Functional Skills English course is ideal for those looking to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence about reading, understanding and summarising texts, writing and presenting information in a range of styles, and relaying information clearly and persuasively.

The course comprises of three elements: reading, writing and speaking & listening.

The reading and writing elements are assessed through quizzes and assignments. You will be assigned a personal tutor to ensure support is provided throughout the course.

For Level 2 reading you will develop knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

• Identify the different situations when the main points are sufficient and when it is important to have specific details
• Compare information, ideas and opinions in different texts, including how they are conveyed
• Identify implicit and inferred meaning in texts
• Understand the relationship between textual features and devices, and how they can be used to shape meaning for different audiences and purposes
• Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information in a range of straightforward and complex sources
• Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias
• Identify different styles of writing and writer’s voice

For Level 2 writing you will develop knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

• Use correct grammar (e.g. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of a range of tenses, definite and indefinite articles) and modality devices (e.g. to express probability or desirability)
• Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers (e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes and quotation marks)
• Spell words used in work, study and daily life, including a range of specialist words
• Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively
• Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience
• Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format and structure (e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables)
• Convey clear meaning and establish cohesion using organisational markers effectively
• Use different language and register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words), suited to audience and purpose.
• Construct complex sentences consistently and accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate

The speaking and listening element of the course comprises a short presentation and discussion on a topic of your choice. Our tutors will administer and assess your presentation, looking at your ability to articulate ideas and information clearly and concisely to meet the needs of your audience and to promote, debate and discuss ideas to reach a decision.

You must pass all three elements of the course to achieve your qualification.