TEFL Language Skills: Reading and Writing 2

Question 1

What is 'schema theory' and how does it apply to TEFL reading?

Accepted Answer

The idea that readers use prior background knowledge to make sense of new text, aiding comprehension

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The logical organisation and flow of ideas so that the text makes sense as a whole

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A technique where students listen to a text, take notes, then reconstruct it collaboratively to focus on form and meaning

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The teacher provides models, frameworks, or prompts to support students through the writing process

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The first sentence of a paragraph that states the main idea of that paragraph

Answer

Topic sentences give readers a clear signal about the paragraph's focus and help writers organise their ideas logically.

TEFL Certification Teaching English as a Foreign Language Practice Test

TEFL Certification Teaching English as a Foreign Language Practice Test

TEFL Language Skills: Reading and Writing 2