Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

Get your learners thinking outside the box with this unusual warm up quiz that works well at all levels

Also provides discussion prompts and makes a great introduction to spelling compound words.

Speaking and listening, reading and writing  activities focusing on one of the possible Edexcel FS English exam contexts.  

Editor's note

With useful key vocabulary tables. The reading focus is purpose, tone and language features. The final task is to write an article about buying a new car. 

Resource focusing on the question 'Is the internet an addictive drug?'  The PowerPoint consists a video link and written stimulus to evoke thought and discussion.  Looking at the relationship we have with our phones versus people; our use of internet enabled devices, 'every minute of every day' and Social Media depression. 

Editor's note

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

A resource adapted to include Audience, Purpose, Format and Features (PAFF) from a Skillsworkshop resource titled Audience and Purpose (Emma Shaw, 2007 - listed under "See Also").

This has been useful to review and consolidate PAFF for reading and then later for writing.

Reformed Functional English assessments include group discussion at all levels beyond Entry 1.  This useful, 3 page planner can be used (with varying amounts of teacher support) from E2 to L2. Covers everything from choosing a topic, jotting down initial ideas, and making extended contributions. Also describes the different roles withing a discussion and useful phrases for each role.

With detailed Functional English mapping.   

This activity can be used as an icebreaker or as resource when teaching about 3rd person agreement in the present tense.  

Learners ask 'Do you ..... ?' and use the answers in the box to complete the question however after the Tutor's monitoring they should realise that the answer form cannot be used for the question form.  

The questionnaire has 16 boxes but according to time and size of class, it can be reduced by folding the questionnaire so only 8 questions are used instead.  

A set of Entry 1 and Entry 2 English tasks that focus on two short texts about the alphabetical list of winter storm names released by the Met Office. The first Functional English resource I have written based on the revised Functional Skills English content (2018) which will be used by awarding organisations from September 2019 [1]. 

An introduction lesson for ESOL/Pre Entry to help build learner confidence and introduce them to college rules/expectations.

Editor's note

Two complete and very welcoming lessons. Also covers asking and responding to questions about personal information, recognising letters of the alphabet, and classroom equipment.  Lovely :)

A multi-skill worksheet that incorporates speaking, listening, reading and writing, based on a short (1:22) BBC news video about a 100th birthday trip to London. Aimed at E3 / L1, but suitable for higher level E2 and for L2 as a recap (for L2 - elicit examples of the grammar and instructions beforehand).

Key learning outcomes: learners will: