Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

10/10/17 Several minor and one major correction made

These tasks assume no previous knowledge of compound sentences and/or conjunctions. They do assume the learner is familiar with simple sentences (i.e. one clause, one verb).
Aimed at E2-E3 students but could be useful at Level 1.

Tasks include joining pairs of Halloween sentences with a suitable conjunction; extending simple sentence with a suitable ‘ending’, and rewriting texts that are initially written using only simple sentence (in order to improve their organisation and readability).

[img_assist|nid=6104|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=100|height=71]A Powerpoint presentation designed to prompt discussion and accompanying reading comprehension to advise about avoiding scams.

Editor’s note
With curriculum mapping. Covers reading, writing and SL&C.

A Level 1 reading task based on a BBC news article about problems with London’s Victorian sewers.
It focuses on text types, reading for gist and detail, vocab building and personal responses.

Editor’s note
With Functional Skills mapping.

An ESOL reading comprehension based on a BBC News report on the death of Stanislav Petrov, who averted a potential Cold War disaster in 1983.

The text contains several examples of past perfect, reported speech and third / mixed conditionals. The activity combines reading for gist, for detail, identifying vocabulary and identifying parts of speech. An extension activity gives learners an opportunity to write a similar short text, using the same elements of grammar to tell a story about a decision that changed events.

I’m using this activity to give learners a writing frame for a piece of creative writing. I want them to really think about purpose of text when they are creating it, so they have to pick the format, style and tone of their work and plan it out.

This resource has a range of activities to help students learn useful expressions/ language to make a complaint.
It is useful in building confidence in making complaints in person and on the telephone.

Editor’s note
Includes sample dialogue with questions (can also be used as a reading comprehension), matching cards, sammple scenarios, curriculum mapping and teaching notes.

A-Z chart of pictures with the corresponding initial sound. I’ve tried to select pictures which Beginner ESOL adults will recognise.

A rigorous and fully mapped reading assessment with mark sheet and detailed answers. This resource takes account of the changes demanded since Ofqual published its thematic review of Functional Skills in January 2015. Can also of course be used for normal classwork, revision, homework or private study. Ideal for Pancake day but could be used any time of year.

A set of writing activity cards that are easily differentiated for groups of learners working at a range of levels. Main focus is purpose of text.

Editor’s note
Please share your ideas on suitable objects to use for this really creative task. If you are a registered contributor you can log in and leave a comment – otherwise email me using the Contact us link at the bottom of any page.

This resource is useful for lessons relating to sports and diversity. It includes reading comprehension, alphabetical ordering, reading simple instructions, using a map/key, and a short writing task.

Editor’s note
Written for E1-E2 ESOL students but also suitable for E1-2 Functional English.