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GCSEEdexcel
Functional Skills English
Exam Questions
Listening for the main point in a short explanationNewListening for important detail (names, times, places, numbers)NewSpotting when an explanation changes topicNewAsking for an explanation to be repeated or clarifiedNewChecking understanding by summarising back (“So you mean…”)NewChoosing polite language for requests (“Could I…”, “Please may I…”)NewMaking clear requests in familiar contexts (college, shop, travel, home)NewAsking clear “who/what/where/when/why/how” questionsNewAsking follow-up questions to get missing detailNewResponding appropriately to straightforward questions (relevant, complete answers)NewUsing appropriate tone and volume for different situationsNewUsing simple sentence starters to speak clearly (“I think…”, “I feel…”, “I prefer…”)NewGiving a straightforward opinion with a reason (“because…”)NewDescribing feelings appropriately (happy, worried, annoyed, excited) and whyNewFollowing the gist of a short discussion (what it’s mainly about)NewIdentifying when speakers agree or disagree (basic signals)NewTaking turns in a simple discussion without interruptingNewMaking a relevant contribution in a group (staying on topic)NewAgreeing and disagreeing politely (“I agree because…”, “I’m not sure because…”)NewAsking a group question to move the discussion onNewEnding a discussion appropriately (summarise + next step)New
Reading common Entry Level 2 words accurately (fluency practice)NewReading tricky homophones in context (hear/here, one/won, there/their/they’re, to/too/two)NewUsing sound–spelling patterns to decode unfamiliar words (phonics recap)NewRecognising common prefixes (un-, dis-, re-, mis-, pre-) and how they change meaningNewRecognising prefix changes (in-/im-/il-/ir-) in common wordsNewWorking out meaning from context clues in a sentenceNewUsing a simple dictionary: guide words and finding the entryNewUsing alphabetical order to locate words (first letter)NewUsing alphabetical order to locate words (second letter)NewChecking spellings using a dictionary while readingNewChecking spellings using spell-check (basic options and choosing the right word)New
Identifying the main points in a short straightforward textNewFinding a specific detail by scanning (names, dates, places, prices)NewUnderstanding common organisational markers (titles, headings)NewUsing subheadings to locate a section quicklyNewUnderstanding bullet points and numbered lists (what each point means)NewFollowing simple sequencing markers (first/next/then/finally)NewReading instructions texts: identifying steps in orderNewReading information texts: picking out key factsNewReading descriptive texts: identifying what something is like (adjectives)NewReading narratives: identifying what happened first/next/lastNewUnderstanding sentences with more than one clause (spotting the join)NewBreaking a longer sentence into two simpler ideasNewUsing illustrations/images to locate informationNewUsing captions to match an image to the right informationNew
Writing clear simple sentences: one idea at a timeNewUsing capital letters for sentence startsNewUsing full stops correctlyNewUsing question marks for direct questionsNewWriting questions that match purpose (information vs request)NewUsing exclamation marks appropriately (not overusing)NewCapital letters for names, places, days and months (core proper nouns)NewForming regular plurals by adding -sNewForming regular plurals by adding -es (e.g. -ch, -sh, -ss, -x)NewUsing spelling strategies: sound it out, break it up, look/say/cover/write/checkNewSpelling Entry Level 2 common words accurately (word list practice)NewAvoiding homophone errors in writing (choosing the correct meaning word)NewProofreading for capitals, full stops, and question marksNewProofreading for spelling using known strategies (no dictionary in the writing exam)New
Writing for purpose: what the reader needs to knowNewWriting for audience: choosing suitable words and toneNewExpanding notes into short clear sentencesNewWriting compound sentences using andNewWriting compound sentences using butNewWriting compound sentences using orNewSpotting and fixing run-on sentences (where to stop or join)NewUsing adjectives to add detail (size, colour, feeling, opinion)NewChoosing the best adjective (precise vs vague: “nice” → “friendly/helpful”)NewUsing simple linking words for time (first, then, after, finally)NewUsing simple linking words for reason/result (because, so)NewWriting a short email: greeting, message, closingNewWriting a short letter: purpose, key details, polite endingNewWriting a simple narrative: beginning, middle, endNewEditing to improve clarity: remove repeated words, add missing detailNew
Identifying what each form field means (first name, surname, address, postcode, DOB)NewWriting personal details clearly and accurately on a formNewWriting addresses correctly across lines (house number, street, town, postcode)NewWriting dates correctly (day/month/year formats)NewUsing capital letters correctly on forms (names and places)NewChecking a form for completeness before submittingNew
Knowing the 3 components and what “pass each component” meansNewSpeaking, Listening and Communicating: what Task 1 and Task 2 look likeNewSLC practice: short explanation listening (main info + detail)NewSLC practice: requests and clear questions in different contextsNewSLC practice: discussion skills (respond, gist, opinions, contributions)NewReading assessment practice: answering short questions using evidence from the textNewReading assessment practice: using headings, lists, images and captions to locate answersNewWriting assessment practice: spelling task approach (sound, syllables, prefixes, homophones)NewWriting assessment practice: punctuation checkNewWriting assessment practice: writing 4–6 clear sentences to a prompt (purpose + audience)NewTiming and checking routines for Reading and Writing papersNew
