FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics

E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics

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

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

The Emergency Services in the UK

A PowerPoint exploring the emergency services including 112 and gas emergencies. Simple text with images to encourage discussion and awareness concerning what is and what is not classed as an emergency. There is also a set of printable flash cards with suggestions.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FS Eng E1.2 Identify & extract the main information from short statements & explanations
FE E2.1 Identify & extract main information & detail from short explanations
FE E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
FE E1.7 Understand & participate in simple discussions or exchanges with another person about a straightforward topic
FE E2.6 Make appropriate contributions to simple group discussions with others about a straightforward topic
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rw/E2.2a Recognise a range of familiar words
ESOL Lr/E1.2a Listen for detail in short narratives and explanations
ESOL Lr/E2.4a Listen to, follow and respond to explanations, directions and instructions
ESOL Lr/E3.3a Listen for relevant and new information on radio, TV, video, in face-to-face situations, and over the phone
Context
Health and safety
Independent living

EL3 NCFE SL&C discussion topics for Task 2 practice

Five scenarios and tasks designed to practice for the discussion part of the speaking exam (NCFE task 2; new spec). 

Topics include watching sport, fitness clubs, life skills, transferable work skills and alternative school provision (learning at home and in the community).

Is desired, the sheet can be cut up into 5 different tasks to use on different occasions / with different groups. 

Editor's note

Level
Entry Level 3
English
FE E3.3 Communicate information & opinions clearly on a range of topics
FE E3.5 Follow & understand the main points of discussions
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE E3.7 Listen to & respond appropriately to other points of view, respecting conventions of turn-taking

Speaking and Listening task NCFE spec Entry level 3

Topic: Fitness and giving opinions on a Joe Wicks fitness app after watching a video clip.

Uses NCFE spec for task 1 in listening and speaking exam. Teacher created content following NCFE guidance documents. I hope it is accurate and welcome feedback in case this does not represent the criteria. 

Created for a student who needs a lot of support around speaking and listening. Can be adapted to much freer discussion with more cognitively able students. 

Editor's note

Level
Entry Level 3
English
FE E3.3 Communicate information & opinions clearly on a range of topics
FE E3.4 Respond appropriately to questions on a range of straightforward topics
FE E3.2 Make requests & ask concise questions using appropriate language in different contexts
FE E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
FE E3.5 Follow & understand the main points of discussions
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
ESOL
ESOL Listen and respond (Lr)
Context
Sport and fitness

Primary School bus crash shocks the community

Simplified news article about a bus crash in Australia. Reading activity with DARTs. Can be extended into a speaking and listening and writing activity.

Editor's notes

A very sad story.  Ideal for E2-E3 reading and discussion (and equivalent Australian levels). Dictionary/vocabulary work, T/F questions, sentences, cloze exercise and discussion prompt.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E2.6 Make appropriate contributions to simple group discussions with others about a straightforward topic
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE E2.10 Use effective strategies to find words meanings & check spelling e.g. simple dictionary, spell-checker
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E2.11 Read & understand sentences with more than one clause
ESOL
ESOL Reading (R)
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Remembrance Day poppies and British values

Short set of slides about different poppies used for Remembrance Day, to be used as a discussion prompt covering the British Values of Mutual Respect and Tolerance, and Individual Liberty.

Editor's notes

Super discussion prompt for the time around Nov 11th. Includes information about red, white, purple and black poppies - along with a link to a thought-provoking video from Benjamin Zephaniah. For Functional English, ESOL and wider use.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E2.1 Identify & extract main information & detail from short explanations
FE E2.4 Follow the gist of discussions
FS Eng E2.5 Clearly express straightforward information & communicate feelings / opinions
FE E2.6 Make appropriate contributions to simple group discussions with others about a straightforward topic
FE E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
FE E3.3 Communicate information & opinions clearly on a range of topics
FE E3.5 Follow & understand the main points of discussions
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE E3.7 Listen to & respond appropriately to other points of view, respecting conventions of turn-taking
FE L1.1 Identify relevant information & lines of argument in explanations & presentations
FS Eng L1.4 Communicate information / ideas / opinions clearly & accurately on range of topics
FS Eng L1.5 Express opinions and arguments and support them with evidence
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
ESOL
ESOL Make requests, ask questions, respond
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL: Understand instructions, explanations & narratives
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries
Voluntary, Charity and Community

Discussion planner for E2-L2 Functional English

Reformed Functional English assessments include group discussion at all levels beyond Entry 1.  This useful, 3 page planner can be used (with varying amounts of teacher support) from E2 to L2. Covers everything from choosing a topic, jotting down initial ideas, and making extended contributions. Also describes the different roles withing a discussion and useful phrases for each role.

With detailed Functional English mapping.   

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E2.6 Make appropriate contributions to simple group discussions with others about a straightforward topic
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE E3.7 Listen to & respond appropriately to other points of view, respecting conventions of turn-taking
FE L1.7 Use appropriate phrases / registers & adapt contributions to take account of audience / purpose / medium
FE L1.8 Respect turn-taking rights of others during discussions, using appropriate language for interjection
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
FE L2.10 Interject & redirect discussion using appropriate language & register
ESOL
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
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