Contextual Resources
Select learning level(s) and subject area(s) in the boxes below to find resources to suit. Then click on the title of a resource you are interested in to see full details of that resource, including file downloads, “more like this”, “see also” and comments from other users.
Literacy: General literacy / English, Functional English - reading, Reading: text focus (comprehension), Writing: text focus (composition), Functional English - writing
Free tags: AFOREST
Context: Leisure Travel Tourism
Level: L1, L2
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment, Writing prompts
Reading and writing tasks based on an over-the-top article about a new ride at Nottingham’s annual Goose Fair.
The emphasis is on language features ( I HAD A FOREST) and persuasive writing but many aspects of L1-2 reading and writing are covered.
Literacy: General literacy / English, Functional English - reading, Reading: text focus (comprehension), Writing: text focus (composition), Functional English - writing
Free tags: Valentine's Day
Context: Catering Food Nutrition, Leisure Travel Tourism
Level: E1, E2, E3, L1
Resource type: Assessment material, Reading comprehension, Revision material, Worksheet or assignment, Writing prompts
A set of six linked, differentiated texts about Valentine’s Day, with associated writing assessments.
Two texts and two writing tasks for Entry 1 and for Entry 2.
Literacy: Functional Skills English, Follow and understand, Plan, compose and draft, Identify main points and detail, Rw/L1.2, Use reading strategies, Engage in Discussion
ESOL: ESOL Reading: text focus (comprehension), ESOL Writing: text focus (composition), ESOL Reading: word focus (vocabulary, word recognition, phonics)
Free tags: disability rights, Down's Syndrome, Equality and Diversity, inclusion
Context: Business & Money management, Employment skills & Public services
Level: E2, E3, L1
Resource type: Discussion points, Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment
A reading comprehension and vocabulary activity suitable for both ESOL and Literacy / Functional Skills. The activities are based on a BBC News article about John Cronin’s online business, John’s Crazy Socks. John, who has Down’s Syndrome, is a co-founder of the business, along with his father, Mark.
In the activity, there are six tasks – prediction, vocabulary, comprehension (reading for gist and detail), gap filling (missing headlines), discussion and writing (a social media comment).
ICT: Functional ICT, Developing, presenting and communicating information, Level 1 and 2 CLAIT / ECDL
Context: Business & Money management
Level: L1, L2
Resource type: ICT task sheet
An exercise in Microsoft Word built around the content of a HR article from:
https://www.consultancy.uk/services/hr-consulting
Editor’s note
Three separate step by step activities cover paragraph formatting, working with tables, and pictures/objects.
Literacy: Functional English - reading, Rt/E3.1, Wt/E3.1, Functional English - writing
Context: Science & Nature
Level: E3
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment, Writing prompts
Very topical resource based on an article about the popular, award-winning Blue Planet 2 series.
General reading comprehension questions (with a focus on reading for detail) followed by a challenging writing exercise where the learner has to email a friend and persuade them not to leave litter on the beach.
With answers and curriculum mapping.
Literacy: Functional English - reading, Rt/E3.1, Wt/E3.1, Functional English - writing
Context: Science & Nature
Level: E3
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment, Writing prompts
Very topical resource about the the Blue Moon Eclipse due on 31 Jan 2018.
General reading comprehension questions followed by an interesting writing exercise where the learner has to enter a competition to win a telescope.
With answers and curriculum mapping.
Literacy: Rw/E1.1, SLc/E1.3
Pre-entry: Speaking & Listening, SLc/M8.3, Rw/M8.3
ESOL: ESOL Lr/E1.5a, ESOL Rw/E1.1a, ESOL Sc/E1.3a, ESOL Sd/E1.1c
Context: Independent living
Resource type: Listening and/or speaking activity, Sort or match cards, Worksheet or assignment
Level: M8, E1
A worksheet which aims at getting pre-entry /E1 ESOL learners to practice different responses to greetings; both positive and negative responses. It also includes a picture matching task which helps learners to understand feelings and moods.
Editor’s note
Also suitable for pre-Entry literacy.
Literacy: Functional English - reading, GCSE A2 Analyse, GCSE A3 Compare texts
Free tags: Guy Fawkes
Context: History
Level: L2, GCSE L1-5
Resource type: Assessment material, Reading comprehension, Revision material
Aimed at Functional Skills Level 2 learners, this resource is also suitable for the new 9 -1 GCSE requirements (Reading A2 and A3).
It is designed to be done towards the end of a unit on reading skills as it draws together skimming, scanning, information retrieval skills and the ability to collate information.
3 non-fiction texts on the theme of the gunpowder plot are provided along with a worksheet with exam-style reading comprehension questions about the 3 texts.
Literacy: Functional English - reading, Functional English - writing
Numeracy: General numeracy / maths
Free tags: New Year
Context: News, Politics &Government items, Voluntary & Charity
Level: E3, L1, L2
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Worksheet or assignment, Writing prompts
A reading comprehension based on the BBC news website with related writing activities, one at E3 (informal letter) and one at L1-L2 (email).
Editor’s note
There is also some maths thrown in for good measure! A great resource for the start of (spring) term.
Literacy: Functional English - reading, Wt/L1.4, Wt/L2.5, Wt/L2.6, Functional English - writing
Free tags: AFOREST, Christmas
Context: News, Politics &Government items, Voluntary & Charity
Level: L1, L2
Resource type: Reading comprehension, Revision material, Worksheet or assignment, Writing prompts
A revision activity for Level 1 Functional Skills English reading and writing.
Editor’s note
Reading questions cover all aspects of the FS criteria. The writing activity (formal letter) stresses the use of persuasive techniques and is ideal for both Level 1 and Level 2. It includes a useful writing checklist.