Writing or planning frame

A planner or frame providing a scaffolded approach to writing

Two PowerPoint resources for discussion that can feed into Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills for English, Speaking & Listening.

Editor’s note
Also covers research, reading and writing. Great for prompting discussion among 14-19 year olds.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Use appropriate language and strategies
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV

I’m using this activity to give learners a writing frame for a piece of creative writing. I want them to really think about purpose of text when they are creating it, so they have to pick the format, style and tone of their work and plan it out.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L2.7
Adult Lit Wt/L2.5 Use formal & informal language appropriate to purpose & audience
Wt/L2.1
Wt/L1.6
Adult Lit Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience
Adult Lit Wt/L1.1 Plan and draft writing
Wt/E3.4
AL Wt/E3.1 Plan & draft writing
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences

A work book style resource to support the development of Functional Skills English for Construction students (also specific activities for Painting & Decorating and Plastering students).
Editor’s note
Includes reading comprehension, planning leaflets, summarising key points, and report writing. With curriculum mapping (and very useful writing frames for lower level students).

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
Context
Painting Decorating & DIY
Health and safety
Construction Carpentry Plumbing

Your brother is looking for a new car. You notice a suitable car advertised in your local supermarket so you email your brother and tell him about the car.
Entry 2 Functional Skills practice writing exam – with suggested differentiation for E1 and E3.
Editor’s note
With Functional Skills mapping

Level
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
T Levels - General English Competencies (GEC)
Context
Motor vehicles & Transport

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

A resource based on a current (Jan 2016) Huffington Post news report about a piece of homework that was sent home for a child to learn which contained incorrect spellings.
Learners are to identify and correct the errors, write a full explanation of their thoughts on the matter and write an appropriate email to the head teacher.

Editor’s note
A wonderful, real-life and very functional task!

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/L2.7
Wt/L1.6
Context
News, Politics & Government items
Education and teaching

Cloze activity, reading and a writing exercise to mark National Obesity Awareness Week which runs 12th-18th January 2015, although the activity does not specifically refer to this and so can be used at any time. The cloze acts as an introduction, while the reading should stimulate discussion and provide the background for the writing activity. The writing task includes space for planning and drafting.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Functional English reading
General literacy / English
Context
Health, Social care, Early years

Students are to plan and advertise a Christmas fete.
The resource covers writing lists and sentences, proof reading and using basic adjectives.
Students could use the Internet to find some ideas for Christmas stalls.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Wt/E2.1
Wt/E1.1
ICT
Functional Skills ICT: Finding and selecting information
Context
Voluntary, Charity and Community

A prompt to get learners writing a short story.

Learners must plan, draft and compose a piece of fiction that culminates with the line The door slammed shut, never to be opened again.

Good for brainstorming, planning, drafting, composing, checking and proofreading written work.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing

More and more vocational teachers are being asked to prepare learners for Functional Skills exams.

This resource is designed to give advice on format, style and layout; appropriate content and paragraphing which would accompany any awarding organizations exam. My college used Edexcel . Can be used for Level 1 and Level 2.

Editor’s note
This resource is ideal for all but will be especially helpful to non-specialist English teachers. Incredibly useful!

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
General
Exam tips and help