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GCSEEdexcel
Functional Skills English
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Listening for the main point in a short explanationListening for important detail (names, times, places, numbers)Spotting when an explanation changes topicAsking for an explanation to be repeated or clarifiedChecking understanding by summarising back (“So you mean…”)Choosing polite language for requests (“Could I…”, “Please may I…”)Making clear requests in familiar contexts (college, shop, travel, home)Asking clear “who/what/where/when/why/how” questionsAsking follow-up questions to get missing detailResponding appropriately to straightforward questions (relevant, complete answers)Using appropriate tone and volume for different situationsUsing simple sentence starters to speak clearly (“I think…”, “I feel…”, “I prefer…”)Giving a straightforward opinion with a reason (“because…”)Describing feelings appropriately (happy, worried, annoyed, excited) and whyFollowing the gist of a short discussion (what it’s mainly about)Identifying when speakers agree or disagree (basic signals)Taking turns in a simple discussion without interruptingMaking a relevant contribution in a group (staying on topic)Agreeing and disagreeing politely (“I agree because…”, “I’m not sure because…”)Asking a group question to move the discussion onEnding a discussion appropriately (summarise + next step)
Reading common Entry Level 2 words accurately (fluency practice)Reading tricky homophones in context (hear/here, one/won, there/their/they’re, to/too/two)Using sound–spelling patterns to decode unfamiliar words (phonics recap)Recognising common prefixes (un-, dis-, re-, mis-, pre-) and how they change meaningRecognising prefix changes (in-/im-/il-/ir-) in common wordsWorking out meaning from context clues in a sentenceUsing a simple dictionary: guide words and finding the entryUsing alphabetical order to locate words (first letter)Using alphabetical order to locate words (second letter)Checking spellings using a dictionary while readingChecking spellings using spell-check (basic options and choosing the right word)
Identifying the main points in a short straightforward textFinding a specific detail by scanning (names, dates, places, prices)Understanding common organisational markers (titles, headings)Using subheadings to locate a section quicklyUnderstanding bullet points and numbered lists (what each point means)Following simple sequencing markers (first/next/then/finally)Reading instructions texts: identifying steps in orderReading information texts: picking out key factsReading descriptive texts: identifying what something is like (adjectives)Reading narratives: identifying what happened first/next/lastUnderstanding sentences with more than one clause (spotting the join)Breaking a longer sentence into two simpler ideasUsing illustrations/images to locate informationUsing captions to match an image to the right information
Writing clear simple sentences: one idea at a timeUsing capital letters for sentence startsUsing full stops correctlyUsing question marks for direct questionsWriting questions that match purpose (information vs request)Using exclamation marks appropriately (not overusing)Capital letters for names, places, days and months (core proper nouns)Forming regular plurals by adding -sForming regular plurals by adding -es (e.g. -ch, -sh, -ss, -x)Using spelling strategies: sound it out, break it up, look/say/cover/write/checkSpelling Entry Level 2 common words accurately (word list practice)Avoiding homophone errors in writing (choosing the correct meaning word)Proofreading for capitals, full stops, and question marksProofreading for spelling using known strategies (no dictionary in the writing exam)
Writing for purpose: what the reader needs to knowWriting for audience: choosing suitable words and toneExpanding notes into short clear sentencesWriting compound sentences using andWriting compound sentences using butWriting compound sentences using orSpotting and fixing run-on sentences (where to stop or join)Using adjectives to add detail (size, colour, feeling, opinion)Choosing the best adjective (precise vs vague: “nice” → “friendly/helpful”)Using simple linking words for time (first, then, after, finally)Using simple linking words for reason/result (because, so)Writing a short email: greeting, message, closingWriting a short letter: purpose, key details, polite endingWriting a simple narrative: beginning, middle, endEditing to improve clarity: remove repeated words, add missing detail
Identifying what each form field means (first name, surname, address, postcode, DOB)Writing personal details clearly and accurately on a formWriting addresses correctly across lines (house number, street, town, postcode)Writing dates correctly (day/month/year formats)Using capital letters correctly on forms (names and places)Checking a form for completeness before submitting
Knowing the 3 components and what “pass each component” meansSpeaking, Listening and Communicating: what Task 1 and Task 2 look likeSLC practice: short explanation listening (main info + detail)SLC practice: requests and clear questions in different contextsSLC practice: discussion skills (respond, gist, opinions, contributions)Reading assessment practice: answering short questions using evidence from the textReading assessment practice: using headings, lists, images and captions to locate answersWriting assessment practice: spelling task approach (sound, syllables, prefixes, homophones)Writing assessment practice: punctuation checkWriting assessment practice: writing 4–6 clear sentences to a prompt (purpose + audience)Timing and checking routines for Reading and Writing papers
