FE Writing composition

A resource that focuses on writing composition and covers many FS content descriptors  (often at several levels)

Scope of study (note that the content at each level of qualification subsumes and builds upon the content at lower levels)
Entry 1 - short simple texts such as messages and notes
Entry 2 - short, straightforward texts such as letters, e-mails and simple narratives
Entry 3 - straightforward texts such as narratives, instructions, explanations and reports
Level 1 - straightforward texts such as narratives, instructions, explanations and reports of varying lengths
Level 2 - straightforward and complex texts such as articles, narratives, explanations and reports of varying lengths

 

Major update 17/5/23 written for Legacy FS in 2011 but fully updated to reflect the Reformed Functional English Content. 

This is a handout aimed at L1 Functional English learners. It contains brief guidance on exam technique for the reading exam followed by detailed, updated help with the writing exam. This has tips on maximising marks in the 7 key areas that an examiner looks at (4 areas for composition and the three SPaG areas)
Although written for Level 1 it would also serve as a useful reminder for Level 2 students 

Level
Level 1
English
Functional English reading
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE Writing composition
General
Exam tips and help

A substantial comprehension resource about recycling and general waste in the UK. It includes sections relating to general recycling, fly tipping and dog fouling. There is also information about the new regulations coming into force next year.

It is suitable for Functional Skills English, general comprehension and ESOL at higher levels. There are a number of activities and SPaG questions and a writing task. 

Editor's notes:

Level
Level 1
Level 2
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FS Eng SL&C Speaking - Clearly communicate information, ideas & opinions
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.14 Understand organisational / structural features use to locate relevant information
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE Writing composition
T Levels - General English Competencies (GEC)
ESOL
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL Present information
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
ESOL: Writing sentence focus - punctuation and grammar (Ws)
Context
Recycling, the environment and sustainability

Fraud and Scams in the UK 

This resource looks at phone and other types of scams and fraud.  It alerts the reader to the common tactics used by scammers and offers suggestions to avoid becoming a victim. The text is suitable for higher level E3 to L1-2 but the material is easily adapted for lower levels. Part of the Living in the UK series. 

Editor's notes

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE READING understanding and locating information
FE Writing composition
FS Eng SL&C Discussion
FS Eng SL&C Active listening
FS Eng SL&C Speaking - Clearly communicate information, ideas & opinions
ESOL
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
ESOL Engage in discussion (Sd)
ESOL Listen and respond (Lr)
ICT
EDS: Being safe & responsible online
Context
Equality and safeguarding
Independent living

Functional skills Level 1 English writing. This is an example I have written for students who find it difficult to think of ideas. Enclosed are notes about Global Warming, that the students can get ideas from, and a sample answer.

Editor's note

Wonderful idea to provide scaffolding by way of notes, ideas and a sample answer that learners can refer to.  Without the scaffolding, this resource also makes an ideal practice question for Level 2.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE Writing composition
Context
Science, Nature & Weather
News, Politics & Government items

Letter writing task to be used after a letter writing layout and paragraphing session has been taught, to assess understanding and readiness for a writing exam. This task is aimed at students undertaking Construction/Customer Service related courses alongside Functional Skills.

Editor's notes

Ideal exam practice for all L1-2 learners but particularly those in construction. For a more scaffolded approach use with a formal letter template (look under See also for examples).

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE Writing composition
FE L1.22 Communicate information, ideas & opinions clearly, coherently & accurately
FE L2.23 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
FE L1.23 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
FE L2.24 Write text of appropriate level of detail & length to meet needs of purpose & audience
Context
Construction Carpentry Plumbing
Retail Hospitality Customer service

Read the extract from 'Are cat cafes good for cats?' and then answer the comprehension questions. When you have finished, complete the writing task.

Editor's note

Covers many E3-L1 content descriptors including: main points and detail, purpose of text, using punctuation to aid understanding, language features, dictionary/vocabulary work and  distinguishing between fact and option. Ideal for mixed level groups. Each question is mapped to the relevant subject content descriptor. 

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
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 L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L1.13 Use reference materials & appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, inc. to find word meanings
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE Writing composition
Context
Animals, animal care, farming & equine
Retail Hospitality Customer service

Read the extract and complete the comprehension tasks. When you have finished complete the writing exercise. 

Editor's note

Covers many E3-L1 content descriptors including: main points and detail, purpose of text, using punctuation to aid understanding.  Ideal for mixed level groups. Each question is mapped to the relevant subject content descriptor. 

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E3.9 Identify, understand & extract main points & ideas in/from texts
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
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 L1.17 Read & understand a range of specialist words in context
FE L1.16 Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts (e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive)
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE E3.15 Use mostly correct grammar e.g. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of tense, definite & indefinite articles
FE Writing composition
FE L1.20 Use correct grammar e.g. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of different tenses, definite & indefinite articles
Context
Animals, animal care, farming & equine

A reading comprehension exercise looking at organisational features and why they have been used, specialist language, purpose of text, picking out information.  There are also tasks to get the students looking at words they are not sure of and using a dictionary.  

There is an accompanying written task to create a leaflet using the information in the text.  I have also included a basic 'how to create a leaflet' guide.

Editor's notes

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
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 L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
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 L2.16 Understand organisational features & use to locate relevant information in a range of sources
FE L2.17 Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
FE Writing composition
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
Context
Employment skills & Public services

A reading comprehension exercise with a writing task included for Level 1 and 2.

Based on a recent article on the BBC News website about Gavin Williamson and the subject of mobile phones in schools and the use of technology during the lockdown.  A topic that is certain to get the students engaged!

Included is a basic guide on how to write an article.

Editor's notes

Includes separate answer sheet and curriculum mapping. The guide to writing an article is really useful.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.9 Identify & understand the main points, ideas & details
FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts & distinguish between fact & opinion
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 L2.11 Identify when main points are sufficient & when specific details are important
FE L2.16 Understand organisational features & use to locate relevant information in a range of sources
FE L2.18 Follow an argument, identifying different points of view & distinguishing fact from opinion
FE Writing composition
Context
Electrical, Electronics & Technology