Recent Changes

Changed on 17 September 2023

AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 exam-style resource with an extract from Last Lesson (by James Goodhand) and Questions 1-4. Also includes hints and tips for each question as well as example answers, so it can be used as a revision resource or as a classroom activity. 

Editor's Note

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Reading A1 (a) Identify and interpret
GCSE Reading A2 Analyse language & structure
GCSE A4 Evaluate

Changed on 17 September 2023

AQA GCSE English Language Paper One-style extract with questions 1-4, as revision or an introduction to how to answer Paper One. 

This extract is from A Kind of Spark, a children's book with an autistic protagonist. The author, Elle McNicoll, is autistic and is dedicated to writing books with neurodiverse characters. 

This extract works well with neurodiverse learners who often see themselves reflected in the story. 

Editor's Note

A wonderful text extract. Ideal for end of year exam practice and revision.

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE A1 Identify & select
GCSE Reading A2 Analyse language & structure
GCSE A4 Evaluate

Changed on 3 September 2023

Changed on 1 September 2023

Role play prompts for higher beginners (could be amended for E1). 

Volunteering for a green space community charity.

Editor's note

Another great set of role play prompts from Jenny. Visit her page to find further sets.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
ESOL
ESOL Lr/E1.4a Listen and respond to requests for personal information
ESOL Sc/E1.3dc  Ask for clarification
ESOL Sc/E2.2a make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Lr/E2.5b Respond to requests for information
ESOL Sd/E2.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E2.1b Take part in more formal interaction
ESOL Sd/E2.1c Express likes and dislikes, feelings, wishes and hopes
ESOL Sd/E2.1e Relate to other speakers
ESOL Lr/E3.4a Clarify and confirm understanding through verbal and non-verbal means
ESOL Sd/E3.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E3.1b Take part in more formal interaction
ESOL Sd/E3.1f Make arrangements or plans with other people
Context
Voluntary & Charity
Independent living
Employment skills & Public services

Changed on 1 September 2023

Colourful graphic organiser that will allow learners to explore Word Class, challenge themselves, and think about how they can use examples in sentences. 

Includes dual coding images as prompts.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
Functional Skills English

Changed on 1 September 2023

Suits ESOL students at Entry 3+.  It creates plenty of scope for  further work e.g.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E2.3f Give a short description
ESOL Sc/E3.4f Give a short description and make comparisons
ESOL Sc/L1.3e Describe and compare
ESOL Ws/E2.2a Use adjectives
General ESOL
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV

Changed on 1 September 2023

Learners use a gap-fill to complete positive and negative restaurant reviews.
I designed this resource to encourage learners to use a thesaurus to help improve their vocabulary and use more interesting adjectives.

I’ve used it with Entry level and Level 1/2 learners.

Editor's note

Fully mapped to the new 2018 Functional English content which comes into effect September 2019.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
English
FE E2.17 Communicate information using words & phrases appropriate to audience & purpose
FE E2.20 Use adjectives & simple linking words
FE E2.19 Write in compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect clauses
FE E3.22 Use language appropriate for purpose & audience
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
AL Ws/E2.2 Use Adjectives
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

Changed on 1 September 2023

This is a short explanation with examples of eight sorts of conjunctive adverb arranged by type. There is an activity to complete, as well as some stretch/research activities for differentiation.

Editor’s note
Fully mapped to L2 Functional English and GCSE English

Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
FE L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
Ws/L2.1
GCSE A6 Use a range of vocabulary & sentence structure - with accurate SPaG
GCSE A5

Changed on 1 September 2023

A series of tasks designed to help learners improve their sentences and hence their writing style. These tasks assume no previous knowledge of complex sentences or subordinating conjunctions. They do assume the learner is familiar with simple sentences (i.e. one clause, one verb) and compound sentences. (See my related Entry Level ‘Halloween Compound Sentences’ resource for more on compound sentences and coordinating conjunctions).

Aimed at L1-2 students but parts could be useful at Entry 3. All tasks have a Halloween theme.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Ws/L2.1
Ws/L1.1
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Changed on 1 September 2023

10/10/17 Several minor and one major correction made

These tasks assume no previous knowledge of compound sentences and/or conjunctions. They do assume the learner is familiar with simple sentences (i.e. one clause, one verb).
Aimed at E2-E3 students but could be useful at Level 1.

Tasks include joining pairs of Halloween sentences with a suitable conjunction; extending simple sentence with a suitable ‘ending’, and rewriting texts that are initially written using only simple sentence (in order to improve their organisation and readability).

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Ws/E3.3
Ws/E3.1
Ws/E2.1
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism