & daily life, including a range of specialist words
GCSE Writing AO6 Vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation
GCSE Writing AO6 Vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E2.1c Develop strategies to aid spelling
ESOL Ww/E3.1a Apply spelling knowledge to a wide range of common & special-interest words
ESOL Ww/E3.1b Apply knowledge of strategies to aid with spelling
ESOL Ww/L1.1b Use strategies to aid accurate spelling
ESOL Ww/L2.1b Develop strategies to aid accurate spelling
General
Study Skills and General Teaching
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond

Persuasive Writing Techniques Powerpoint, Workbook, Handout and Examples

Major update May 27:  Now with three additional resources - sample text (Why Dogs are Better than Cats), a handout summarising the information in the PPT, and a wonderful 4 page workbook. All designed to consolidate and practise the work covered in the PPT.

A slideshow presentation showing the purpose of, examples of, and types of persuasive techniques used in writing. The topic of recycling features strongly (ands dogd and cats to alesser extens!, making these resources accessible and of interest to a wide audience.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
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
Context
Recycling, the environment and sustainability
Animals, animal care, farming & equine

L1-2 English FS Writing - 12 week plan with resources

A writing scheme of work/medium term plan for L1+2 Functional Skills (FS) English, designed for the Pearson assessment. It is a 12 lesson unit designed to equip learners with the skills needed to write successfully and confidently in their wider lives, as well as pass their FS writing assessment. The lessons offer differentiated options for L1 and L2 learners, so the plan can be used at either level, or for mixed ability groups. The plan outlines the content of each lesson, along with PPTs, PDF worksheets, online quizzes and video links.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
FE L1.21 Spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
FE L2.22 Spell words used in work, study & daily life, including a range of specialist words
FS Eng L1.25 Write consistently & accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate
FS Eng L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
FE L1.22 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly, coherently & accurately
FE L2.23 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
FE L1.23 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience

Possessive apostrophes

Major update 19/01/24 written in 2005 but updated and re-mapped to reflect the Reformed Functional English Content. Page one is will prompt discussion and is probably best tackled in pairs or small groups. Page 2 is a handout with plenty of examples to study before moving on to the final pages of challenging exercises.

Answers are available (resource contributors only) please see answer sheets page for more details

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Adult Lit Rs/L2.2 Use punctuation to help interpret the meaning and purpose of texts
Apostrophes
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
ESOL
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 Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
ESOL Rs/L2.2a Use wide range of punctuation to help interpret meaning and purpose

Complex sentences

Major update 21/5/26 Use subordinating conjunctions to extend simple sentences, with a "stretch" extension activity. A straightforward single page resource - ideal for revision or homework.

Editor's note

I first wrote this resource in 2004. Now updated to reflect the Reformed Functional Skills content. 

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FS Eng L1.25 Write consistently & accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate
FS Eng L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
Adult Lit Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences
Adult Lit Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences
Functional Skills English
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L1.1a Write using complex sentences
ESOL Ws/L2.1a Use a range of sentence structure which is fit for purpose

ESOL Entry 1/2 family lesson

A lesson on family for Entry 1/2 ESOL learners. Includes a range of resources and tasks for a full lesson.

  • PowerPoint 
  • Video listening comprehension
  • 'Find someone who' game 
  • Links to Kahoots vocabulary tasks
  • Speaking information gap activity 
  • Writing task

Editor's notes

Everything you need for an entire lesson: packed full of variety and interest. Thank you Katherine 😄

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
ESOL
ESOL Lr/E1.2e Listen & extract key information
ESOL Lr/E2.2a Listen for detail in narratives and explanations
ESOL Lr/E2.2a Listen for detail in narratives and explanations
ESOL Lr/E2.3c Listen for a specific purpose
ESOL Lr/E2.5b Respond to requests for information
ESOL Sc/E1.3b Ask for information
ESOL Sc/E1.4a Make simple statements of fact
ESOL Sc/E2.3f Give a short description
ESOL Rs/E1.1a Read and recognise simple sentence structures:
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
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/E2.2a Use adjectives
Context
Family and relationships

Cash or Card? Functional Skills English Reading and Writing Workbook – Levels 1–2

This free Functional Skills English workbook explores the topical question: Should shops be allowed to refuse cash? Learners begin by reading a balanced information article before completing a range of reading activities and a practical transactional-writing task in which learners write a formal email to a supermarket manager.
Reading skills covered include:
• Retrieval questions
• Fact, opinion and bias
• Purpose, audience and language analysis
• Comparing contrasting viewpoints

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
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 L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L1.23 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service
Business & Money management

ESOL Entry 1/2/3 describing people lessons

A couple of lessons on describing people for Entry 1-3 ESOL learners. 

Includes: 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E1.3b Ask for information
ESOL Sc/E1.4a Make simple statements of fact
ESOL Lr/E1.2e Listen & extract key information
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rs/E1.1a Read and recognise simple sentence structures:
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Ww/E1.1a Use and spell correctly some personal key words and familiar words
ESOL Sc/E2.2d Ask for factual information (present, past, future)
ESOL Sc/E2.2f Ask for descriptions of people, places and things
ESOL Sc/E2.3f Give a short description
ESOL Sd/E2.1d Express views and opinions
ESOL Lr/E2.2a Listen for detail in narratives and explanations
ESOL Lr/E2.3c Listen for a specific purpose
ESOL Lr/E2.5b Respond to requests for information
ESOL Rt/E2.1b Use reading strategies to obtain information from texts
ESOL Rw/E2.2a Recognise a range of familiar words
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Ws/E2.2a Use adjectives
ESOL Sc/E3.3d Ask for descriptions of people, places & things
ESOL Sc/E3.4f Give a short description and make comparisons
ESOL Lr/E3.2a Listen for detail in narratives & explanations
ESOL Rt/E3.8a Read every word to obtain specific information
General ESOL

ESOL Entry 1 and 2 forms lesson

A lesson to help ESOL Entry 1 and Entry 2 learners to fill in a form. Designed for the Ascentis writing papers, but could be useful for just generic forms. 

Includes: 

  • PowerPoint 
  • Workbook 
  • Mini whiteboard activity 
  • Tips for filling in forms 
  • Reading comprehension activity 
  • Error correction tasks 
  • Peer marking grids 

Editor's Notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Form filling
FS E2.18 Complete a form asking for personal information
ESOL
ESOL Wt/E2.1b Record information on forms
ESOL Wt/E3.5a Complete forms with some complex features
ESOL Rw/E3.2a Read & understand words / phrases commonly used on forms

The Café Bill Maths Challenge – Functional Skills Maths Entry Level 3–Level 1

Bring Functional Skills Maths into a familiar real-life setting with this print-and-go café maths challenge. Learners work with realistic menus, prices, customer orders and special offers while developing confidence with everyday money calculations.

Activities include:

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Maths
Functional Maths - problem solving
FM E3.10 Calculate with money using decimal notation & express money correctly in writing in pounds and pence
FM L1.11 Add, subtract, multiply & divide decimals up to 2 decimal places
Context
Catering Food Nutrition
Retail Hospitality Customer service
Subscribe to Worksheet(s) or assignment