Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

Functional Skills English slides on comparing texts - part of my Skills Building Series.

This resource explores the fundamental skills to support learners in achieving success with the comparison question in the Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 1 and 2 Exam papers. It provides learners with opportunities to practice their comparison skills using images, videos (audio with lyrics) and short texts. 

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What is a Staycation and why are they a good idea for Brits in 2021?  Slides for L1 and L2 English learners to find out more about the staycation, and planning their own, while building their English skills.

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Two part session, exploring Paper 2 Question 4 (GCSE English Language AQA).  Slides contain texts with guidance and prompts to upgrade responses.  Part 2 slides has voice over reading of text which can be played whilst in present mode.   Accompanying the slides are Text Sources for learner exploration, highlighting and annotation. 

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Letter writing task to be used after a letter writing layout and paragraphing session has been taught, to assess understanding and readiness for a writing exam. This task is aimed at students undertaking Construction/Customer Service related courses alongside Functional Skills.

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Ideal exam practice for all L1-2 learners but particularly those in construction. For a more scaffolded approach use with a formal letter template (look under See also for examples).

This is an E3 practice reading paper based on the Pearson E3 assessments. I have included words from the E3 spelling list and mirrored the layout and question types. Useful for summative assessment in the lead up to exams.

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Such a useful resource! Exactly like current Pearson-Edexcel assessments but also provides robust practice for all E3 English learners regardless of the Awarding Organisation. 10 page exam paper and a separate 1 page mapping document with teaching notes. No answer sheet.

Reading, writing and discussion activities based on one of  the Edexcel exam contexts ('Learning to Drive').  PowerPoint includes chunked texts, key vocabulary tables, a video resource, and discussion and writing prompts. Resource lends itself well for additional reading comprehension prompts and explorative discussions. 

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The reading focus is purpose, tone and organisational / formatting features. The final task is to write an online forum entry. 

Reading comprehension based on a blog which explains what "carbon" is in a very upbeat, informal way (the blog comes from the website of Who Gives a Crap, an online loo paper seller who give 50% of profits to improve sanitation in  developing countries).  Mostly aimed at L1 with extension questions for L2, all based on the Reformed Functional Skills style questions.

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These three simple resources are aimed for teaching the layout features and conventions of informal and formal letter writing.  There are three templates: 

This is the resource for L1 learners submitted by Hannah Yates on 2 June 2017, but updated with 2020 figures for JSA (job seekers allowance) and Tax allowance.

Now in SMART notebook format to use whilst screen sharing in a virtual teaching session.  Answers are included on the slide following each question (and under the shades on the table on slide 3).

Developed after a training session with Geoff Petty, I use this self-assessment checklist for mixed level groups. 

Although colour-coded to various levels, the idea is that any learner, regardless of level, can use the checklist to assess their own writing, and map their strengths and weaknesses.  It also helps  teachers to see how effectively learners are able to self-evaluate.   I have found it to be a really good tool to foster independent learning.

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