Functional Skills Level 1 English revision

May 2011. Kindly contributed by Charlotte Gustar, Northampton College. Search for Charlotte on www.skillsworkshop.org

This PPT refers to City and Guilds Functional Skills assessment but most aspects are applicable to all awarding bodies.

One of a set of three. Equivalent PPTs for L1 Functional Maths and L1 Functional ICT are also available.

Curriculum links

This PPT covers many aspects of Level 1 Functional English. Please refer to the resource description page on skillsworkshop.org for detailed curriculum links and related resources.

Functional Skills English

Domestics

 Please ensure all bags are kept under the table and walkways are kept clear  Please keep all food and drink away  Please keep mp3 players & mobile phones switched off

What do you see?

http://www.illusionspoint.com/scary-optical-illusions/

What do you know?

 Today’s lesson will be revision for your English exam.

 Look at the following words,

explain

what they are, and give an example .  You have 5 minutes!

Noun

Word

Verb Proper noun Suffix Prefix Exclamation mark

Definition and example

Naming word.

cheese table happiness

Action, doing or being word I

was

late. He

believes

me

.

They

danced

all night. A specific naming word. Always starts with a capital letter.

January, Thames, Samira

Something you add to the end of a word

take + ing = taking spot + ed = spotted jelly + s = jellies

A group of letters you add to the start of a word to change the meaning

dis + like = dislike il + legal = illegal

Used to show emotion.

Help!

Wow!

Word

Noun Verb Proper noun Suffix

TIP A common noun does not need

a capital letter (unless it is at the start of a sentence).

A verb must agree with the subject of a sentence We was

were

here yesterday.

I done

did

it well.

Remember capital letters for

: names of people, towns, cities, days of the week, months, rivers, addresses, countries, religions, clubs, titles.

Spelling changes are often needed when you add a suffix.

Check your spelling carefully.

Prefix No spelling changes are needed when adding a prefix. Just add it to the front of the word.

mis + spelling = misspelling ir + regular= irregular

Exclamation mark Use sparingly and never use more than one at once.

I don’t believe it!!!

I don’t believe it!

Quick fire round

 What are the characteristics of persuasive text?

 What must you include in a formal letter?

 What are the stages of planning and drafting?

 When should you use capital letters? Give three examples.

   

Quick fire round

What are the characteristics of persuasive text?

Repetition, appealing adjectives, exclamation marks, rhetorical questions, snappy slogans, bold eye catching titles.

What must you include, when writing a formal letter?

Your address, their address, the date, correct salutations (To whom it may concern or Dear Sir or Madam), introduction, conclusion, correct sign off (Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely) What are the stages of planning and drafting?

Think about it, spider diagram / bullet points / list, notes, draft + final copy When should you use capital letters? Give three examples.

At the start of a sentence. When using a proper noun. For the personal pronoun I.

Top tips for the exam

 The next couple of slides show common errors made in Functional English exams. Be sure not to fall into the same trap!

 Make revision notes to help you remember.

Functional English – Reading L1 Common error 1

 Students using personal information to answer questions  Impact = wrong answer = no marks for that question 

Remedy = u

se the given text to answer the questions

Functional English – Reading L1 Common error 2

 Not reading the question properly E.g. If you do not want to leave your lodge in the evening, what do they provide for you to do? Don’t respond by referring to facilities available elsewhere on site (as this requires people to leave their lodges).

 Impact = wrong answer = no marks gained 

Remedy = R.T.Q (READ THE QUESTION).

Functional English – Writing L1

Candidates need to ensure they understand:

 the tone of language  the level of detail required  that their writing needs to be in a logical order

Functional English – Writing L1 Common error 3

Format and Structure

 E.g. marks are often lost for incorrect format of a letter. A formal letter needs: sender’s address, recipient’s address, a date, correct opening and appropriate closure / conclusion.

 Impact = dropped marks 

Remedy = Use correct style and format for each task. Consider target audience, structure, and format.

Functional English – Writing L1 Common error 4

Punctuation

   Not knowing where one sentence begins and ends Lack of capital letters Using a small i for the personal pronoun I Impact = inaccurate work = wrong answer 

Remedy = proof read your work



Check sentence structure and use of capital letters

Functional English – Writing L1 Common error 5

Spelling, style and punctuation

 Text spelling NOT acceptable!

 Punctuation rules are not relaxed just because a document is ‘informal’.  Correct use of capital letters is required, even in an informal email.

 Impact = inaccurate work = dropped marks 

Remedy = Write in full sentences and do not use abbreviations

Level 1 Assessment Guidance Notes

Is it true that the assessment is in two parts?



Yes

 1 hour for the reading  1 hour for the writing

What should I have with me for the exam?

The exam invigilator will provide the following:  Exam paper  Dictionary Note  You may use a dictionary  You will need to bring:  college I.D

 a pen with black or blue ink

How long before results are issued?

 Results slips and certificates will be issued to centres within 42 working days.

Any questions?

Now use your task sheet

(not included with this PPT)  The sheet outlines all the steps necessary to complete the task  It incorporates all aspects of skills learnt over the past weeks  Try to be as independent in the task as possible – but staff are here to help you if you need it  You have 20 minutes…