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Functional Skills Writing

This page gives a basic summary of the skills you must demonstrate for the Writing component of the English Functional Skills qualification.

Please note these are not full explanations, just basic guidance to help students understand the level of skills required.  For the full explanation you should see the QCA Functional Skills standards (PDF) although please note this is not really written for students. Please speak to your teacher for a fuller explanation.

Entry Level


Write documents with some awareness of and adaptation to the intended audience, including:

  • use written words and phrases to present information
  • construct simple sentences and punctuate  using capital letters and full stops
  • spell correctly some personal or very familiar words
  • use upper and lower case
  • use written words and phrases to record/present information
  • construct compound sentences using common conjunctions and punctuate correctly using capital letters, full stops and question marks
  • spell correctly a range of common words
  • produce legible text
  • plan, draft and organise writing
  • sequence writing logically and clearly
  • use basic grammar including appropriate verb tense and subject/verb agreement
  • spell correctly and check work for accuracy

in documents such as forms, emails, letters, simple instructions or short reports, on paper and on screen.

Level 1


Write documents to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience, including:

  • write clearly and coherently including an appropriate level of detail
  • present information in a logical sequence
  • use language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience
  • use correct grammar including subject/verb agreement and correct and consistent use of tense
  • ensure written work includes accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear

in a range of documents on paper and on screen.

Level 2


Write documents, including extended writing pieces, communicating information, ideas and opinions, effectively and persuasively, including:

  • present information/ideas concisely, logically and persuasively
  • present information on complex subjects concisely and clearly
  • use a range of different styles of writing for different purposes
  • use a range of sentence structures, including complex sentences
  • punctuate accurately using commas, apostrophes and inverted commas
  • ensure written work has accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear

in a wide range of documents on paper and on screen.

Please note in places we have copied directly from the standards.  This is necessary to prevent ambiguity and we acknowledge the copyright of the QCA