Contextual Resources

Updated 24/3/22 10.30pm the writing resource is now available for download again. Apologies for any frustration. 11/3/22 3.00pm (typo fixed, page 3 question 8 writing assessment paper)

Two mega-sized Entry Level 1 Functional English assessments with a Mother's Day theme. Modelled closely on the Pearson-Edexcel assessments (but 1.5 times the size! ) but ideal pre-exam practice for any Awarding Organisation. 

Pancake Day in Exdale is a multi-level graduated Functional Maths workbook for Entry Level 1 to Level 2. A front page overview allows the teacher or learner to decide which levels and topics to work on. All questions are based on one or other of two texts (pancake meals at the local pub and special offers in the Exdale Cook Shop). The emphasis throughout is on problem solving and showing working out.

At Entry Levels the main coverage is time, dates and money. Levels 1 and 2 include questions on time, converting between measures, circumference, percentage discount and mean.

Update 24/2/22: written by Sharon Roberts and Alexandra Bates, both of Essex ACL. 
This is a fun activity which encourages ESOL learners to engage with digital technology and transacting online. It provides opportunity to explore vocabulary related to shopping while also discussing the advantages of shopping for food online. It can be adapted to all levels and can be extended for a longer activity if required.

Editor's note

A hastily put together resource for Valentine's Day 2022 (but can be used in any year!).  Although the covered subject content statements are all E1 or E2 - the problem solving element of some questions also makes this also suitable for E3, especially the final "Stretch" investigation. Questions are mapped but there is no answer sheet.

A worksheet suitable for those who have difficulty relating number amounts to the value of items. A hamburger £5 – a jacket £50. Exercises: write in the correct prices, match the word to the number, answer which is cheaper / more expensive. Includes answer key.

Editor’s note
This resources is available in UK pounds or Australian dollars. Ideal for E1-2 Functional Maths.

A speaking and listening activity designed to practise asking where food items are in a supermarket. Also involves practise with the numbers 1 to 8.
The sheet is repeated five times – with food items in different positions (numbered supermarket aisles) on each sheet.

Linked to Cambridge Pre-entry ESOL Activities 7a Excuse me …

This is a series of short job ads for a hotel (+ one for a school caretaker). Simple language and uncluttered layout..
Good for introduction to language of employment. I have used these with E1 to E3 and they work well as a differentiated resource

Higher levels can gauge implict information, especially for the school caretaker advert in writing covering application letters to include attributes such as working with children, being trustworthy and reliable etc)

Text about the 99p shop chain with comprehension questions, cloze exercise, writing numbers as words and more.

The text and picture are adapted from the wonderful First News site and the 99p Store site.

A dialogue (between the pharmacist and the customer) ordering exercise followed by paired speaking and listening practice. Easily adapted to many situations.