Module 1 – Grammar

 
Concept questions: see concept checking. 
 
Content-based learning 
When a subject, e.g. maths or history, is taught through the second language.  
 
Contextualise
To put new language into a situation that shows what it means, e.g. The music in the disco was very loud. See set 
the scene, context.
 
Definition 
noun
, define 
verb 
An explanation of the meaning of a word, e.g. in a dictionary.
 
 
Elicit
When a teacher asks careful questions to get students to give an answer.
 
Emphasis 
noun
, emphasise 
verb 
When special force is given to a word when it is said because the word is important, e.g. I want to start the lesson at 
six o’clock not seven.
 
 
Functional Approach 
A way of teaching which uses a syllabus based on functions rather than on grammatical structures. 
 
Gesture 
noun + verb  
A movement with part of the body, e.g. hand, head.
 
 

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© 
UCLES 
Cambridge 
ESOL 
2005
15
Grammar-Translation method 
A way of teaching in which students study grammar and translate words into their own language. They do not 
practise communication and there is little focus on speaking. A teacher presents a grammar rule and vocabulary lists 
and then students translate a written text from their own language into the second language. See communicative 
approach.