About S&C

1. L1-2 Functional Skills English
Preparing for your SL&C tasks
L1.1 Identify relevant information and lines of argument in explanations or presentations
L1.2 Make requests and ask relevant questions to obtain specific information in different contexts
L1.3 Respond effectively to detailed questions
L1.4 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and accurately on a range of topics
L1.5 Express opinions and arguments and support them with evidence
L1.6 Follow and understand discussions and make contributions relevant to the situation and
the subject
L1.7 Use appropriate phrases, registers and adapt contributions to take account of audience,
purpose and medium
L1.8 Respect the turn-taking rights of others during discussions, using appropriate language
for interjection
May 2021. Kindly contributed by Mark Wilson. Search for Mark on www.skillsworkshop.org (v2 26/5/21)
Please refer to the download page for this resource on skillsworkshop for detailed curriculum links and
related resources:
https://www.skillsworkshop.org/resources/preparing_for_speaking_listening_communication_tasks
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To assist learners with covering all aspects of the Level 1 & 2 Reformed Functional Skills English SLC content descriptors:
L2.1 Identify relevant information from extended explanations or presentations
L2.2 Follow narratives and lines of argument
L2.3 Respond effectively to detailed or extended questions and feedback
L2.4 Make requests and ask detailed and pertinent questions to obtain specific information
in a range of contexts
L2.5 Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and effectively, providing further
detail and development if required
L2.6 Express opinions and arguments and support them with relevant and persuasive evidence
L2.7 Use language that is effective, accurate and appropriate to context and situation
L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward
L2.9 Adapt contributions to discussions to suit audience, purpose and medium
L2.10 Interject and redirect discussion using appropriate language and register

2. FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
SPEAKING, LISTENING and
COMMUNICATION.
Levels 1-2

3. FUNCTIONAL SKILLS OVERVIEW
SCL forms part of the Functional Skills English course,
along with Reading and Writing. All are formally
assessed and all three must be passed to get the full
Functional Skills award.
You may also be taking Maths, which is a 2 part exam
consisting of calculator and non-calculator questions.

4. • Where and when do we use or need
to use discussion skills?
• Make notes for 5 minutes and then
feedback.
TASK A

5. When do you need DISCUSSION skills?
Examples
• Working in teams – hospitals – football teams – construction sites
• Interviews
• Shopping
• Dates / relationships
• Social media – forums – chat groups
• Teaching and learning – ourselves and our families

6. TASK B
• So why are Speaking, Listening &
Communication skills important in life?
• Make a list of Positive and Negative
examples showing how SL&C skills – or
a lack of them – can affect our lives. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

7. POSITIVE examples
• Listening helps you to challenge your ideas / assumptions by hearing
other views / perspectives.
• Can help make a good impression to employers. E.g. shows you are
polite, able to follow instructions, etc.
• Allows you to hear other views and empathise with them.
• Improves your ability to learn and progress in challenges and tasks.
• Helps prepare for real life situations, job interviews, and
dates / relationships.
• Employers can see your social media presence. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

8. NEGATIVE examples
• People will be less likely to listen to you.
• Employers will not trust you to follow instructions, this could put other
people at risk.
• People won’t understand how you feel if you don’t communicate.
• People won’t respect your views / opinions.
• People may not want to work with you, leading to broken / failed
relationships.
• You could miss out on opportunities like promotions or better work duties.
• Your views, feelings, opinions may never be heard and lay undiscovered.
• Employers can see your comments if you have a social media presence.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

9. SLC ASSESSMENT – what you need to do
1. A formal discussion (small group) on an unfamiliar topic.
2. An individual talk / presentation by you to a small group. This can be a topic you are
interested in or a hobby.
3. An informal discussion in response to another person’s short talk / presentation.

10. Carrying out research and preparing your talk or presentation
TIPS
1 HOUR LESSON TO PREPARE FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK.
• Pick something you know a lot about or are prepared to research.
• Gather info from the internet, books and your own knowledge.
• Think where your info will need to go in your presentation. At the start, middle or end?
• Using PowerPoint is not compulsory but it can help you organise what you are going to say.
• Time yourself to speak for at least 3 minutes.
• Be prepared to answer questions in the Q&A discussion afterwards.
• Be calm and confident / speak clearly / use appropriate language.

11. Preparing for the formal discussion –
Discuss the impact of Covid 19 on our lives.
1 HOUR LESSON TO PREPARE FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK.
• You can use your own personal experience to support your views, arguments and opinions.
• Make sure you research a variety of perspectives / arguments so your views are challenging
and not one-sided. This will help the discussion flow. Talk about different impacts.
• You must contribute to the discussion throughout so I can mark you and you can pass.
• Be calm, speak clearly / confidently.
• Use appropriate language.