Writing assessments, tasks or prompts

Topical help (three different texts) with the underpinning skills necessary to achieve Functional English (FE) at L1-L2. Includes reading comprehension, summarising, and writing (a formal email using the provided documents to back up points). With full details of relevant FE criteria.

A comprehension and writing task sheet for E3-L1. If learners also watch the East is East DVD it also provides lots of opportunity to discuss issues of race and culture.

Covers planning, drafting and proof reading a letter or a short story about activities over Christmas. This version is adapted especially for learners that spend Christmas in prison (or other places away from friends and family) and has been adapted from the 2008 version from Danielle Dagnall (see below).

A super writing and discussion exercise that gets hairdressing students thinking about the importance of writing clear instructions. Will also spark off other activities as suggested in the accompanying teacher’s notes. Also mapped to Entry 3 Functional English (writing).

A stimulating set of ideas for letter writing (problem parking, TV standards, traffic, nasty neighbours) and essays (being an MP, climate change). Each topic has ideas for discussion (and often planning tips).

Looking at Newspapers is a wonderful example of creative differentiated teaching across all levels (E1-L2). A detailed lesson description, resources and introductory PPT are included. The lesson uses Kipling’s “What and Why and When, And How and Where and Who” to help students analyse newspaper reports and interview other students, or their teacher, to create their own reports.

A great set of ideas for essay writing – some with ideas for discussion (and often planning tips). Topics are: controversial topics, hero or villain, your neighbourhood, perfect holiday, and visiting a period in time.

09-10 Football Season is a wonderful way to engage mixed ability groups of footie fans!
Covers formulating an argument, discussion, recognising points of view – facts & opinions, writing sentences & paragraphs.
Maths aspects include extracting information from tables, averages, ratios, and addition & subtraction.

A challenging project where students must research, plan and cost a luxury garden. Includes scale diagrams, money, and shape and space problems (paving slabs). Extension options cover percentages and averages. Great for horticulture students or anyone with an interest in gardening.
Also ideal for L1-2 Functional Maths.
The project also involves web investigation (costs of garden materials) and writing a covering letter (selling the finished garden design) and therefore also covers Functional ICT and Functional English.

A lovely set of 24 cards to be used as inspiration for creative writing (E3-L2) or sentence level writing (E1-2). Topics include sport, lottery win, hobbies, summer, beach, school days, and fame.