The TKT quiz

This activity aims to highlight some of the TKT's distinguishing features and provides a written record for future reference.

Instructions

1. Divide the trainees into pairs or small groups, preferably from different teaching backgrounds.
2. Hand out one copy of the quiz to each group and model predicting the answer to the first question, taking the decision as a group.
3. Ask trainees to continue working through the quiz, discussing and guessing the correct option in each of the sixteen sentences. Explain that the correct answers will be supplied later.
4. Set a time limit of 10 minutes.
5. Regroup the trainees and have them compare their answers and discuss only points of dispute.
6. Hand out the remaining quizzes so that each trainee has a copy. Conduct feedback, checking the answers and eliciting opinions about the most surprising TKT fact/feature.

Follow-up

Close the activity by using the ideas below to lead a discussion about the TKT in your local context:

• TKT is graded in bands to allow local conditions to dictate the required level for trainees to achieve. Which band level is expected of teachers completing the TKT in your area?
• Each TKT module may be taken independently of the others and retaken if desired. How do you think these policies support teachers’ ongoing professional development?

Answer key

1. There are 3 core modules of the TKT.

2. There are also 2 additional modules.

3. Each module has 1 exam paper.

4. Each paper lasts for 80 minutes.

5. Each paper has 80 questions.

6. Each question is worth the same number of points.

7. Lesson planning is tested in module 2.

8. Background to language learning is tested in module 1.

9. Classroom management is tested in module 3.

10. Which of the following is NOT one of the task types in the TKT?

true and false

11. How is the TKT graded? bands 4–3–2–1

12. All bands receive a certificate.

13. To demonstrate a more than basic knowledge on the TKT (i.e. be awarded

bands 4 or 3) you need to score at least 45–50 points (out of 80).

14. You get 3 certificates if you sit all the core TKT modules.

15. The certificates arrive 2–3 weeks after you sit the exam.

16. You can take each paper as many times as you like.

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