Adult Literacy Entry 2 Assignment - Retraining

ASSESSOR'S NOTES

1. Administration of the assignment.

1.1. The assignment should not be attempted until the assessor is confident that the candidate has all of the underlying skills listed in 1.4 below.

1.2. There is no time limit on the assignment, but the activities should be completed in order and an activity should normally be completed in a single session. If not completed in a single session, the assignment should be completed over consecutive sessions. If the assignment is completed over more than one session, the dates each activity were completed should be entered on the candidate's question paper and evidence sheet by the assessor.

1.3. A simplified dictionary should be provided for candidates if possible.

1.4. The basic skills being tested in this assignment are:

Read and understand textual material

  • trace and understand the main events of chronological texts (Activity 1)
  • recognise the different purposes of texts at this level (Activity 1)
  • read and understand words on forms related to personal information (Activity 3)
  • recognise high frequency words and words with common spelling patterns (Activity 1)
  • use phonic and graphic knowledge to decode words (Activity 1)

Read and obtain information from textual and graphical material

  • recognise the different purposes of texts at this level (Activity 1)
  • use illustrations and captions to locate information (Activity 1)
  • read and understand linking words and adverbials in instructions and directions (Activity 1)
  • recognise high frequency words and words with common spelling patterns (Activity 1)
  • use phonic and graphic knowledge to decode words (Activity 1)

Use reference skills

  • use a simplified dictionary to find the meaning of unfamiliar words (Activity 2)
  • use initial letters to find and sequence words in alphabetical order (Activity 2)

Complete forms and records

  • use written words and phrases to record or present information (Activity 3)
  • spell correctly the majority of personal details (Activity 3)
  • use capital letters for proper nouns (Activity 3)
  • produce legible text (Activity 3)

1.5. In preparation for the assignment, candidates should have been given practice in reading a range of materials, including newspaper articles, leaflets, recipes, advertisements, maps and other images. They should have had practice in completing forms and writing simple letters.

1.6. In activity 1, candidates should not be given help in reading or understanding the newspaper article.

In activity 2, candidates should not be given any help with understanding the arrangement of books or with using alphabetical order.

In activity 3, candidates should not be given any help in reading, understanding or completing the form.

1.7. Before the candidates start, assessors should introduce the assignment. The following is a suggested wording:

“In this assignment, you will have 3 activities to do. You will have to read information and then answer questions about it. You will have to use reference material. You do not need to read through the whole assignment now, but you should read through each activity before you start it.

You will need to do most of the assignment on your own. If you need any other help, then ask me; I will tell you if I am allowed to help you. You may use a dictionary without asking.

You do not have to finish all the activities today. If you want to stop at the end of any activity ask me. When you have finished your work, check it carefully and then hand it in to me.”

2. Assessment of the assignment.

2.1. Activity 1. Newspaper Story.

The successful candidate will give appropriate answers to each question. Spelling should NOT be penalised in this activity. Writing is not being assessed so responses can be given orally and written down by the assessor, as long as this is clearly indicated.

Acceptable answers will include the following information:

1.1. Mary's husband is:

A mechanic or

repairs cars or

works with cars

1.2. She says:

It's an unusual career choice for a woman.

1.3. Courses cost:

Nothing or

They are free.

1.4. The Burton Gazette is:

A newspaper or

A local paper.

2.2. Activity 2. Careers Information.

The successful candidate will write down the slot numbers below:

2.1. Mechanics - Slot 4, Plumbing - Slot 6, Computing - Slot 1, Hairdressing - Slot 3.

The successful candidate will use the dictionary to find out other meanings. Help may be given after they have found the initial letter section (ie: C.)

2.2. To go out of control.

2.3. Activity 3. Enquiry Form.

The successful candidate will give the following answers:

3.1. Station Road.

3.2. The Hospital.

And:

3.3. complete the form fully and accurately, with no more than five minor errors, and such

that the information could be sent out to the candidate. Use initial capital letters for each proper noun if block capitals are not used throughout.

3. Record keeping

3.1. Assessors should ensure that they keep the final copies of the candidate's question papers.

3.2. Use the evidence record sheets to record the results of the activities.