Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

Displaying 1 - 10 of 12 resources:

GCSE AQA Language Paper 1 Question 3: this resource uses a pop music video (Stay by Shakespears Sister) to help students grasp the concept of analysing fictional texts for structure. Many students struggle to get to grips with the idea of structure; this activity is designed to demonstrate how stories are structured in a more visual way. There's a worksheet with links to three short video clips; students watch each clip and then make notes about what they see in the story (introduction of characters, setting, atmosphere / mood / tone, action, plot, etc). 

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE English Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure

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. 

Editor's notes

Level
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L1.10 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts
FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts, inc. how they are conveyed
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts

Social Media - AI behind the scenes slides exploring: how many people use social media and the algorithms running behind the scenes; the fact that we are being 'watched' and the concept that 'if you're not paying for the product, then YOU are the product'. Slides also explore DeepMind, Google Autocomplete and the idea that smartphones are making us dumber. 

Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.2 Follow narratives & lines of argument
FS Eng L2.5 Communicate information/ideas/opinions clearly/effectively with further detail/development if required
FS Eng L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
FE L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE L2.23 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
GCSE English Spoken language AO8 Listen and respond
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO1b Select & synthesise evidence from different texts
GCSE English Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences
GCSE Writing AO5(b) Organise information using structural and grammatical features
Context
Electrical, Electronics & Technology
Art Film Media Music Radio TV
Social Media

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. 

Editor's notes

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts

This is a topical lesson, looking at the Japanese tsunami disaster and its coverage in the media.

It introduces students to identifying facts and opinions. It also allows students to discuss their own views (appropriately) about this disaster. Students are also given the opportunity to write their own newspaper article based around the facts of the events.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: Engage in Discussion
Functional English - writing
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
Rt/L2.8
Rt/L2.5 Read critically to evaluate information and compare information, ideas and opinions from different sources
Rt/L2.4 Read an argument and identify the points of view
Rt/L2.2 Identify the purpose of a text and infer meaning which is not explicit
Rt/L2.1 Trace and understand the main events of continuous descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Functional English reading
Functional Skills English
Context
News, Politics & Government items

Housework is a set of three related resources:
Housework is a very funny video (with a rather predictable ending!) accompanied by words and jolly music and designed to introduce, complement or summarise the two related resources below.
Although aimed at M8-E2, ESOL/Literacy groups of all levels will enjoy this video and it is bound to prompt disucssion. Supplied as a zipped WMV (Windows Media Video) file (6.8 MB). A big thank you must go to Janet Fletcher who co-authored this video!

Level
M8
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
Adult literacy: reading comprehension (Rt)
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Rw/M8.3 Recognise & read a growing no. of words signs symbols
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
Context
Independent living

Lovely interactive crossword. 13 clues. Would make a good group activity on an interactive whiteboard.

To run, unzip the file (select “Extract all files”) into a new folder and click on *partsofspeechhotpotcrossword *to run.

Created with the excellent freeware program Hot Potatoes http://hotpot.uvic.ca/
Please see Karen’s separate “How to use Hot Potatoes to make a crossword” ICT guide for further information.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Use knowledge of grammar
ICT
General ICT resources

Lovely interactive crossword. 8 clues. Would make a good group activity on an interactive whiteboard.

To run, unzip the file (select “Extract all files”) into a new folder and click on punctuationhotpotcrossword to run.

Created with the excellent freeware program Hot Potatoes http://hotpot.uvic.ca/
Please see Karen’s separate “How to use Hot Potatoes to make a crossword” ICT guide for further information.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Use knowledge of punctuation and capitalisation
ICT
General ICT resources

A great auditory slant to there/their/they’re and to/two/too. You must listen carefully to a sentence and then select the correct homophone. Short, sweet and very good because it forces the students to focus on the meaning of the word in the sentence.

A Flash interactive activity that runs in your browser (and you will need speakers).

To run the quiz unzip the files (select “Extract all files”) into a new folder and click on homophone_match.html. Do not try to run directly from the zip folder or you will not see all the graphics or hear the audio.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies

Short quiz provides useful on-screen practice in recognising adverbs (and reading instructions). You can also print a separate copy of the recipe for reading practice, a paper based activity (or to cook it!).

To run the quiz unzip the files (select “Extract all files”) into a new folder and click on l1adverbhotpot. Do not try to run directly from the zip folder or you will not see all the graphics and links.

Created with the excellent freeware program Hot Potatoes http://hotpot.uvic.ca/

Level
Level 1
English
Adult Literacy Rs/L1.1 Use implicit and explicit grammatical knowledge
ESOL
ESOL Rs/L1.1a Use implicit & explicit grammatical knowledge to predict meaning & check for sense
Context
Catering Food Nutrition