FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts

E3.9 Identify, understand and extract the main points and ideas in and from texts

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

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

Health & Safety Regulations - reading text with questions

Health and Safety text covering common Health and Safety Acts and Regulations with questions throughout the text, written in the style of the Functional Skills English Reading exams. 

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from 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
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 E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Health and safety

Muhammad Ali – Boxer: E3-L2 Reading text and questions

Reading text for Entry Level 3 - Level 2 FS English with exam-style questions. Practice material for the Reading exam. Especially for students with an interest in Boxing. 

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
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 L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from 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
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 L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
Context
Sport and fitness
Faith & Religion

Frank Bruno – Boxer: E2-L1 Reading text and questions

Reading text for Entry Level 2 - Level 1 FS English with exam-style questions. Practice material for the Reading exam. Especially for students with an interest in Boxing. 

Editor's notes

The text is shorter and less challenging than the other three titles in this series (find these under See Also). The questions cover general comprehension , vocabulary, punctuation, etc.) so there's something to suit everyone from E2-L1 - especially boxing fans!  

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
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 E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
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 L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
Context
Sport and fitness

George Foreman – Boxer: E3-L2 Reading text and questions

Reading text for Entry Level 3 - Level 2 FS English with exam-style questions. Practice material for the Reading exam. Especially for students with an interest in Boxing. 

Editor's notes

The text is lengthy and challenging and some Entry Learners will need support. However, the questions cover a good range of topics (vocabulary, punctuation, detail, purpose, etc.) and reading abilities so there's something to suit everyone here - especially boxing fans! A wonderful example of contextualised and embedded English teaching. 

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
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 L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from 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
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 L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
Context
Sport and fitness
Catering Food Nutrition

Vitali Klitschko – Boxer: E3-L2 Reading text and questions

Reading text for Entry Level 3-  Level 2 FS English with exam-style questions. 

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
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 L2.15 Use a range of reference materials & resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from 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
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 L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
Context
Sport and fitness
News, Politics & Government items

Pond Dipping - a Family Day Out E1-E2 and E3-L1

A short story about a family day out.  The family go pond-dipping.  Easy to read with two lovely images to spark discussion and interest.  Worksheet to be given after reading the text. The second part of the worksheet should be completed without the text (if possible). Entry 1 to E2.  Some support may be needed at E1. Also a more complex / longer version for Entry 3 to lower L1.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE E2.13 Use basic punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question, exclamation marks)
FE E1.13 Use lower-case letters when there is no reason to use capital letters
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Ws/E2.4a Use a capital letter for proper nouns
ESOL Ws/E1.1a Construct a simple sentence, using basic word order & verb form
ESOL Ws/E2.3a Use correct punctuation, e.g. capital letters, full stops, question marks
ESOL Writing: word focus - spelling and handwriting (Ww)
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rt/L1.1a Understand how meaning is built up in paragraphed texts
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
Context
Science, Nature & Weather

Summer Solstice 2025

An updated version of Laura Bell's 2017 Solstice resource (also uses information from British Heritage), this topical resource is bound to be popular. It includes an introductory PPT (with a final differentiated article-writing task and an informative video link) along with a PDF set of reading tasks

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from 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 L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
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 L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE E3.16 Use 1st, 2nd & 3rd letters to sequence words alphabetically
FE E3.19 Write text of appropriate length & level of detail
FE L1.23 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Faith & Religion

Living in the UK – Living on a Budget

Part of the Living in the UK series, this resource covers reading, writing and communication for Entry 1-3 learners. 

There are two separate resources: one for E2-E3 and a simplified version for E1.  Each features an illustrated short reading text followed by:

  • comprehension questions
  • punctuation questions
  • various writing tasks
  • suggestions for short talks and Q&A sessions

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE E2.13 Use basic punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question, exclamation marks)
FE 1.16 Communicate information in words, phrases & simple sentences
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FE E3.18 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly & in logical sequence e.g. chronologically, by task
FE E3.19 Write text of appropriate length & level of detail
FS Eng E1.6 Make clear statements, communicate feelings & opinions on straightforward topics
FS Eng E2.5 Clearly express straightforward information & communicate feelings / opinions
FE E3.3 Communicate information & opinions clearly on a range of topics
FE E2.2 Make requests & ask clear questions appropriately in different contexts
FE E3.2 Make requests & ask concise questions using appropriate language in different contexts
FS Eng E2.1 Identify & extract main information & detail from short explanations
FS Eng E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Ws/E2.3a Use correct punctuation, e.g. capital letters, full stops, question marks
ESOL Sc/E1.4a Make simple statements of fact
ESOL Sc/E2.3c Give a short account
ESOL Sc/E3.4c Give an account/narrate events in the past
ESOL Sc/E2.2d Ask for factual information (present, past, future)
ESOL Sc/E3.3b Ask questions to obtain personal or factual information
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism
Family and relationships
Catering Food Nutrition

A celebration of British Fruit - Medlars

Continuing with the theme “A celebration of British fruit”, this reading comprehension resource is about the delightful medlar fruit. At Levels 1 and 2 there are additional punctuation and grammar questions, spelling, and fact and opinion. There is also a speaking and listening group discussion/ presentation task. At Entry 3 there is a revised text with questions and discussion ideas. The final text is simplified for Entry 1 and 2 with some appropriate questions.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE E3.11 Use strategies to find meaning of words e.g. dictionary, context, word types
FE L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts
FE E2.12 Use illustrations, images & captions to locate information
FE E2.13 Use basic punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question, exclamation marks)
FE E3.13 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas)
FE E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics
FE L1.6 Follow / understand discussions & make contributions relevant to situation & subject
FE L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
ESOL
ESOL Sd/E3.1b Take part in more formal interaction
ESOL Sd/L1.2a Express views and opinions
ESOL Sd/L2.2c Express views, opinions, feelings, wishes
ESOL Sd/L2.2d Persuade, warn, rebuke, etc
ESOL Sd/L2.4a Support opinions and arguments with evidence
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Rt/L1.3a Understand how main points and specific detail are presented and linked
ESOL Rt/E3.2a Distinguish between different purposes of texts at this level
ESOL Ws/E2.3a Use correct punctuation, e.g. capital letters, full stops, question marks
ESOL Ws/E3.3a Use punctuation to aid clarity in relation to beginnings and ends of sentences
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

Black History Inventors and Scientists

Learners explore the contributions of five black (US) scientists and inventors. Suitable for Entry Levels 1, 2 & 3 and beyond.

Editor's notes

An interesting multi-purpose PPT that be used to focus on listening, reading or writing skills. Makes a complete lesson: warm up discussion, video link, Guess Who? quizzes and a final research / writing task.

 

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
FS Eng E1.2 Identify & extract the main information from short statements & explanations
FS Eng E2.1 Identify & extract main information & detail from short explanations
FS Eng E3.1 Identify & extract relevant information & detail in straightforward explanations
FE E1.10 Understand a short piece of text on a simple subject
FE E2.8 Understand the main points in texts
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE 1.16 Communicate information in words, phrases & simple sentences
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FE E3.18 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly & in logical sequence e.g. chronologically, by task
ESOL
ESOL Lr/E1.2a Listen for detail in short narratives and explanations
ESOL Lr/E2.2a Listen for detail in narratives and explanations
ESOL Lr/E3.3a Listen for relevant and new information on radio, TV, video, in face-to-face situations, and over the phone
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Wt/E1.1a Compose very simple text to communicate ideas or basic information
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Wt/E3.2a Structure main points in short paragraphs
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries
Subscribe to FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts