ADULT: English Functional Skills Level 1 & 2

Level 1 (English)

Reading

Identify the purpose of a text (to inform, persuade, instruct, entertain)

Use skimming and scanning to find key information

Understand main points and key details

Make simple inferences (what is suggested, not said directly)

Identify facts and opinions

Recognise basic persuasive techniques (e.g., emotive words, repetition)

Use context to work out the meaning of unfamiliar words

Use organisational features: headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables

Use basic reference skills: alphabetical order, simple dictionaries

Writing

Write for different purposes and audiences (email, letter, form, short report)

Plan writing (simple structure: beginning, middle, end)

Write clear sentences with correct punctuation:

capital letters and full stops

question marks and exclamation marks

commas in lists

apostrophes for contraction and possession (common cases)

Use paragraphs to organise ideas

Use time connectives and sequencing words (first, next, then, finally)

Use basic grammar accurately:

nouns, verbs, adjectives

past/present tense consistency

subject–verb agreement

Spell common words accurately and use strategies for unfamiliar words

Use simple editing and proofreading (check punctuation, spelling, sense)

Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC)

Take part in discussions and follow turn-taking

Listen for key points and respond appropriately

Ask and answer questions to clarify understanding

Give a short presentation with a clear beginning, middle and end

Use appropriate tone and language for the situation

Express opinions with reasons

Agree/disagree politely and build on others’ ideas

Level 2 (English)

Reading

Identify purpose, audience and tone (including implied meaning)

Compare information across texts (similarities/differences)

Summarise main points and key details accurately

Make more detailed inferences using evidence from the text

Identify bias and viewpoint; recognise how language influences the reader

Evaluate how writers use language and structure (headings, layout, sequencing)

Distinguish between fact, opinion and inference

Understand and use more advanced vocabulary and figurative language (where relevant)

Use reference skills confidently (dictionary, glossary; efficient scanning)

Writing

Write clearly for a range of purposes:

formal and informal emails/letters

articles, reviews, reports

persuasive writing (complaints, requests, proposals)

Plan and structure writing logically:

clear introduction and conclusion

paragraphs with topic sentences

linking ideas across paragraphs

Use a wider range of sentence structures:

simple, compound and complex sentences

varied sentence openings for effect

Use punctuation accurately and for effect:

commas (including after fronted adverbials)

apostrophes (accurate possession)

speech marks (where used)

brackets, dashes, colons and semicolons (as appropriate)

Use grammar accurately:

consistent tense and person

active and passive voice (basic awareness)

modal verbs for tone (could, should, might)

Use spelling strategies and accurate spelling of common and subject-specific words

Edit and proofread effectively:

improve clarity and tone

correct errors

check formatting and layout

Speaking, Listening and Communicating (SLC)

Contribute confidently to discussions, adapting language to audience

Listen actively and respond with relevant points and questions

Present information clearly, using supporting detail and examples

Use formal language where needed (meetings, interviews)

Use strategies to manage disagreement and keep discussion on track

Summarise group decisions and next steps

Across Level 1–2 (use throughout)

Build exam skills: reading questions carefully, using evidence, managing time

Develop functional communication for real life: work, college, community, home

Strengthen confidence: speaking clearly, asking for help, self-advocacy