Level 1 Functional Skills English

At Functional Skills Level 1 English, you will be assessed in three areas: Reading, Writing, and Speaking, Listening & Communicating.

• Reading and Writing are assessed through separate, timed; the reading exam tests your ability to understand and interpret different texts, while the writing exam evaluates your ability to write clearly and accurately for various purposes.

Reading exam – 1 hour

Writing exam – 1 hour

• Speaking, Listening & Communicating assessment is conducted internally by your tutor and involves two tasks:

Task 1 requires giving a 3–4 minute talk to a small group followed by a 2-minute Q&A, including responding to and asking relevant questions.

Task 2 is a 10-minute formal discussion where you express opinions, adapt your contributions to the audience and purpose, and respect turn-taking. Each task assesses specific criteria, with some requiring at least two examples of evidence from you.

Your tutor will prepare you with targeted practice, personalised feedback, and revision resources like quizzes and mock exams. One-to-one support is available for areas needing extra help, including exam techniques. For speaking and listening, your tutor will guide you through the process to ensure you understand the expectations and feel confident. This support helps you be fully prepared to succeed in your Functional Skills Level 1 English assessments.

Additionally, tutors will assess learners continuously throughout the academic year to best prepare learners for the formal exams.

The qualification will be awarded as a pass or a fail.