Pre-Interview Task

Authorised Centre No. IN 145

(Planet EDU - ExtraExams)
Version # 1.2: : 22nd March, 2015

These tasks are designed to help you think about the English language and how it works. It should also help
you decide what kind of review you need. Your answers to the tasks may also be referred to in the interview,
so it might be useful for you to make a copy of this task. You may wish to refer to a grammar reference book
such as: Michael Swan, Practical English Usage, Oxford University Press, 1995
Please complete this task carefully as it is one of the factors taken into consideration when making a decision
about your application.

Please write by hand if you’re not submitting this by e-mail.

I. LANGUAGE

A. Grammar
Look at the incorrect sentences below and:

a) correct the verb;

b) name the tense;
c) comment briefly on the use of the correct tense.

example: I took a shower when the doorbell rang.

Correction: I was taking a shower when the doorbell rang.

Tense: Past continuous/progressive
Use: An action already in progress at a particular time in the past.

1. I had been to France two years ago.

a) ________________________________________________________________

b) ________________________________________________________________

c) ________________________________________________________________

2. I’ve been understanding you all along.

a) ________________________________________________________________

b) ________________________________________________________________

c) ________________________________________________________________

3. Look at the sky! It will snow.

a) _______________________________________________________________

b) _______________________________________________________________

c) _______________________________________________________________

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 Pre-Interview Task
Authorised Centre No. IN 145
(Planet EDU - ExtraExams)
Version # 1.2: : 22nd March, 2015

B. Meaning
How would you explain to a foreign learner the difference in meaning between the following sets of
sentences?

example: A. I like going to the beach.

B.I’d like to go to the beach.

Explanation: A: Means ‘I like it in general’ and describes someone’s habits/hobbies.

B: Means ‘I want’ to go - at some future time, maybe tomorrow.

1. She remembered meeting him.

She remembered to meet him.
Explanation:
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2. I used to play tennis.

I am used to playing tennis.
I played tennis.
Explanation:
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3. If he works hard, he’ll pass the exam.

If he worked hard, he’d pass the exam.
Explanation:
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C. Functions
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 Pre-Interview Task
Authorised Centre No. IN 145
(Planet EDU - ExtraExams)
Version # 1.2: : 22nd March, 2015

1. Look at the following sentences and decide what function is being used in each case. The first one
has been done for you.

Sentence Function
Do you fancy coming to the cinema tonight? invitation
Open the window will you?
Could you tell me the way to the cinema?
Why don’t you buy the blue one?
Would you like some tea?
Could you help me out please?
I am afraid I am not satisfied with the service.
I’m really sorry he did that.
It wasn’t my fault, the bus had an accident on the way
to class – sorry I am late!

2. What other functions can you think of that haven’t been expressed by the sentences above? Write
them in the table in the spaces provided.

3. Consider the following requests. All are asking the same thing, but using different language:

Would you help me out? Do me a favour and help me out?

Could you possibly help me out? Help me out will you?

3.a. Give examples of three other ways we could make this request.

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3.b. What factors are important in deciding which of these forms should be used?

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3.c. Which exponent of request would you choose to teach to a beginner class? Why?
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 Pre-Interview Task
Authorised Centre No. IN 145
(Planet EDU - ExtraExams)
Version # 1.2: : 22nd March, 2015

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D. Vocabulary

How would you explain, in simple terms, the difference between these words?
1. trip/journey
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2. assume/presume
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3. fat/plump
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E. Phonology
Indicate the number of syllables and the main stress in the following words, using:
stressed syllable
O unstressed syllable

example: geological oooo sensitive oo

temperature _________ milk bottle _________ demand _________

(a) present _________ (to) present _________ advertise _________

photographic _________ colleague _________ photograph _________

II. APPROACHES TO TEACHING AND LEARNING

1. Think about your experience(s) in learning a foreign language. What do you think makes an effective
language lesson?

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 Pre-Interview Task
Authorised Centre No. IN 145
(Planet EDU - ExtraExams)
Version # 1.2: : 22nd March, 2015

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2. The CELTA course requires a lot of team work. For example, you are required to work together on lesson
planning as well as give and receive feedback following practice teaching sessions. Imagine that you have
just done a poor lesson and you are looking forward to feedback from your peers. How would you expect
the feedback to be given?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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3. In some cultures, students are expected to speak only when spoken to by the teacher and to interact only
with the teacher. Do you think this is a good practice? Justify your answer.

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 Pre-Interview Task
Authorised Centre No. IN 145
(Planet EDU - ExtraExams)
Version # 1.2: : 22nd March, 2015

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PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY BE ASKED TO DEAL WITH THE CONTENTS OF THIS TASK IN GREATER DEPTH
DURING THE INTERVIEW.

Name: Signature: