TEFL Language Skills: Reading and Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'schema theory' and how does it apply to TEFL reading?
- A theory about phoneme recognition
- The idea that readers use prior background knowledge to make sense of new text, aiding comprehension (Correct answer)
- A strategy for learning new vocabulary from context
- A grammar framework for sentence structure
Correct answer: The idea that readers use prior background knowledge to make sense of new text, aiding comprehension
Schema theory explains that readers draw on stored knowledge about topics and text types; activating schemata before reading improves comprehension significantly.
Question 2: What is 'coherence' in writing, distinct from cohesion?
- The grammatical correctness of a text
- The logical organisation and flow of ideas so that the text makes sense as a whole (Correct answer)
- The use of linking words and pronouns
- Correct paragraph indentation
Correct answer: The logical organisation and flow of ideas so that the text makes sense as a whole
Coherence is the underlying logic and organisation of ideas, while cohesion is the surface-level linguistic linking — both are needed for effective writing.
Question 3: What is a 'dictogloss' activity in reading/writing teaching?
- A spelling drill using dictation
- A technique where students listen to a text, take notes, then reconstruct it collaboratively to focus on form and meaning (Correct answer)
- A silent reading activity with comprehension questions
- A grammar translation exercise
Correct answer: A technique where students listen to a text, take notes, then reconstruct it collaboratively to focus on form and meaning
Dictogloss requires students to listen, note key words, then reconstruct the text in groups, integrating skills of listening, discussion, writing, and grammar awareness.
Question 4: What does 'guided writing' involve in a TEFL lesson?
- Students write freely on any topic they choose
- The teacher provides models, frameworks, or prompts to support students through the writing process (Correct answer)
- Students copy a model text word for word
- Students edit each other's work independently
Correct answer: The teacher provides models, frameworks, or prompts to support students through the writing process
Guided writing gives learners enough support (sentence frames, model paragraphs, prompts) to produce writing they could not yet manage independently.
Question 5: What is a 'topic sentence' and why is it important in EFL writing instruction?
- A sentence that introduces a new vocabulary item
- The first sentence of a paragraph that states the main idea of that paragraph (Correct answer)
- A sentence that concludes an essay
- A sentence that connects two paragraphs
Correct answer: The first sentence of a paragraph that states the main idea of that paragraph
Topic sentences give readers a clear signal about the paragraph's focus and help writers organise their ideas logically.
Question 6: Which reading sub-skill is being practised when students answer multiple-choice questions about specific facts in a text?
- Skimming for gist
- Scanning for specific information (Correct answer)
- Inferring author attitude
- Analysing text cohesion
Correct answer: Scanning for specific information
Finding specific factual details requires scanning — moving quickly to locate the targeted information rather than reading everything carefully.
TEFL Language Skills: Reading and Writing 2
What is 'schema theory' and how does it apply to TEFL reading?