Mixed Deck — All TEFL Topics Flashcards

Which word in 'He spoke with great confidence' is an abstract noun?

Answer: confidence

'Confidence' names an intangible quality, making it an abstract noun.

What is an 'information gap' activity?

Answer: A task where partners each hold different information and must communicate to complete the task

Information gap activities create genuine communication need because each student has different information the other needs to complete the task.

Which sentence uses a demonstrative pronoun correctly?

Answer: Those are my keys.

'Those are my keys' correctly uses the demonstrative pronoun 'those' with a plural verb.

How should a TEFL teacher handle a situation where two students are having a private conversation in their L1 during an English activity?

Answer: Gently redirect them to the task and remind them of the English-use expectation

A gentle, non-confrontational reminder maintains the target language expectation while preserving a positive classroom climate.

In the sentence 'She runs quickly,' what part of speech is 'quickly'?

Answer: Adverb

'Quickly' modifies the verb 'runs,' making it an adverb.

What is a 'notional-functional syllabus' primarily based on?

Answer: The communicative purposes and meanings language serves

A notional-functional syllabus organizes content by the functions (e.g., apologizing, requesting) and notions (e.g., time, quantity) that learners need.

Which sentence contains a participial phrase functioning as an adjective?

Answer: Exhausted by the race, he sat down.

'Exhausted by the race' is a participial phrase modifying 'he,' functioning as an adjective.

A student becomes visibly upset and refuses to participate in a speaking activity. What should the teacher do first?

Answer: Speak privately with the student to understand the issue and offer a modified task

A private, empathetic conversation helps identify the root cause (anxiety, misunderstanding, personal issue) and allows for supportive accommodation.

What is a 'lexical set'?

Answer: A group of words sharing a common topic or semantic field

A lexical set is a group of words associated with a particular topic or semantic field, such as kitchen items: knife, fork, spoon, bowl.

What is the role of 'anticipated problems' in a TEFL lesson plan?

Answer: To predict language or logistical difficulties learners may face and plan solutions in advance

Anticipated problems help teachers proactively plan for likely misunderstandings or task difficulties so instruction stays on track.

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

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.

Which sentence contains a transitive verb?

Answer: She wrote a letter.

In 'She wrote a letter,' the verb 'wrote' takes a direct object ('a letter'), making it transitive.

What is a 'discussion question' frame used for in a TEFL speaking lesson?

Answer: To give students a structured prompt that stimulates genuine spoken interaction and opinion exchange

Discussion question frames provide a clear communicative goal that motivates natural speaking while allowing students to use target language.

What does 'intonation' describe in spoken English?

Answer: The rise and fall of pitch in the voice used to convey meaning, attitude, and grammatical structure

Intonation patterns (falling, rising, fall-rise) carry information about whether a sentence is a statement, question, or expresses doubt.

Which speaking task type requires students to reach an agreed outcome together?

Answer: Consensus or decision-making task

Consensus tasks (e.g., ranking activities, survival scenarios) require genuine negotiation and meaningful communication to reach a shared decision.

In lesson planning, what is the purpose of stating a 'main aim'?

Answer: To identify the primary language or skill students will practice by the lesson's end

The main aim focuses the lesson on one clear learning outcome, keeping planning and delivery coherent.

What is the main advantage of using authentic materials (e.g., newspapers, podcasts) in a TEFL class?

Answer: They expose learners to real-world language and natural discourse

Authentic materials reflect how English is actually used, preparing learners for real-life communication.

In Nation's vocabulary framework, what does 'word knowledge' include?

Answer: Form, meaning, and use of a word

Paul Nation's framework holds that knowing a word fully involves knowledge of its form (spoken/written), meaning (concepts/referents), and use (grammatical functions, collocations, constraints).

In an adult EFL class, a student persistently dominates discussions preventing others from contributing. What is the most appropriate management strategy?

Answer: Implement structured turn-taking protocols such as discussion cards or talking chips

Structured turn-taking tools equitably distribute speaking opportunities without singling out or embarrassing the dominant student.

Which learner variable most directly affects how quickly adults acquire pronunciation in a second language?

Answer: Age of acquisition

The Critical Period Hypothesis suggests that early learners acquire native-like pronunciation more easily than adults.