Qualification purpose
Functional Skills English qualifications are designed to give learners the skills to
operate confidently, effectively and independently in education, work and
everyday life. They have been created in response to employers’ perceptions that
many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the basics.
Qualification objectives
The aims of these qualifications are to develop learner understanding and skills
in:
Level 1
 Speaking, Listening and Communication – take full part in formal and
informal discussions and exchanges that include unfamiliar subjects.
 Reading – read and understand a range of straightforward texts.
 Writing – write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and
opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.
Level 2
 Speaking, Listening and Communication – make a range of
contributions to discussions in a range of contexts, including those that
are unfamiliar, and make effective presentations.
 Reading – select, read, understand and compare texts and use them to
gather information, ideas, arguments and opinions.
 Writing – write a range of texts, including extended written documents
communication information, ideas and opinions, effectively and
persuasively.