DELTA Module One study guide
DELTA Module One · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an advanced Cambridge English teaching qualification that blends theory and practice. It is designed for English language teachers who have been teaching for at least one year and who want to move into more senior roles such as head of English or teacher trainer, or to extend their expertise in a specialist area. It suits first-language and non-first-language speakers of English with a CEFR level of C1 or above, and it is suitable for teaching any age group, from young learners to adults. DELTA consists of three modules, which can be taken in any order or combination, so candidates can sequence the modules around their own work and study needs. Cambridge English describes DELTA as internationally recognised as the benchmark for teaching quality, and places it at Proficient to Expert stages on the Cambridge English Teaching Framework. DELTA can be taken as a face-to-face, online, blended or distance course with an authorised centre. Topics on this exam: Module One: understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching. The DELTA Module One study guide has 1 section and about 451 words.
01Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching
DELTA Module One assesses whether you can analyse language precisely, justify methodological choices, and evaluate resources. It is examined through three 90-minute papers: Paper 1 (Understanding Language), Paper 2 (Understanding Language Teaching and Learning), and Paper 3 (Understanding ELT Resources and Materials). Each paper mixes terminology tasks with extended analytical writing, so accuracy and explicit reasoning matter more than volume. Paper 1: phonology, lexis, grammar, discourse, and the four skills.
451 words, about 2 minMore study resources for DELTA Module One
- Practice questionsIn phonology, which term describes the smallest contrastive unit of sound that can distinguish meaning, such as /p/ versus /b/ in 'pat' and 'bat'?
- FlashcardsMinimal pair. Two words differing in only one phoneme in the same position, such as 'ship' and 'sheep' or 'pet' and 'bet'.
- Cheat sheetModule One is assessed by a written examination of 90 minutes plus 15 minutes' reading time, comprising two tasks: Task One (a set of short-answer questions on a language area or teaching concept, typically 5-6 items) and Task Two (an extended response of approximately 200-300 words on a methodology or resources issue).
- Key termsConcept checking question (CCQ). A question the teacher asks to confirm learners have understood the meaning of a new item, usually answerable with yes/no or short answers, e.g.
- Study planMap the Module One syllabus into a personal topic checklist covering lexis, grammar, phonology, discourse, and language acquisition and assessment.
- Common mistakesCandidates are experienced teachers and default to lesson-planning mode under time pressure; the exam rewards analytical, terminology-anchored answers, and the habit of practical narration is deeply ingrained from daily work.
- Exam-day guideBring the same identity document you used when booking.