INTERPRESS IH ALMATY CELTA APPLICATION TASK
Please complete the tasks as neatly, as carefully and as fully as you can as it is one of the
factors we take into consideration when making a decision about your application. Please
remember that you may be asked to deal with the points discussed in this task at greater depth
in the interview.
Doing language research, using and referencing grammar and vocabulary materials is an
integral part of the CELTA course. We recommend using the reference materials so you could
provide detailed answers to all the questions.
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Practical English Usage (new edition) - Michael Swan (O.U.P.)
English Grammar in Use – Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press)
Grammar for English Language Teachers - Parrott, M. (Cambridge University Press)
Oxford Guide to English Grammar - John Eastwood (O.U.P.)
Name ___________________________
Date of application ________________________
PART 1 – LEARNING
1. How would you characterize yourself as a learner?
2. What helped you personally to learn a new language? What could you take from this
experience into teaching?
PART 2 – TEACHING
1. How would you get shy students talking in class?
2. How would you help students understand the meaning of new vocabulary items?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of correcting students’ mistakes?
4. How important are listening and reading when learning a foreign language?
Please note that severe penalties are applied if plagiarized work is detected. These will range from loss of marks to disqualification
and a ban on re-entry for a period of up to three years.
PART 3 – TEACHER TALK
Re-write the following sentences in a way that an elementary learner might understand.
1. If you wouldn’t mind opening your books to page 23, please.
2. What I’d like you to do now is to take your seats and note down the new words I’ve
written on the board.
3. What might you ask someone if you wanted to find out how to get to the post office?
PART 4 – LANGUAGE AWARENESS
Error correction
The sentences below were made by language learners. Identify the error (grammar or
vocabulary) in each sentence, correct it and say how you would explain the nature of the error
to the student who made it.
Example: I am driving to work every day.
Corrected version: I drive to work every day.
Explanation: We use the Present Simple to talk about routine, everyday actions.
Example: My teacher gave me useful advices.
Corrected version:
Explanation:
Example: She is having green eyes.
Corrected version:
Explanation:
Example: If I’ll pass my exams, my parents will be proud of me.
Corrected version:
Explanation:
Example: He was wounded in a car accident.
Corrected version:
Explanation
Please note that severe penalties are applied if plagiarized work is detected. These will range from loss of marks to disqualification
and a ban on re-entry for a period of up to three years.
Example: It’s a very wonderful restaurant.
Corrected version:
Explanation:
Vocabulary
The following pairs of words often cause confusion. What would you say to a student who asked
you to explain the difference in meaning between these words?
1. borrow vs. lend
2. imply vs. infer
3. control vs. check
4. overweight vs. fat
Grammar
Imagine you are explaining language to a student. Explain the difference in meaning between
sentence a and sentence b in each pair.
1. a. They’ve been married for 5 years.
b. They were married for 5 years.
2. a. I used to live in Almaty.
b. I’m used to living in Almaty.
3. a. I should write to him.
b. I should have written to him.
4. a. I don’t feel like eating out.
b. I don’t like eating out.
Please note that severe penalties are applied if plagiarized work is detected. These will range from loss of marks to disqualification
and a ban on re-entry for a period of up to three years.
Pronunciation
List the number of syllables and mark the stressed syllable in the following words:
Example: photo – 2 syllables
1. photograph
photographic
photographer
2. politics
politician
political
Look at the conversation below and comment on at least 2 pronunciation problems that
students might have (e.g. sounds, connected speech, stress patterns, intonation).
A: Do you come from Astana?
B: No, I work in Astana.
A: How long have you been working there?
B: For about three years now.
I confirm that I completed this task on my own.
Signed (sign by hand or type in your full name) ___________________________
Date ___________________
Please note that severe penalties are applied if plagiarized work is detected. These will range from loss of marks to disqualification
and a ban on re-entry for a period of up to three years.