This is a simple activity to get learners used to the concept of writing instructive text. It can be used as an introduction to the topic of ‘Purpose of Text’ and is easily adaptable to different contextualised areas e.g. instructions on how to: hang a door; insert hair rollers; change a tyre; make a bouquet etc.
The activity allows for ease of differentiation between levels, based on your assessment of the output, and works well as a main activity for Entry Level learners, or a fun warm-up for Level 1/2 learners.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L1.6
Adult Lit Wt/L1.5 Use format and structure for different purposes
Adult Lit Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience
Adult Lit Wt/L1.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate
Adult Lit Wt/L1.2 Judge how much to write and the level of detail to include
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..
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.
This worksheet was created to encourage students to recognize the features of written instructions (numbered lists to show the chronological order of the steps – use of imperative verbs) and explanations (headings written as questions which the text answers).
Editor’s note
Functional English mapping has been added.
Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English interactive PowerPoint presentation on scanning, skimming, reading for detail and using images in text.
Includes a paired work activity on screen 9 for which you’ll need a range of texts including plenty of dictionaries, depending on you class size.
Simulations of email and online banking registration forms. Can be used in succession, as for the banking registration form you need an email address. When you press the “create account” button it will open the printing menu. Good luck!