I am absolutely fascinated by this blog written by Lauren Piovesan, the founder of ESL Reads. Despite spending two decades simplifying texts - a task that I enjoy and sometimes find a challenge - I've never really analysed what I'm doing.
Although written for EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers this is a useful guide for both experienced and new teachers of ESOL, adult literacy (Functional Skills English) and indeed vocational subjects.
Since the demise of the Excellence Gateway (EG) on September 30 2023, there is no official Government backed website where the old Skills for Life core curricula are available. The EG has (partially) migrated to the Education & Training Foundation (ETF) at https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/ but there is no sign of these classic documents.
A revision activity for Level 1 Functional Skills English reading and writing.
Editor’s note
Reading questions cover all aspects of the FS criteria. The writing activity (formal letter) stresses the use of persuasive techniques and is ideal for both Level 1 and Level 2. It includes a useful writing checklist.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L2.6
Adult Lit Wt/L2.5 Use formal & informal language appropriate to purpose & audience
Adult Lit Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience
A rigorous and fully mapped reading assessment with mark sheet and detailed answers. This resource takes account of the changes demanded since Ofqual published its thematic review of Functional Skills in January 2015. Can also of course be used for normal classwork, revision, homework or private study. Ideal for Pancake day but could be used any time of year.
An E3-L1 Functional Skills reading resource modelled on C&G assessments. The activities are based around two documents, one from the BBC news website and the other a leaflet advertising a private police service. May prompt discussion on the nature of crime, punishment and the role of the police force in society.
A worksheet designed to draw together all the features which identify different types of documents or texts such as emails, webpages, letters and leaflets.
I designed this a recap and to create a revision document for my learners doing Functional Skills English at Levels 1 & 2.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Rt/L2.6 Use organisational features and systems to locate texts and information
A worksheet that lists all of the most common word types and has space for the learners to enter their own description and their own examples.
To be completed over a number of weeks as each word type is covered and understood. The completed sheets can then be used as a revision tool / personal glossary.
Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
Rs/L2.1 Use implicit and explicit grammatical knowledge
Adult Literacy Rs/L1.1 Use implicit and explicit grammatical knowledge
Adult Literacy Rs/E3.2 Use implicit & explicit knowledge of word types/order to help with decoding/predicting meaning
L1 literacy / ESOL practice on a slightly humorous BBC News article. It covers the main areas my learners have issues with: spelling, true or false and synonyms. With answer sheet.
A very clever resource! Page 1 is a series of tips aimed at L1-2 students taking the adult literacy multiple choice reading test but is relevant to any multiple choice English exam. Page 2 is a set of “multiple choice questions about multiple choice questions” – based on the information on page.
A very clever PPT that simulates the format of the NCFE online Adult Literacy tests (which are quite different to the Move On practice tests) in order to familiarise learners with the screens and experience the zoom function. It also provides useful exam practice for all L1 and L2 Literacy students – no matter which awarding body is being used. There are five sample texts accompanied by 10 multiple choice questions.
