Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

I have used this organisational features matching exercise in two ways, either to test learners initial knowledge of the features or as a revision tool. 

Editor's note

Two versions - one, with images, for Entry Level and another for higher levels. Fully mapped to the reformed Functional English content which comes into effect in September 2019.

I have had feedback from people using the Big Brother PDF discussion worksheet (see link below – under see also) but without any pictures! The fun part of the session (and for it to really work) is to show the students the people they have chosen: this generates plenty of discussion about prejudice and stereotyping. So, here are the 20 pictures to match to each description given in the earlier resource. (You should feel free to edit and adapt according to the demographics / prejudices / preconceptions of own students).

This resource has a range of activities to help students learn useful expressions/ language to make a complaint.
It is useful in building confidence in making complaints in person and on the telephone.

Editor’s note
Includes sample dialogue with questions (can also be used as a reading comprehension), matching cards, sammple scenarios, curriculum mapping and teaching notes.

A set of writing activity cards that are easily differentiated for groups of learners working at a range of levels. Main focus is purpose of text.

Editor’s note
Please share your ideas on suitable objects to use for this really creative task. If you are a registered contributor you can log in and leave a comment – otherwise email me using the Contact us link at the bottom of any page.

A huge and extremely comprehensive pack of resources. Written for ESOL learners but many parts are also suitable for Functional English and/or Job Skills groups. Includes:

Three sets of dominoes to use in warm-up and for letter and word recognition activities. The first set, for pre-Entry ESOL and Literacy learners with very low levels of letter and word recognition, matches lower case to capital letter versions, the second set is a set of “doubles”, which can be used alongside the first. The third set, for pre-Entry / Entry 1 ESOL learners, matches a category to an example. Each set has 17 dominoes, so 4 each for a group of 4 learners, plus one to start.

A reading based on a news item. Includes comprehension questions, wordsearch puzzle, crossword, putting words in order to make sentences.

Editor’s note
Aimed at E2-E3 but some parts are suitable for E1 (with support). With Functional Skills mapping.

An E3- L2 Set of ‘follow-me’ cards that can be used by a group of learners or as a domino card match ‘loop’ for an individual learner. Serves as a supplementary / plenary resource to identifying and defining common phrases/sayings.

A simplified reading about cyclones with reference to the two cyclones in Australia in February 2015 followed by some exercises. The exercises are at different levels to meet the very different abilities of students in my class.

Editor’s note
Lovely selection of reading materials and exercises – includes fill-in tables, questions, word searches (two levels), and a blank map to add cyclone paths. E1-E3.

Update (28/2/15)
Small error in wind speed chart now corrected.

A recap game to practise applying knowledge of when to use capital letters. Learners supply names, dates, places and objects to create a mis-matched story.

It could also be used as an icebreaker.