Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

A topical comprehension activity based on a 2007 BBC news report. Proof reading (misspelt homophones) and comprehension questions.

A challenging kinaesthetic paired activity that is bound to promote discussion about possessive and omissive apostrophes (and the greengrocer’s apostrophe!).

A great auditory slant to there/their/they’re and to/two/too. You must listen carefully to a sentence and then select the correct homophone. Short, sweet and very good because it forces the students to focus on the meaning of the word in the sentence.

A Flash interactive activity that runs in your browser (and you will need speakers).

To run the quiz unzip the files (select “Extract all files”) into a new folder and click on homophone_match.html. Do not try to run directly from the zip folder or you will not see all the graphics or hear the audio.

A 16 piece triangular jigsaw puzzle where common homophones must be matched to the correct sentence. Use as an ice breaker or plenary activity – great for pairs or small groups. Guaranteed to create promote discussion as learners solve puzzle (best laminated). As usual with Tarsia puzzles, you can choose to print a standard or large puzzle (select Output – large, i.e. 3 pieces per A4 sheet).

A very useful 2 page handout with information, tip and two quick exercises (one for omission, one for possession).

A fun way to consolidate the use of apostrophes in contractions. With differentiation ideas.

The ‘number two’ word map for spelling and vocabulary work and teacher reference / inspiration. Another addition to our popular series of word root / letter string maps. Guaranteed to get students (and teachers) thinking about the number two in a different light!

The ‘number one’ word map for spelling and vocabulary work and teacher reference / inspiration. Another addition to our popular series of word root / letter string maps. Guaranteed to get students (and teachers) thinking about the number one in a different light!

Homophones wordsearch is a challenging way to check learner’s knowledge of this tricky topic. First they must work out the homophones of listed words and then find them in the puzzle. Makes a good extension or revision activity.

Myths and legends is a set of three worksheets designed to encourage students to explore the language used in three English legends (Matilda’s Bracelet, The Abandoned Children of Wailing Wood, The Ghost Hound of Lyme Regis). Stories can all be listened to on the wonderful http://myths.e2bn.org/mythsandlegends/ site (printable versions are also available). Questions also cover general comprehension and dictionary work.