Based on the exercises in the Functional Skills Entry Level English exams, this is a revision resource that also provides practice in spelling and reading. I use this as a starter activity, whilst the students are settling into the classroom. It is not intended to be completed at one time. The resource is kept in their folders and can also be used in spare time or for homework.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
Alphabetical order
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E2.5a Sequence words using basic alphabetical ordering skills
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters
Short sets of words for alphabetic sorting. These can be used with literacy or ESOL learners. I found they worked well at the beginning of each session while learners were still arriving into the class. They work well as individual or pairs exercises.
The first set works best when each list is cut up and laminated as individual words in each group, so learners can sort them kinaesthetically.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
Alphabetical order
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters
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.
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 fabulous City and Guilds style E3 literacy assignment that covers all aspects of E3 speaking and listening, reading and writing (see editor’s note below). Based on a trip to a seaside music festival, it makes a very appealing summer-time revision activity for music fans of any age.
Level
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
A fabulous City and Guilds style E3 literacy assignment that covers all aspects of E3 speaking and listening, reading and writing (see Editor’s note below). Based on a real trip to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford it is written in a generic style and could be any local museum / art gallery.
Level
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
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.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Word origins
General literacy / English
Maths
General numeracy / maths
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
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.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Word origins
AL Rw/L2.3 Vocabulary (language features, synonyms, formality)
Rw/L1.3
ESOL
ESOL Rw/L2.3a Recognise & understand vocabulary associated with different text types
ESOL Rw/L1.3a Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary
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.
Level
Level 2
English
Word origins
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
Rt/L2.4 Read an argument and identify the points of view
AL Rw/L2.3 Vocabulary (language features, synonyms, formality)
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.