Contextual Resources

Read an example of written instructions that include several typical layout features of instructional texts. 
Followed by a choice of writing tasks to complete.

Suitable for Entry 3 through to Level 2 English Functional Skills.

Editor's note

Love the wide appeal of this resource: the sample instructions are those left for a babysitter but also include pets and cooking! The writing tasks cover preparing for a job interview or how to play a game (for example, online or board games).

A descriptive poem on the theme of Nature.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion about the seasons, local environments, the life cycle of animals and plants, global warming or the benefits of outdoor exercise.

Editor's notes

Super for many levels and situations - includes suggested questions and discussion prompts.

A poem on the theme of urban nature.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around nature and wildlife, living in different environments or climate change.

Editor's notes

Super for many levels and situations - includes a list of suggested questions/prompts.

Here is another reading comprehension that I made. Based on a BBC news article about the sad fate of the alpaca Geronimo. A few of my colleagues at work have used it (Bucks Adult Learning) and they said it worked well - Level 1/Level 2 Functional Skills English (inc. ESOL learners). Questions cover language features, purpose, using  punctuation to aid understanding, vocabulary/dictionary work, inferring from images, and organisational features.

This is a version of the fantastic Pet Centipede resource (Marion Martin. Oct 2009) that I've adapted to more closely match E2 Functional Skills exam style.

Editor's notes

I love it when Skillsworkshop resources are recycled and updated :).  Perfect for Entry Level 2: questions cover general comprehension (main points), contractions, plurals, using a dictionary/vocabulary and alphabetical order. 

AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 style exam practice. Source A is from a contemporary memoir "Life As A Unicorn" by Amrou Al-Kadhi. Source B is adapted from a Victorian article about aquariums. The questions mimic AQA Paper 2; questions 1 to 5. Question 5 asks students to write an article about gender roles. The whole paper reflects the advance information given by AQA about the summer 2022 exams; a memoir paired with a Victorian essay and an article writing task. 

Editor's notes

Read the extract from 'Are cat cafes good for cats?' and then answer the comprehension questions. When you have finished, complete the writing task.

Editor's note

Covers many E3-L1 content descriptors including: main points and detail, purpose of text, using punctuation to aid understanding, language features, dictionary/vocabulary work and  distinguishing between fact and option. Ideal for mixed level groups. Each question is mapped to the relevant subject content descriptor. 

Read the extract and complete the comprehension tasks. When you have finished complete the writing exercise. 

Editor's note

Covers many E3-L1 content descriptors including: main points and detail, purpose of text, using punctuation to aid understanding.  Ideal for mixed level groups. Each question is mapped to the relevant subject content descriptor. 

This is targeted towards learners preparing for the Entry 2 Functional Skills Writing exam.  It uses the Entry 1 Cat Care text created by Emma Gentili (go to "See also"), and can be used in mixed ability classes together with the E1 resource. 

Editor's note

Love it when skillsworkshop users recycle resources! A great adaptation of the original E1 version :) 

A resource for Entry level 1 learners which includes a variety of activities such as reading comprehension and a writing task. 

Editor's note

A really engaging Entry 1 resource. Includes punctuation,  general comprehension questions, alphabetical order and an excellent writing composition task. An answer / mark sheet with detailed curriculum mapping will be available shortly (for resource contributors only).