Mixed-ability teens: Managing mixed-level classes

If students within the same class cannot cope with the same exercises, can you grade the tasks i.e. design them so that the same task can be done by different groups of students at different levels?

Here is an example of a writing task that is graded:

A. Write a postcard to a friend, telling them about your holiday.

B. Fill in the gaps or circle the word you want to use:

While one task is open and challenging for students, the second offers support. It is still challenging, as students need to read and choose their words. The first task may be very daunting for a less confident student and also they may be unaware of what kind of information goes into a postcard – here it’s their knowledge of the world that lets them down not necessarily their knowledge of English.