General Resources

This PDF is an amalgamation of methods and worked examples, sorted by topic, for both L1 and L2 Adult Numeracy/Functional Skills (some sections are also suitable for Entry 3). It is not intended as an exhaustive resource, but more of a selection of “hot topics” and exam-friendly examples (some of which are paraphrased from actual past papers).

A really unusual reading comprehension exercise that also tests a range of maths skills (dates, large numbers, distance, etc.). Although the general reading level is around Level1 it is based on an Australian news article about a lottery winner and contains a lot of unfamiliar Australian vocabulary. Thus it also stretches Level 2 learners. An optional glossary is provided; this includes words such as swag, Slikpik, shire and half a dozen more.

A very clever resource! Page 1 is a series of tips aimed at L1-2 students taking the adult literacy multiple choice reading test but is relevant to any multiple choice English exam. Page 2 is a set of “multiple choice questions about multiple choice questions” – based on the information on page.

An international themed resource for World Maths day on March 1st 2011 or any other day. I based it around the C&G E3 Numeracy exams but it is also ideal for, and fully mapped to, Functional Maths.
Will also prompt disucssion on many issues from the cost of air travel through to literacy rates in Peru and traffic in the Panama Canal!
Includes tips for covering Functional Maths process skills.

An international themed resource for World Maths day on March 1st 2011 or any other day of the year.
It is also ideal for, and fully mapped to, Functional Maths. Will prompt disucssion on many issues from the UK population through to literacy rates in Peru and the Coral Coast in Fiji!
Includes tips for covering Functional Maths process skills.

A multi-functional resource for Literacy or Numeracy. Sample TV listings by day, programme, start and end times, channel and genre. Use for alphabetic or numeric sorting, skimming and scanning exercises, literacy social sight vocabulary for days of the week, numeracy exercises for calculating time, etc. This resource contains some sample exercise questions to use which can be developed further according to need. I laminated the sheets and then cut up into days so lower level learners can move the elements around. Higher level learners can work from the whole page sheets as well.

A very clever PPT that simulates the format of the NCFE online Adult Literacy tests (which are quite different to the Move On practice tests) in order to familiarise learners with the screens and experience the zoom function. It also provides useful exam practice for all L1 and L2 Literacy students – no matter which awarding body is being used. There are five sample texts accompanied by 10 multiple choice questions.

What or Want? was written for an ESOL student who confused these two words in his writing but suitable for E2-3 or dyslexia support at any level. Includes a wide selection of exercises and tips.

Investigate the possibility of a college stocking fairly traded products in its canteen. Covers many reading, writing, ICT, numeracy, speaking and listening skills inc. data handling, report writing, creating charts and questionnaires, giving a presentation, etc. Ideal for embedding all three functional skills (or literacy, numeracy and ICT) especially for business students.