Comprehension based on a Red Nose Day order form for schools. Two comprehensions – one L1/L2, one E3. Also some embedded maths and the E3 version includes form filling. I recommend introducing the form with a discussion about features of text and layout.
Editor's note (13/2/22)
The PDF form is no longer available from the Red Nose Day website but you can download it from the link below.
A simplified reading about cyclones with reference to the two cyclones in Australia in February 2015 followed by some exercises. The exercises are at different levels to meet the very different abilities of students in my class.
Editor’s note
Lovely selection of reading materials and exercises – includes fill-in tables, questions, word searches (two levels), and a blank map to add cyclone paths. E1-E3.
Update (28/2/15)
Small error in wind speed chart now corrected.
A simplified and adapted version of Laura Bell’s New Year Resource (which is aimed at E3-L2).
This version is aimed at E2-E3 and is a reading comprehension based on a BBC website report of New Year round the world. Great as an introductory topic to spring term sessions.
To find the original higher level resource scroll down to See also.
Reading comprehension based on a BBC website report of New Year round the world. The first part requires specific answers (i.e. Shanghai rather than China) to require learners to think about their answers rather than copy out general lumps of text. The second part asks higher level, more analytical questions.
I am using as an introductory topic to New Year sessions.
Editor’s note
A simplified E2 version of this resource is now available – scroll down to See also.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Rt/L2.8
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
A mini-workscheme and accompanying worksheets for use with the Quick Read (Chiller Livewire) book Crazy Jack by Brandon Robshaw.
Develops skills in reading, comprehension, discussion, word and text identification and writing.
Editor’s note
March 2016 minor edit to title – no other changes
Level
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
This is a series of short job ads for a hotel (+ one for a school caretaker). Simple language and uncluttered layout..
Good for introduction to language of employment. I have used these with E1 to E3 and they work well as a differentiated resource
Higher levels can gauge implict information, especially for the school caretaker advert in writing covering application letters to include attributes such as working with children, being trustworthy and reliable etc)
I attach handouts for one of my recent sessions. It’s fairly self explanatory and tests learners’ comprehension skills. Also covers scanning for info and correcting punctuation errors. Great for teenagers.
Updated June 2017
New Entry 3 reading and writing tasks added. Available below as a separate PDF file. You will also need to download the L1-2 version as it uses the same text.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
This is an exercise designed to have learners find particular information in a table. They then have to enter some information on circuit details forms – they also have to use an atlas or similar to identify the correct national flag for each circuit.
This is a popular resource for all-male classes where they already may have an interest in Formula One. It can make a great classroom display as well. As an extension, they have “plotted” the circuits on a blank world map, which helps for general knowledge/geography.
