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!
Word
Definition and example
Noun
Naming word.
cheese table happiness
Verb
Action, doing or being word
I was late. He believes me.
They danced all night.
Proper noun
A specific naming word.
Always starts with a capital letter.
January, Thames, Samira
Suffix
Something you add to the end of a word
take + ing = taking
spot + ed = spotted
jelly + s = jellies
Prefix
A group of letters you add to the start of
a word to change the meaning
dis + like = dislike
il + legal = illegal
Exclamation
mark
Used to show emotion.
Help!
Wow!
Word
TIP
Noun
A common noun does not need a capital letter
(unless it is at the start of a sentence).
Verb
A verb must agree with the subject of a sentence
We was were here yesterday.
I done did it well.
Proper
noun
Suffix
Remember capital letters for: names of people,
towns, cities, days of the week, months, rivers,
addresses, countries, religions, clubs, titles.
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!
Spelling changes are often needed when you
add a suffix. Check your spelling carefully.
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 = use 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…