1. Functional Skills Level 1 English revision
May Kindly contributed by Charlotte Gustar, Northampton College.
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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.
May Kindly contributed to by Charlotte Gustar, Northampton College
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.

2. Functional Skills English
May Kindly contributed to by Charlotte Gustar, Northampton College

3. 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

4. What do you see?
Warm up

5. 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!

6. Definition and example
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!

7. Noun Verb Proper noun Suffix Prefix Exclamation mark Word TIP
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
Remember capital letters for: names of people, towns, cities, days of the week, months, rivers, addresses, countries, religions, clubs, titles.
Suffix
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!

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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).

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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 .
Impact = inaccurate work = dropped marks
Remedy = Write in full sentences and do not use abbreviations

17. 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

18. 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

19. How long before results are issued?
Results slips and certificates will be issued to centres within 42 working days.

20. Any questions?

21. 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…