Cambridge TKT case studies
Cambridge TKT · Put your knowledge to work in context.
TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) is a series of modular qualifications from Cambridge English that test knowledge in specific areas of English language teaching. It is aimed at both new and experienced teachers - including those working with primary, secondary or adult learners - who want to prove their professional knowledge with an internationally recognised certificate, and Cambridge states that candidates should have an English level of B1 or above. The Cambridge TKT case studies are 5 cases and about 3,782 words.
1"They know the rule but they won't use it"
Ruth teaches a group of 22 adults (A2–B1, nine different first languages) at a private language school. Her standard lesson is presentation–practice–production: she explains a structure on the board, learners complete a ten-item gap-fill, then do a role-play in pairs.
789 words, about 4 min2Planning with the photocopier broken
Danijela must teach a 45-minute B1 lesson on describing a process. The syllabus item reads: 'use sequencers and the passive to describe how something is made'.
774 words, about 4 min3Seventy-eight per cent teacher talk
Marcus teaches a mixed-ability class of 26 fourteen-year-olds. A colleague observing him records: teacher talk 78% of a 45-minute lesson; 31 questions asked, 27 of them closed; after each question he waits an average of 0.8 seconds before nominating; six learners account for 84% of student turns; two learners in the back row spoke to nobody all lesson except when named.
715 words, about 4 min4Dates but not causes
Aleksandra teaches history through English to 24 fifteen-year-olds whose English is roughly B1. The topic is the causes of the French Revolution.
732 words, about 4 min5Tomas has not spoken in fourteen weeks
Priya teaches English to 20 children aged six in their first year of school English. Lessons are 35 minutes, twice a week, in a room with a tiled floor and no carpet.
772 words, about 4 min