Spelling: Homophones

Here are some comments from examiners who have marked the writing exam:

Errors in the spelling of homophones also remained very common, particularly, “there/their”, “witch /which”, “hole / whole”, “lose/loose”, “to/too” and “you’re/your”. There was also much confusion over the correct use of “of” and “off”. Some candidates continued to conflate words eg “alot”, “aswell”, “gonna” and “wonna”.

Here are some exercises which will help you with spelling. (Sorry, some of them are written for children, but I think you will find them useful.)

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/game/en21watc-game-paris-word
2. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones.shtml
3. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones2.shtml
4. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones3.shtml
5. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones4.shtml

Everyday English: Types of writing

Here are the five different types of text you may be asked to write in the exam and the key layout features for each text:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5X7HCGNCa_6Zmt5Uy1TX1dvMnc/view?usp=sharing

Linking words

Here are some websites where you can practise using different linking words:

1. http://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/connectives/con001-linking-words.htm
2. http://www.english-in-chester.co.uk/e-learning/lesson/linking-words/

Free online course

This is a free online course to help you improve your English and learn more about English culture. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/explore-english-language-culture

Writing test

Please complete the form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_XHGAtYy-xCYElALaCCBnqGcLdl_lTQlZoX7Gb_cSEY/viewform?usp=send_form

The test should take you about 45 minutes to complete.

Grammar Test

Please complete the grammar test. There are 44 questions, so you will need about half an hour or more to complete it.

https://docs.google.com/a/man-adulted.org.uk/forms/d/1KMEf5EIoGgpWp2KzepAl-VnQEYY9xF5Oq9HFswWg5VM/viewform

You can complete the test as many times as you wish.

Education Spelling

Please complete the form:

https://docs.google.com/a/man-adulted.org.uk/forms/d/1I-u43sgIVTkgpFrejBn53OweVZgYOXSthtN2igVojxI/viewform

Here are 50 words beginning with F which you should practise spelling:

Spelling: 50 E words

Here are 50 words beginning with E which you should practise spelling:

Grammar: Verb patterns

In order to improve your writing, you need to learn some common verb patterns.

Writing: planning

Here is a link to a quiz about planning your writing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/quiz/en12plan-l1-quiz

Free online courses for CVs and Maths

Here are links to two free online courses which will help you to improve


your CV writing and job application skills: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/writing-applications


and your maths and numeracy skills: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/numeracy-skills


At the end of the course, you can buy a certificate if you wish.

Review

Please complete the test:

https://docs.google.com/a/man-adulted.org.uk/forms/d/1gZgtfdxNvKJsNwy-pVT5_KNISOGoebfU4ojDSkpJdcc/formResponse

Spelling: 50 D words

Here are 50 words beginning with D which you should practise spelling:

Grammar: Present perfect or Past simple

Here is a link to some activities to practise these two tenses.

Spelling: 50 C words

Here are 50 words beginning with C which you should practise spelling:

Reading: Charity

Some of you may find this article interesting: http://www.mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/240175407-if-it-wasnt-them-id-be-dead-homeless-alcoholic-turns-life-around-thanks-amazing

Skim the article to find out what it's about. Use the headline and the pictures to help you.
What is the purpose of the text? To inform, to describe, to persuade, to instruct?
Look at the quotations. (The words in quotation marks "     "). Why are they used?

Reading practice

How can you improve your reading skills? Here are some tips that may help you:

Spelling: 50 B words

Here are 50 words beginning with B which you should practise spelling: