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 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.
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!
This is a resource for mixed ability groups. It can act as an ice breaker and will help students ot think about word choice and context. It is useful in writing sessions.
This can be played by 4 or more players. If you have more than 8, you may want to print out the “things” cards twice.
This is a great session starter. Students will work on their sentence construction and vocabulary with a card game that allows them to experiment with word order and effective word choice. Students have to put the words into a sensible order, even if the subject of their film is far from sensible.
In this game, students compete to make the scariest film title, or to sabotage other people’s film titles. It is a light hearted and fun game. The film titles created can also become writing prompts.
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.
