These are some mini texts I wrote along with a few comprehension questions I’ve used it for E3-L1 functional skills lessons. The texts are about credit score (to give an idea of the things a student needs to know about the future) and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (there’s a lot of videos online about conflict avoidance this) and one jokey text about bad ways to break up with someone.

A lesson based on the theme of being more thoughtful with Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar speech. The lesson shows students what the exam will be like as well as gets them to write a sample answer for question 5 paper 2 and looks at language analysis. I could not include the text because of copyright but here is a link that will provide it: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/10/joaquin-phoenixs-oscars-speech-in-full

Functional skills lesson to prepare the students for sitting the writing exam. Looks at fact and opinion/ understanding the wording of the questions, the spelling rules and practice of Cial and Tial suffixes and the Sion and Tion rule. Also looks at using adjectives (for writing question 1) and using information from a text in the form of buying a car (writing question 2). Should last over two hours. With every task it took me over three hours. https://youtu.be/41ouOkG3sNM

A quick starter activity for functional skills students who want to practice their skimming and scanning skills, will attach a reading comprehension with answers soon. https://youtu.be/mvYwYEtbFkI

A video, power point and resource on common mistakes to avoid for anyone about to do the level 1 functional skills exams. Originally intended as home learning but it can be adapted to suit a face to face lesson. Activity 1 is looking at an article I wrote on ‘Fortnight’ and identifying the labeled layout techniques. Activity 2 answers a question about the common mistakes people make in these exams. Answers included and Youtube version is available on my channel.

A set of writing resources that can be completed at home, focusing on persuasive writing. Free resource of choice to anyone who likes and subscribes to my Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-JQchhF9CJakm2Al271olw?view_as=subscriber

A worksheet and powerpoint to show how to use brackets and dashes, I give the explanation of how to use them on the powerpoint/video and then the students correct six examples, then write an example of their own. This is aimed for students doing either Functional skill or GCSE English language and who need to vary their punctuation usage.

A sample answer I wrote for a guide on how to write reports aimed mainly at Functional Skills students.

A quick listening test activity for anyone on a course that requires speaking and listening. Aimed at functional skills and ESOL learners.

The first resource in part of a ten part series helping students to improve their grammar.

DAFORREST is an acronym for persuasive writing techniques. This is suitable for anyone who is doing GCSE English language as paper 2 is all about persuasive techniques, so the ability to write and analyse these techniques is a good fundamental skill. This is also important for those who do persuasive writing for IGCE and those who are studying level 2 functional skills.

A worksheet where students can practice identifying sources and then writing their own senses to images, video and powerpoint included so can be used as home learning.

A presentation/ video with a step by step guide on how to write an article. It looks at writing headings, the 5 W’s witness statements and conclusions. There is a download available with a sample article I have written and labelled with each of the stages I wanted to include.

A video lesson and resources for students wanting to develop their grammar.

A video/power point that covers: What subject verb agreement is. Two different rules to apply. Printable worksheet. I made this for EFL students who jus need to brush up on their grammar, this has been designed to be given as homework or home learning. Alternatively you could just use the power point in your lesson.

A brief introduction into question 3 paper 2 showing the students how to answer the question and has a sample question for the students to answer, comes with a writing frame and some scaffolding. Made primarily for home learning but can be used by a teacher.

A short powerpoint and worksheet on linking words and their usages, this can be used as homework as I’ve made a video going through this, or it can be adapted and used as part of a lesson. The worksheet has some questions on paragraphing (video to follow shortly) and all answers are included.

A quick video/resource I made by request on writing an email to a friend or a professional.

A powerpoint to support a video I made on some of the key details of the Functional Skills writing exam level 2 for Edexcel.

A powerpoint and sample resource of how to write a formal letter, with a video I made for home learning.