Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

Two part session, exploring Paper 2 Question 4 (GCSE English Language AQA).  Slides contain texts with guidance and prompts to upgrade responses.  Part 2 slides has voice over reading of text which can be played whilst in present mode.   Accompanying the slides are Text Sources for learner exploration, highlighting and annotation. 

Editor's notes

Letter writing task to be used after a letter writing layout and paragraphing session has been taught, to assess understanding and readiness for a writing exam. This task is aimed at students undertaking Construction/Customer Service related courses alongside Functional Skills.

Editor's notes

Ideal exam practice for all L1-2 learners but particularly those in construction. For a more scaffolded approach use with a formal letter template (look under See also for examples).

This is an E3 practice reading paper based on the Pearson E3 assessments. I have included words from the E3 spelling list and mirrored the layout and question types. Useful for summative assessment in the lead up to exams.

Editor's note

Such a useful resource! Exactly like current Pearson-Edexcel assessments but also provides robust practice for all E3 English learners regardless of the Awarding Organisation. 10 page exam paper and a separate 1 page mapping document with teaching notes. No answer sheet.

Reading, writing and discussion activities based on one of  the Edexcel exam contexts ('Learning to Drive').  PowerPoint includes chunked texts, key vocabulary tables, a video resource, and discussion and writing prompts. Resource lends itself well for additional reading comprehension prompts and explorative discussions. 

Editor's note

The reading focus is purpose, tone and organisational / formatting features. The final task is to write an online forum entry. 

Reading comprehension based on a blog which explains what "carbon" is in a very upbeat, informal way (the blog comes from the website of Who Gives a Crap, an online loo paper seller who give 50% of profits to improve sanitation in  developing countries).  Mostly aimed at L1 with extension questions for L2, all based on the Reformed Functional Skills style questions.

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: 

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).

Developed after a training session with Geoff Petty, I use this self-assessment checklist for mixed level groups. 

Although colour-coded to various levels, the idea is that any learner, regardless of level, can use the checklist to assess their own writing, and map their strengths and weaknesses.  It also helps  teachers to see how effectively learners are able to self-evaluate.   I have found it to be a really good tool to foster independent learning.

Editor's note

A challenging set of reading and writing (spelling and sentence structure only) tasks based on a WHO (World Health Organisation) report about sleep, screen and activity time for children under five.  This resource is not intended to emulate formal L1-2 summative assessment papers as it includes underpinning spelling and sentence structure tasks. In addition, some questions are deliberately challenging and beyond the Level 2 Functional English curriculum and, unlike formal assessment papers, questions are arranged by topic.

This resource is based on the DfES ESOL Skills for Life recording 'Changes interview 1'. It gives exam practice questions (C&G style) in the first section and in the second section an activity to enable learners to tune in to the sounds of English. The first section can be completed in class and the second at home or the whole sheet can be given for homework. Listening development at home enables learners to listen as often as they wish and tune in until they hear the text more clearly.