Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

This is a spelling/phonetics resource that could be used as a starter, differentiated activity or filler. Learners colour in the squares where the words have an /f/ sound, these words are hidden with words that are ‘gh’ but aren’t pronounced /f/. When completed the grid shows a smiley face. There are a few trap words in here which can be used for dictionary or internet search practice.

This resource will help learners recognise words related to personal information. Learners will read, match, fill in the gaps and identify the number of syllables.

This is a game to form new words using syllables.All these words have three parts to them and multiple words can be made using different parts in different order

I have used this with L1 and L2 learners and they love it. I let them work in groups – no more than 5 otherwise it gets a bit too busy and confusing.

You may need to have pre-taught some common prefixes and suffixes and rules; how prefixes never change the spelling of the root word they join, etc..

From one of our Australian contributors, this makes a good end of term quiz and discussion prompt re. similarities to cockney rhyming slang, informal language, etc.

A really unusual reading comprehension exercise that also tests a range of maths skills (dates, large numbers, distance, etc.). Although the general reading level is around Level1 it is based on an Australian news article about a lottery winner and contains a lot of unfamiliar Australian vocabulary. Thus it also stretches Level 2 learners. An optional glossary is provided; this includes words such as swag, Slikpik, shire and half a dozen more.

Challenging multiple choice quiz of vocabulary “borrowed” from other languages such as French, Greek and Italian. Words and phrases include: fait accompli, deja vu, ad hoc, bric-a-brac and many more. Makes a good warm up and could be used with small groups or individually.

A set of comprehension questions, together with vocabulary exercises, anagrams and a writing prompt.
Useful for those working towards Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy and anyone with an interest in word origins and English linguistics.
All based on an article from the BBC News website www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10776581
See below for links to other Level 2 exercises.

A nice introduction to using syllables to help with decoding and spelling.

A fun text to discuss in class. Use as focus on humour in writing, vocabulary and borrowed words, etc. Optional picture clues are provided to help students discover the meaning of eight Japanese words.

A wonderful 2.5 hr differentiated lesson plan complete with resources. These include matching games, fill-in diary sheets, cloze exercises / writing frames and more!
A related PPT has been writtn to accompany this lesson. See below.