The article is the classic Task 1: 250–300 words for a website, magazine or newsletter, on a topic you have views about. It rewards a strong opening, a clear line of argument and persuasive language. This free pack gives you two article tasks in exam layout, the grids explained, and a model answer annotated paragraph by paragraph.
Free to download, print and share for personal or classroom use. Answers included.
What’s in this worksheet
- Know-the-format box for this text type
- Task 1 in Pearson exam layout (Information box, bullet points, word count, marks)
- Task 2 in Highfield exam layout (notes stimulus)
- Planning grid and lined answer space for both tasks
- Plain-English version of the official marking grids
- Indicative content list for Task 1
- 296-word model answer with examiner notes
Common mistakes on this topic
From our tutors’ marking and the most recent examiner reports – check your work against these:
- No headline – or a headline that is just the topic (‘Budgeting’). Give it some life.
- Writing a report or an essay with a headline stuck on top: no hook, no voice, no direct address.
- Skipping the ‘what went wrong’ bullet because it feels personal. The examiner wants the story – invent one if you need to.
- One enormous paragraph. Articles use short paragraphs; the format mark depends on it.
How to use it
- Read the ‘Know the format’ box, then do Task 1 under exam conditions – 5 minutes planning, the rest writing, timed as the task box says.
- Mark yourself against the grid and the indicative content list. Be honest about which band each strand lands in.
- Read the model answer and its notes, then rewrite your weakest paragraph. Do Task 2 a few days later without looking at the model.
Related free resources
- Formal Email – Exam-Style Writing Tasks (Functional Skills Level 2)
- Report – Exam-Style Writing Tasks (Functional Skills Level 2)
- Plan a Functional Skills Writing Task in 5 Minutes – Free Planning Sheet
- All free Functional Skills English Level 2 resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of an article in Functional Skills English?
A headline, optionally a strapline and byline, an opening that hooks the reader, short body paragraphs each with one point, and a closing paragraph. Subheadings are optional for a longer article.
Can I make things up in a Functional Skills article?
Yes – you are expected to. Invented statistics, names and experiences all count as ‘detail’ in the mark scheme, as long as they are realistic and relevant.
How do I start an article well?
With something other than ‘In this article I am going to…’. Try a surprising fact, a short story, a question, or a contrast – then say what the article is about in the second sentence.
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.