Contextual Resources

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.

A set of tasks to practise reading and writing skills. Read about a student and his work and college life.

• Practise using conjunctions.
• Learn synonyms
• Practise using punctuation correctly.
• Write about your own experience of studying and working

Editor's notes

So practical and down to earth! Find out about Joseph's day to day college life and his busy job with Deliveroo. Also very useful for E2-E3 Functional Skills English students.

These three simple resources are aimed for teaching the layout features and conventions of informal and formal letter writing.  There are three templates: 

This is the resource for L1 learners submitted by Hannah Yates on 2 June 2017, but updated with 2020 figures for JSA (job seekers allowance) and Tax allowance.

Now in SMART notebook format to use whilst screen sharing in a virtual teaching session.  Answers are included on the slide following each question (and under the shades on the table on slide 3).

Large set of questions inspired by the recent (2019) 75th anniversary of the D Day Landings.  Covers many aspects of the Reformed FS 2018 content such as bearings, nets, underpinning questions and non-calculator tasks.

Editor's notes

A differentiated resource to recap many number & measure skills and to help learners with the skills needed when looking for or applying for a job.

There are 6 questions in both the L1 and L2 version – working out weekly pay, annual salary, tax payable, comparing pay to JSA (Job Seeker’s Allowance), reading/completing a bus timetable and correcting a job acceptance letter (L1 Functional English proof reading).

A writing activity that requires learners to write 2 emails suitable for the workplace. Tasks are loosely based on the type of writing tasks required for City & Guilds Functional English at E3. Also involves searching for a suitable gift (Argos book or web site).

Editor’s note
Fully mapped to the E2-L1 Functional English writing criteria.

A writing task / practice paper written for an E3 booster writing group of 16-18 year olds.

You want a Saturday job in a pet shop and write a letter to the manager about possible vacancies.

Excellent practice for Edexcel style Functional Skills English reading test. 20 questions based on two simplified texts: a job advert and a formal letter inviting the reader to a job interview. Fully mapped to all the E2 reading coverage and range statements.

Dissatisfied with your aims and objectives? Want more student feedback?
Two VERY useful sheets that can really help both you and your students get the best out of lessons.
Version 1 is the basic version, version 2 has additional questions to help students relate what they have learnt to everyday routines and/or employment.