Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

A topical reading comprehension on Captain Tom's 100th birthday with related writing and SLC (speaking listening and communication) tasks.  There are two versions: one for Entry Level 3 and one for Level 1 (also suitable for L2). Writing tasks include reports and emails (and at Entry 3 - a spelling test). SLC tasks cover short talks with Q&A sessions and discussions. 

Editor's note.

During the Covid-19 lockdown I started working online in Google Classroom and created this L1-2 writing task (and an accompanying introductory presentation) in Google Docs / Slides. Use the presentation to introduce learners (if needed) to Captain Tom and his remarkable achievement for the NHS (national health service) during the Covid-19 crisis.  Slides also provide links to related news articles (important for background information and also for demonstrating the layout and language features of articles). 

Update - apologies, when I added this resource on April 1st I forgot to upload the Word document. It is now available below. Maggie 10/4/20

Functional Skills Level 2 (and T Level General English Competencies) writing tasks consisting of writing a report and a letter to apply for a job (both based on the current Covid-19 crisis).

Editor's note (19/3/2020): answer sheet now available (contributors only)

Based on a text about the annual St Patrick's Parade in London. Aimed at L1 /L2 Reformed Functional Skills learners but also includes some Entry Level questions. Unlike formal assessment papers, questions are arranged by topic so that teachers can pick and choose the subjects they want to focus on. Includes: 

I wrote this resource to explore the Reformed Entry Level 2 reading and writing content, and the format of the new assessments from various awarding organisations (AO). 

Sparked after reading an article about a UK Which? report in The Guardian newspaper, and made in haste, this resource is aimed at Entry Level 3 (E3) and Level 1 (L1) learners but includes some E2 and L2 questions. There is no answer sheet – one might appear later for skillsworkshop contributors – but see below for general marking guidance. If you are stuck you can ask for help using my Twitter tag @skillsworkshop https://twitter.com/skillsworkshop

A PowerPoint set of L1-L2 reading, maths and writing tasks. All are based on information a recent UK.gov Home Office fact sheet about Prevent and Channel*. The fact sheet can be found online or downloaded from this page. Main Functional Maths coverage is reading and comparing whole numbers and percentages, and percentage-fraction equivalents. Some questions involve calculating percentages or checking the figures that are quoted in the text (Level 2).

I wrote this resource to familiarise myself with the new Reformed Entry Level 3 reading and spelling content. As a revision or assessment tool it would be particularly useful around October half term time (i.e. just before Bonfire Night). It can also be used as a springboard for general discussion about fireworks and Bonfire Night.

Five large A4 templates for web page, letter, article, email and a speech/talk.  They can be used in a variety of ways depending upon learner levels and lesson objectives. E.g. E1-E2 students can discuss and decide upon the text type and/or where they might see such document, E2-E3 learners can use them to plan or draft work. At L1 they could be displayed onscreen as a brief reminder to use different layouts for different purposes or for reading revision (of organisational features).

This resource was created as a way to focus my learners on one person in a larger story. I believe it is a great way to get them used to using the Who, What, Why, When and Where writing method creatively. It is especially good for planning activities.

Editor's note

Although Functional English does not include creative / fiction writing this resource is still useful for general E3 and L1 planning and writing practice, and (for L2 students) as preparation for GCSE.