Functional English - writing

‘Writing’ within Functional Skills English qualifications is defined as the independent construction of written language to communicate in specific contexts. Text can be written on paper or electronically.

A set of three different texts and reading comprehension activities based on the theme of learning to drive, aimed at Level 1 learners who may be working towards Level 2. Plus two related writing activities.
Editor’s note
Includes full curriculum mapping and answers.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Context
Motor vehicles & Transport

This is a literacy resource based around a recent news story. There are a range of tasks relating to an anti-litter app called ‘littergram’ and legal challenges made to the use of its name, with the potential to extend tasks into other aspects of littering and how the litter problem might be resolved. A final extension task asks students to take their own photographs of local examples of litter as supporting evidence for a writing activity.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
General literacy / English
ICT
Functional Skills ICT: Finding and selecting information
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Electrical, Electronics & Technology

A powerpoint presentation showing incorrect use of the apostrophe and comma. Useful for discussions to show the correct use and for learners to say why the apostrophe is wrong. Has ‘its’ and ‘it’s’ and omissive and possessive apostrophes.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Ws/L1.3
Ws/E3.4

Level 2 reading comprehension and writing activities based on three different texts (article, blog and cartoon).

  • Pack 1 – reading comprehension, Text B (blog post) and a discussion idea.
  • Pack 2 – reading comprehension, Text C (news article) and a writing idea. You need Text A (available separately – see below)

 

Note that Text A (which is carton based) can also be cut up and used as a sequencing activity for lower levels – not as easy as it looks!

Level
Level 2
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
Context
Sport and fitness
News, Politics & Government items

A reading comprehension and writing activity based on a Cadbury’s Easter Brand Fact Sheet. Ideal for Level 1 Functional English.

Editor’s note
Fully mapped with answer sheet and S&L idea.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English reading
Functional English - writing
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

This is a reading from a BBC site with questions based on the Edexcel L1 Functional Skills reading paper and a writing task. The topic is ‘Mothering Sunday’. It describes the history and gives information about traditional food.

Editor’s note
Very comprehensive. All aspects of L1 reading are covered – not just “reading for detail”.

Level
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
Context
History, culture, museums, libraries

A mini-workscheme and accompanying worksheets for use with the Quick Reads book Ghost Dog by Brandon Robshaw.
Develops skills in reading, comprehension, word and text identification, discussion and writing.

Level
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading

A Level 1 Reading, Speaking and Listening and Writing resource pack based on topical issues around social media.

Editor’s notes
With answers and curriculum mapping. Ideal for all ages, but especially 16-19 year olds.
9/3/16: Minor edit, missing quotation mark in title fixed on page 1.

Level
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
General literacy / English
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Electrical, Electronics & Technology

A resource pack to suit Functional Skills English at Levels 1 and 2, based on a BBC magazine article about the ET video game and the collapse of Atari. Reading tasks are supported by You-tube clips designed to prompt small group discussions. There is also a writing task.

Editor’s note
Includes curriculum mapping and answers.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
Context
Electrical, Electronics & Technology

Topical resource based on a news story. Reading comprehension at 2 levels (E3 and L1/L2) plus two writing extension activities with writing frames. Some embedded maths (including a chart in the L1/L2 exercise) and the opportunity to discuss healthy eating. The higher level comprehension aims to get learners to understand in depth what they are reading, rather than just answer the questions from the text.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
Maths
General numeracy / maths
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Health, Social care, Early years