FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically

Use the first, second and third place letters to sequence words in alphabetical order

Subject content [reformed] functional skills: English (DfE, Feb 2018): 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/functional-skills-subject-content-english

Based on the exercises in the Functional Skills Entry Level English exams, this is a revision resource that also provides practice in spelling and reading. I use this as a starter activity, whilst the students are settling into the classroom. It is not intended to be completed at one time. The resource is kept in their folders and can also be used in spare time or for homework. 

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
Alphabetical order
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E2.5a Sequence words using basic alphabetical ordering skills
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters

Written in and inspired by the July 22 heatwave where temperatures in the UK exceeded 40 degrees! 

Three texts about hot weather and its effects on the body. Questions start at Entry Level 1 and progress to Level 2. L1-2 Learners will still need to access the Entry Level texts as the final questions involve comparing two or more texts. 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E1.9 Read simple sentences containing one clause
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E1.11 Punctuate simple sentences with capital letter & full stop
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E2.14 Form regular plurals
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE L1.10 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts, inc. how they are conveyed
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
Context
Health, Social care, Early years
Health and safety

Short sets of words for alphabetic sorting.   These can be used with literacy or ESOL learners.  I found they worked well at the beginning of each session while learners were still arriving into the class.  They work well as individual or pairs exercises.

The first set works best when each list is cut up and laminated as individual words in each group, so learners can sort them kinaesthetically.  

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
Alphabetical order
ESOL
ESOL Rw/E3.4a Alphabetical order 1st & 2nd place letters

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

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E3.14 Form irregular plurals
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text
FE L2.19 Identify different styles of writing & writer’s voice
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE L2.16 Understand organisational features & use to locate relevant information in a range of sources
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

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.

Level
Entry Level 3
English
FE E3.8 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE E3.14 Form irregular plurals
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
Context
Health and safety
News, Politics & Government items

June 2021 - now updated for the 2021 Season

Wimbledon is a text for E2-3 with comprehension, dictionary and sentence-writing questions followed by alphabetical ordering work on the men’s/women’s top seeds.
Now a Skillsworkshop Classic English title.
 

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E2.7 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 2
FE E3.8 Read correctly words designated for Entry Level 3
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E2.9 Understand organisational markers in short, straightforward texts
FE E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E3.12 Understand organisational features & use them to locate relevant information
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE E2.15 Use 1st & 2nd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E2.19 Write in compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect clauses
FE E3.21 Use compound sentences & paragraphs where appropriate
FE E2.20 Use adjectives & simple linking words
FE E3.19 Write text of appropriate length & level of detail
Context
Sport and fitness