CELTA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CELTA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which seating arrangement is most recommended on CELTA for promoting learner-to-learner interaction? → A horseshoe or circular arrangement
2. What does L1 interference mean in the context of pronunciation? → A learner's first language influences the way they produce sounds in the target language
3. What does 'error fossilization' mean, and why is it relevant to corrective feedback decisions on CELTA? → Errors that become permanent habits if not addressed appropriately over time
4. What does 'nominating' mean in classroom management terms on CELTA? → Directing a question or turn to a specific student by name
5. Why is lesson planning emphasized in CELTA? → To deliver structured and effective lessons
6. What is 'elicitation' as used in CELTA teaching methodology? → Drawing information or language from students rather than presenting it directly
7. What does TTT stand for in the context of CELTA feedback and why is high TTT considered a problem? → Teacher Talk Time — it reduces opportunities for learners to practice language
8. Which of the following is an example of a well-formed Concept Checking Question (CCQ) for the sentence 'She had already eaten by the time he arrived'? → Did she eat before or after he arrived?
9. What is the primary purpose of the 'Language Related Task' (LRT) assignment on the CELTA course? → To demonstrate trainees' ability to analyze language as a teacher would
10. Which of the following is an example of a minimal pair? → 'ship' and 'sheep'
11. What does 'connotation' mean in language analysis? → The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning
12. Why should teachers adapt coursebook materials? → To match learners’ context and abilities
13. What is the purpose of a receptive skill? → To understand written or spoken language
14. What does TTT stand for in CELTA? → Teacher Talking Time
15. What is the primary goal of the CELTA course? → To qualify teachers to instruct adult English learners
16. What is the International Phonemic Alphabet (IPA) primarily used for in ELT? → Representing pronunciation of words in a consistent, language-independent system
17. Which foundational principle is MOST important for success in the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults profession? → Commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and quality outcomes
18. Which of the following are 'suprasegmental' features of pronunciation? → Stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns
19. Which method is commonly used in CELTA for lesson delivery? → Communicative approach
20. How does the CELTA body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework that guides decision-making and standard practices
21. In CELTA, what is 'open pair' work and when is it used? → Two students demonstrate or practice in front of the whole class before everyone practices
22. What is 'choral drilling' in pronunciation teaching? → The whole class repeats a target form simultaneously after the teacher
23. Which sentence contains a third conditional structure? → If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
24. What is the main advantage of 'closed pair' or group work in a CELTA lesson? → All learners are active simultaneously, maximizing STT
25. What is learner autonomy? → Taking responsibility for one’s learning
26. Which classroom management strategy should a CELTA trainee use to establish task timing? → State a clear time limit before the task begins and display it visually if possible
27. What is the risk of over-praising learners in an EFL classroom, as discussed on CELTA courses? → Constant undifferentiated praise loses meaning and fails to guide improvement
28. What is the PRIMARY purpose of obtaining CELTA certification in Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults? → To demonstrate verified competency and adherence to professional standards
29. A 'recast' in corrective feedback refers to which teacher action? → Repeating the learner's utterance in correct form without explicit comment
30. How should a teacher present a new grammar structure? → Using examples, elicitation, and practice