Writing or planning frame

A planner or frame providing a scaffolded approach to writing

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

I started this as a visual guide for my E3 students. They were getting completely stressed in the FS Writing exam because they became confused as to how to start a letter, an email etc. This was putting them off from getting started with writing the main text. I then added further detail to the resource, using it as a quick reminder at the start of a writing exercise or for students to refer to. 
It could be used as a 'cut and stick' exercise to re-reinforce the main points. 

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E3.20 Use appropriate format & structure inc. appropriate use of headings & bullet points
FE E3.22 Use language appropriate for purpose & audience
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose

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

A lesson on adjectives for Entry 1/2 ESOL learners. 

Includes: 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
FS English E2.20 Use adjectives and simple linking words
Adult Lit Ws/E2.2 Use Adjectives
ESOL
General ESOL
ESOL Ws/E2.2a Use adjectives

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

A lesson to help ESOL Entry 3 students understand how to plan a text and use paragraphs for the writing exam (Ascentis exam board). 

Includes: 

  • A PowerPoint
  • Links to videos 
  • Practice writing exam questions 
  • Revision of complex sentences

Editor's notes

Super pre-exam preparation and practice. Although written for Ascentis, easily be adapted to suit other awarding bodies. In addition to the paragraph and planning guidance, the coverage of complex sentences is excellent.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
ESOL
ESOL Wt/E3.1a Recognise the process of planning and drafting
ESOL Wt/E3.1b Make notes as part of the planning process
ESOL Wt/E3.2a Structure main points in short paragraphs
ESOL Ws/L1.1a Write using complex sentences

I created these slides to help learners write a review. It looks at the layout, vocabulary and descriptive words used in reviews. 

The slides include an example question and model answer from a past exam paper (Functional Skills Entry Level 3) 

There are supplementary slides to help complete the practice writing task called:  Restaurant Critic - using adjectives (submitted by Paul Burnett on 28 August 2018).

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
English
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
FE E3.21 Use compound sentences & paragraphs where appropriate
FE E3.22 Use language appropriate for purpose & audience
FE E3.13 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas)
FE E3.15 Use mostly correct grammar e.g. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of tense, definite & indefinite articles
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

Updated Apr 19 2024 (corrections made to pages 1&3 of the main PDF and page 2 of "Your Budget")

This resources uses the Spring 2024 budget and makes it accessible for learners on L1 and L2 English courses. The resource gives them the budget break down and some comprehension questions based on L1 and L2 reading exams. 

Learners are then asked to design their own budget and think about why they would give money to certain areas outlined in the budget. 

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FS Eng L1.5 Express opinions and arguments and support them with evidence
FS Eng L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FS Eng READING understanding and locating information
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
Maths
FM L1.1 Read, write, order & compare large numbers (up to one million)
FM L2.1 Read, write, order & compare positive & negative numbers of any size
Context
Employment skills & Public services
Business & Money management
News, Politics & Government items

A topical resource based on a news story. Reading comprehension at approx. L1 plus a writing task with planning and email response sheet.

Embedded maths through reading the table. This resource also offers opportunities as a discussion starter.

Similar to the resource found here https://www.skillsworkshop.org/resources/shocking_sugar_levels_in_high_street_hot_drinks but based on a more recent news story. 

Editor's note

Level
Level 1
English
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FS Eng L1.25 Write consistently & accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate
Maths
FM E3.21 Extract information from lists, tables, diagrams, charts; create frequency tables
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Catering Food Nutrition
Sport and fitness

Colourful graphic organiser that will allow learners to explore Word Class, challenge themselves, and think about how they can use examples in sentences. 

Includes dual coding images as prompts.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Functional Skills English