English Functional Skills (Level 2)

What is the course about?

Our Functional skills English Level 2 course will support you in developing your reading, writing and communication skills for both work and education.

What will we cover?

The course prepares you to pass the Pearson English Functional skills Level 2 qualification. It has three key units:

Unit 1: Speaking, Listening and Communication

The skills you will practise for this unit include:

• Identifying information and responding to questions
• Communicating, expressing opinions and using effective language
• Contributing to discussions and adapting contributions to suit audience, purpose and medium
• Using language that is effective, accurate and appropriate to context

Unit 2: Reading

The skills you will practise for this unit include:

• Distinguishing fact from opinion
• Comparing information, ideas and opinions
• Identifying implicit and inferred meaning in texts
• Identifying textual features and devices
• Comparing and contrasting different texts

Unit 3: Writing

The skills you will practise for this unit include:
• Using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Applying formal and informal language in different texts
• Writing to argue, persuade, advise, inform and describe
• Organising writing using the correct layout, format and structure for various texts such as emails, reviews and letters.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Present and narrate
• Discuss, debate, review and critique
• Read a text using the skills of scanning, skimming, and detailed reading
• Identify organisational features and understand the purpose of a text
• Applying correct English grammar, including punctuation, spelling, syntax, enabling you to avoid common writing errors and mistakes.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an accredited course. You must sit the exam and complete the qualification. Each unit has an exam. The speaking and listening exam is conducted at the end of the unit, and the reading and writing exam takes place at the end of the course.
If you do not want to do the exam, please apply for the ‘Getting Ready for Functional Skills English Level 2 course.' You need to be working towards level 2 during your initial assessment. You also need to be able to commit to attending lessons every week and have the time and dedication to work outside the classroom.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover rules and features of English. You will work on your own and with other students. You will learn in a step-by-step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually, so you know how to improve. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a lined A4 writing pad or notebook, a pen, a folder for assignments and any other appropriate stationery. You will be expected to maintain a course folder of handouts and your assignments. You will also submit work through Google Classroom, so you will need access to a computer. If you are on a low income, you may be able to apply to the Bursary Fund for help with the costs of the course (e.g. fares, books, materials).

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Once students have achieved their Level 2 Functional skills, they can progress to a range of level 3 courses across City Lit in different subject areas. Functional Skills level 2 English is also an entry requirement accepted by many university courses.