CELTA Learners & Teachers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes the ability to use language appropriately according to social context, not just grammatically correctly?
- Linguistic competence
- Strategic competence
- Sociolinguistic competence (Correct answer)
- Discourse competence
Correct answer: Sociolinguistic competence
Sociolinguistic competence is the ability to use language in ways that are culturally and socially appropriate for a given context, register, or relationship.
Question 2: A CELTA trainer observes that a trainee corrects errors by simply repeating the learner's utterance with the correct form using emphatic stress. This technique is called:
- Elicitation
- Recast (Correct answer)
- Explicit correction
- Metalinguistic feedback
Correct answer: Recast
A recast is an implicit corrective technique where the teacher reformulates the learner's erroneous utterance correctly without explicitly labelling it as an error.
Question 3: Which factor is most associated with 'the critical period hypothesis' in second language acquisition?
- Adults learn vocabulary faster than children
- There is an optimal biological window, typically before puberty, for acquiring native-like pronunciation (Correct answer)
- Grammar instruction is ineffective after age 10
- Children have higher motivation to learn languages than adults
Correct answer: There is an optimal biological window, typically before puberty, for acquiring native-like pronunciation
The critical period hypothesis (Lenneberg) proposes that there is a biologically determined period, generally before puberty, during which native-like language acquisition is most achievable.
Question 4: In a CELTA lesson, a teacher asks: 'Is this a polite or informal email?' after learners read a model text. What skill is the teacher developing?
- Intensive reading for grammar
- Learners' awareness of register and text type (Correct answer)
- Skimming for main ideas
- Scanning for specific details
Correct answer: Learners' awareness of register and text type
Asking about politeness and formality directs learners to notice register differences, a key aspect of discourse and sociolinguistic awareness.
Question 5: What is 'group dynamics' and why is it relevant to CELTA classroom management?
- A physical arrangement of desks that maximises space
- The interpersonal relationships and social processes within a learner group that affect participation and atmosphere (Correct answer)
- A technique for dividing classes into equal ability groups
- The way teachers delegate tasks to student monitors
Correct answer: The interpersonal relationships and social processes within a learner group that affect participation and atmosphere
Group dynamics refers to the social interactions and relationships among learners that influence motivation, cohesion, and willingness to participate in classroom activities.
Question 6: A learner says 'I am agree with you.' The teacher responds, 'Really? You agree? Great.' This type of implicit feedback is called:
- Clarification request
- Metalinguistic clue
- Recast (Correct answer)
- Elicitation
Correct answer: Recast
This is a recast: the teacher embeds the correct form ('you agree') in a natural response without drawing explicit attention to the learner's error.
Question 7: Which of the following teaching behaviours best demonstrates 'inclusivity' in a CELTA classroom?
- Calling only on learners who volunteer answers
- Using a variety of activity types and ensuring all learners are nominated equitably (Correct answer)
- Focusing lesson content on the most advanced students to raise the bar
- Allowing dominant learners to lead all group discussions
Correct answer: Using a variety of activity types and ensuring all learners are nominated equitably
Inclusivity requires varied task types, equitable nomination practices, and attention to all learner profiles so that no student is marginalised or overlooked.
CELTA Learners & Teachers 5
Which term describes the ability to use language appropriately according to social context, not just grammatically correctly?