Contextual Resources

Read a sample leaflet about taking children to the dentist. Use it as a model for planning and writing your own leaflet about neighbourhood safety.
Suitable for Entry 3 through to Level 2 English Functional Skills.

Editor's note

I think it’s so important for learners to have realistic exemplar/model pieces of writing so they know what they’re aiming for. Also useful for ESOL. 

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).

Read an exemplar answer to a writing question about Disappearing High Streets. Then plan and write your own article. Choice of two writing tasks (for Level 1-2 Functional Skills English). 

• Gambling and the National Lottery 
• How to get children off their computers and more active 

Editor's notes

This is just what other Functional English teachers need: I think it’s so important for learners to have realistic exemplar/model pieces of writing so they know what they’re aiming for. Also useful for ESOL.

Read an example of a report (about the facilities at a new community centre). Then plan and write your own report about a local park. For Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills English.

Editor's notes

This is just what other Functional English teachers need: I think it’s so important for learners to have realistic exemplar/model pieces of writing so they know what they’re aiming for. Also useful for ESOL.

Role play prompts for higher beginners (could be amended for E1). 

Volunteering for a green space community charity.

Editor's note

Another great set of role play prompts from Jenny. Visit her page to find further sets.

Role play prompts for higher beginners to E3. 

1. Peter needs to take his son to the  hospital; he asks his manager for time off work
2. A doctor at the hospital speaks to Peter's son

Editor's note

Another very useful set of  role play prompts from Jenny. Visit her page to find further sets

This lesson gives students the opportunity to discuss fundraising and practise reading skills (scanning and reading for detail). The reading text focuses on Mick Cullen, also known as ‘SpeedoMick’, and his long distance walks for charity. The lesson encourages students to try to empathise with Mick and better understand his background, character and motivations. Themes of mental health are also prominent and so it is advised you check with your learners first/use your own professional judgement before doing the optional video task.

Short set of slides about different poppies used for Remembrance Day, to be used as a discussion prompt covering the British Values of Mutual Respect and Tolerance, and Individual Liberty.

Editor's notes

Super discussion prompt for the time around Nov 11th. Includes information about red, white, purple and black poppies - along with a link to a thought-provoking video from Benjamin Zephaniah. For Functional English, ESOL and wider use.

Written in and inspired by the July 22 heatwave where temperatures in the UK exceeded 40 degrees! 

Three texts about hot weather and its effects on the body. Questions start at Entry Level 1 and progress to Level 2. L1-2 Learners will still need to access the Entry Level texts as the final questions involve comparing two or more texts. 

I made this resource for my ESOL Functional  Skills Level 1&2 class. Learners have to find where articles are missing and type them in (a/an/the). Uses three increasingly complex/lengthy texts: a charity letter, an OU magazine article and some recipe instructions.

Find the missing articles: 3 page worksheet (Google docs)  - best viewed in "print" mode.