The Level 2 writing mark scheme rewards ‘a logical sequence with clear paragraphs’ and ‘a range of connectives’. One solid block of text loses those marks even when the ideas are good. This free worksheet teaches the PEEL structure – Point, Evidence, Explain, Link – and the connectives that join paragraphs together, then has you write two PEEL paragraphs of your own.
Free to download, print and share for personal or classroom use. Answers included.
What’s in this worksheet
- PEEL explained with a worked example
- Part 1 – four jumbled sentences: put the paragraph in order and label P, E, E, L (4 marks)
- Part 2 – a connectives bank grouped by job (adding, contrasting, cause and effect, sequence, example, summing up) and eight gaps to fill (8 marks)
- Part 3 – a 190-word article written as one block: mark where the four paragraphs start and add a connective to each (6 marks)
- Part 4 – write two PEEL paragraphs for a report on a workplace phone ban, with a full page of lines (12 marks)
- Answers including two model paragraphs
Common mistakes on this topic
From our tutors’ marking and the most recent examiner reports – check your work against these:
- Writing the whole answer as one block, or starting a new paragraph for every sentence.
- Using the same connective repeatedly (“Also… Also… Also…”).
- Points with no evidence – “The car park is too small” and then moving straight on.
How to use it
- Print the worksheet (or work on screen) and attempt every question without looking at the answers. Give yourself a rough time limit – Level 2 exams are tight.
- Mark your work against the answer page. For maths, check the method as well as the final number; method marks are where most of the marks are.
- Read the ‘common mistakes’ notes below and check whether any of them happened to you. Then redo the questions you got wrong a day later.
Related free resources
- Functional Skills English Level 2 Persuasive Writing Techniques Worksheet
- Functional Skills Level 2 Article and Report Writing Frame (with Model Report)
- Plan a Functional Skills Writing Task in 5 Minutes – Free Planning Sheet
- All free Functional Skills English Level 2 resources
Frequently asked questions
How many paragraphs should a Level 2 writing task have?
Four or five is a safe target for a 200–300 word answer: an opening that states the purpose, two or three body paragraphs with one point each, and an ending that says what you want or gives your verdict.
What is a PEEL paragraph?
Point – state the idea in one sentence. Evidence – give a fact, figure or example. Explain – say why it matters or what the effect is. Link – connect back to the purpose or on to the next point. It keeps every paragraph doing one job.
What connectives can I use in formal writing?
For adding: in addition, furthermore, moreover. For contrast: however, although, on the other hand. For cause and effect: as a result, consequently, therefore. For sequence: firstly, secondly, finally. For summing up: overall, in conclusion. Vary them – ‘also… also… also’ is a common weakness.
Want a tutor to mark your work? Not sure where you stand? Take the free 15-minute mini mock test. Ready to get qualified? Our live 10-week Functional Skills Level 2 English course runs in small groups with a mock exam included, and the 5-day revision course is there if your exam is close.