Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

Two PowerPoint resources for discussion that can feed into Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills for English, Speaking & Listening.

Editor’s note
Also covers research, reading and writing. Great for prompting discussion among 14-19 year olds.

A quick paper based quiz on the EU adapted from the on-screen version on the uk.gov site at: www.eureferendum.gov.uk
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It isn’t directly about the referendum but might be useful to spark debates. Multiple choice, questions such as ‘how many countries are in the EU’ etc…..

Editor’s note
Updated Sept 17. Errors corrected and minor layout changes.

A handout and exercise sheets for using direct and reported speech. Gives several example of each and the exercises work by switching the same message between direct and reported speech.

I have used this as a speaking/listing exercise as well as writing for grammar/punctuation. Target group is really L1 /L2 but can work well with high E3 too.

Based on an hilarious Comics Relief YouTube clip. A great way to get students to look at conversations in speaking and listening or to look at humour, irony and sarcasm.

You can vary the questions or just use them as a discussion prompt. I have found it works well with lower level learners and with higher ones as well. Even students who don’t like the shows or the people will have some comments

I developed this simple resource initially as a speaking and listening exercise but quickly discovered I could extend it into a writing activity. The questions are designed not to be too personal. I have used it several times and it has worked well with learners from Entry 1 to Level 2. I particularly like the fact that learners have produced some really excellent writing, which is usually what they find the most difficult.

Cards that can be laminated and used over and over again for speaking and listening using persuasive language. Ideal for Functional Skills English speaking, listening and communication practice.

Set of 12 sentences to complete. The 12 missing words are 6 pairs of synonyms such as sorry / apologise, need / require, etc. Makes a good starting point for further discussion and/or further speaking and written work.

I first used this was used as practice for the written and spoken part of Functional Skills exams.

Learners need to begin by discussing TV shows and hopefully someone will mention Big Brother. Then they have to write about 150 words about what sort of housemate they would be in the house.

Next they have to read through the 20 housemate descriptions and choose 10 of them to join them. This needs to be a team decision.

Set of challenging L2 discussion, writing (and even movie production!) tasks. Particularly suitable for older learners who remember the Tomorrow’s World TV show and/or technology lovers. A link to the BBC video archive is included. Writing tasks include informal and formal letters and a persuasive essay.

Excellent advice on giving a presentation (this is a required part of Level 2 Functional English assessment and would also be useful for L2 literacy and possibly L2 ESOL). Step by step guide to planning and delivery.