Contextual Resources

Read a speech about learning to swim. Then plan and write your own speech encouraging teens to have a positive body image and follow a healthy life style.

Editor's note

I'm so pleased to see this resource as we have very few (only one other - I think!) speech writing resources and this format can and does occur in writing assessment at Levels 1 and 2 Functional Skills English. 

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

Two scaffolded writing tasks that can used alone or as a follow up to the reading and related tasks in Dee Gets Fit (Rachel Emmett, 2009).

The first is just simple scaffold for E1/2 learners to record their ideas on keeping fit and healthy. The second is for E3 students to write a recipe for a healthy meal. Both these tasks would be most effective when preceded by a class or small group discussion and the creation of a word bank. They could also be used when teaching about instructional texts.

A general information text about the London Marathon. Exam-style questions cover most of the E2 reading spec. A couple of questions cover aspects of writing (plurals and alphabetical ordering). Written in haste a week before the 2022 marathon but can be used in future years. Separate teaching notes include brief ideas for Entry Level 1.

An Entry 2 mock exam paper that follows the format for City & Guilds.

Based on an advert for a local sports centre in Barry.

Editor's note

Covers many aspects of E2 Functional English reading & writing including: general comprehension, vocabulary, form filling and written composition.

An answer sheet with detailed Functional English mapping is available for skillsworkshop contributors. Visit our Answer Sheets page for more information..

This interesting report on an overseas sportsman in UK allows for work in ESOL. The report covers a footballer who wishes to live in Cardiff and previously moved from Birmingham to Moscow. The comprehension questions cover his career and the people that influence his life. A conversation between the journalist and player allows for forming questions and the last task is a writing opportunity.

Editor's note

Also suitable for Functional English - see the notes within the resource. I love the dialogue exercise. :)

This lesson was designed to help learners prepare to write articles for their L1 writing exam. 

There is a reading text "Woman ran last 18 miles of London Marathon with broken ankle" with vocab, gist and detail questions, and a few questions for genre analysis.

Then a worksheet to support learners to gain top tips from a youtube video (watch till 2:18).

They can check their learning by reconstructing the sample text from the video, cut up into sections.

A reading comprehension and writing activity at L1/L2 and at E3 on Walter Tull, one of England’s first black professional footballers and the UK’s first black army officer. He has an inspiring story and was killed in action in France 100 years ago (March 25, 1918). David Lammy MP is calling for his Military Cross to be awarded posthumously as an inspiration to others. Plenty of possibilities for speaking and listening discussions around the topic.

Editor's note

This resource is aimed at high E3, L1 and L2 ESOL learners who make mistakes when using conjunctions, prepositions and adverbs in their writing to express contrast. There are seven speaking, reading and writing tasks in all.

A short cloze exercise on the Olympic Opening Ceremony based on numbers (E2-L1), plus a writing activity at 2 levels (E2-3 and L1-L2).

Editor’s note
The cloze is also a clever way of embedding some maths (large numbers).