Hello Exam Seekers,

Recently, I updated some content related to the TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test), so if you haven’t read it yet, check it out! However, if you have already read it and are actually looking for more information about the TKT, you came to the right place!

As I’ve mentioned, the TKT is a test that assesses your knowledge about English language teaching. According to Cambridge: The tests are designed to encourage teachers in their professional development by providing a step in their progression on the Cambridge English Teaching Framework. Candidates can also use the TKT to access further training and enhance career opportunities.

The TKT is divided into 3 core modules:

• TKT: Module 1 – Language and background to language learning and teaching
• TKT: Module 2 – Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching
• TKT: Module 3 – Managing the teaching and learning process.

And there are 2 specialist modules:

• TKT: CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning)
• TKT: Young Learners (YL).

Today we are going to dig a bit deeper into the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning):

What is CLIL?

As I’ve already mentioned, CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning. It describes an evolving approach to teaching and learning where subjects are taught and studied through the medium of a non-native language.

For instance, many schools teach history, geography, science, and other subjects using their native language, and they offer non-native languages as a school foreign language subject. These foreign language courses tend to teach grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation only. Whenever they teach school subjects, such as history, arts, geography, etc., in a foreign language, then it’s a CLIL lesson. What is taught in a CLIL lesson is the content and not the grammatical aspects of this foreign language.

So, the TKT: CLIL tests the knowledge of this Content and Language Integrated Learning and its related concepts. It tests if you know how to teach subjects in English to speakers of other languages and the learning, thinking, and language skills developed across different curriculum subjects. It also tests if you know how to plan a CLIL lesson and your knowledge about activities and resources used to support a CLIL approach, and also if you know how to design an assessment in CLIL contexts.

 

Who is the TKT: CLIL suitable for?

The TKT: CLIL is suitable for subject teachers who need to teach their curricular subjects in English, English language teachers who teach curricular subjects in a second language, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers working within mainstream classes.

Other people who look for this test are:

• pre-service teachers;
• teachers who wish to refresh their teaching knowledge;
• teachers who are moving to teach English after teaching another subject.

This test doesn’t have specific requirements. People who apply for these exams don’t necessarily need to fulfill any specific entry criteria for TKT: CLIL. There are no formal English language requirements; however, candidates are expected to be familiar with language relating to the practice of English language teaching, and for that, they must take a look at the glossary Cambridge offers. I am sharing here the TKT: CLIL subject-specific vocabulary pdf file for you to download:

Cambridge English Teaching Qualifications

As you can see, the TKT: CLIL is part of the Cambridge English Teaching Qualifications. It means that it focuses on assessing your teaching skills. Differently from the Young Learners test, though, the TKT: CLIL teaching age group does not have a specific group requirement since the idea is to work with content, as you can see below:

Is the TKT: CLIL only a test? How to be prepared for it?

Yes, it is only a test. The TKT: CLIL module consists of a timed pencil-and-paper test, featuring 80 multiple-choice questions. It is always good if you are able to take a prep course, though, and you can do it by yourself. There are many CLIL materials found online for you to study – I’ll leave the link for some books below.

You can also take a look at the TKT: CLIL Glossary to help you get prepared. Articles relating to CLIL from journals, magazines, and the internet are also useful. And of course, descriptions of classroom situations; if you are already a teacher in this environment, it surely makes you ahead.

Overview of the TKT: CLIL

It is a paper-based test. The exam takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to answer the 80 matching and multiple-choice questions. Candidates should fill their answer sheets by shading the correct boxes with a pencil. Each question carries 1 mark. Here is a sample of a question:

As you can see, the tests are quite simple with A, B, and C options. You just have to be careful when reading what is asked.

By the way, can you guess the answers to the questions above?

What does the TKT: CLIL involve? (Syllabus)

• Knowledge of CLIL and principles of CLIL;
• Lesson planning and preparation;
• Lesson delivery,
• Assessment.

If you want a more detailed syllabus, please comment in the comment section below, and I will be summarizing what Cambridge offers in the handbook for teachers. Or, you can download the syllabus pdf file here:

Results and Notifications of results

After Cambridge receives the answer sheets, they take around two to four weeks to provide an answer to the center through which you enrolled. The grading process involves bands:

If you want some more information about the TKT Bands, take look at my post about it.

You also receive a certificate. In front of the certificate, there is the name of the TKT Module, your name, the number of your certificate, the date and the place of issue, and the band you got. At the back, there is an explanation about the bands. This is a sample of the certificate:

How to register for the test?

You must enter through an authorized Cambridge English examination or teaching qualification center. And the entries must be made at least six weeks in advance of the test date, especially if you have special requirements, which need special arrangements. Some centers require candidates to enroll in the course, but it’s not mandatory, as I mentioned before, you can study by yourself, and here is a book that might help you do that:

Check the TKT CLIL Module Book (link for the book in Brazil here).

Hope I have cleared up some questions. If you still have more questions about the TKT, please, comment in the comment section below, and I will be glad to help.

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Have a great week,
Patricia Moura

OBS: All samples provided by Cambridge.

ANSWER KEY:
1. D
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. D
7. C