ELT MCQs

Quiz: ELT

1. The Direct Method in language teaching mainly avoids:

Use of target language
Use of phonetics
Use of mother tongue
Oral practice

2. The Grammar-Translation Method focuses mainly on:

Listening skills
Translation & memorization
Communicative fluency
Pair work

3. “Language is habit formation” is the belief of which method?

Oral Approach
Audiolingual Method
Structuralism
Communicative Approach

4. The Oral Approach and Situational Language Teaching were developed by:

Noam Chomsky
A.S. Hornby
Otto Jespersen & Daniel Jones
Harold Palmer & Hornby

5. In the Audio-Lingual Method, the main classroom technique is:

Extensive reading
Repetition drills
Free writing
Silent observation

6. “Errors are signs of learning” is believed in which approach?

Behaviourist
Structuralist
Communicative
Audiolingual

7. Suggestopedia mainly focuses on:

Rote learning
Grammar rules
Relaxed environment & music
Translation

8. The Silent Way uses which tool for teaching pronunciation?

Blackboards
Cuisenaire rods
Flashcards
Audio tapes

9. Communicative Language Teaching prioritizes:

Accuracy over fluency
Grammar first
Fluency & meaningful communication
Memorizing vocabulary lists

10. Task-Based Language Teaching focuses on:

Tasks that promote real communication
Translation
Memorizing structures
Dictation only

11. The Natural Approach was developed by:

Krashen & Terrell
Chomsky & Hymes
Halliday & Firth
Hornby & Palmer

12. Krashen’s “Affective Filter” refers to:

Grammar rules
Emotional factors that block learning
Dictionary use
Writing difficulties

13. The Structural Approach focuses on:

Stories
Literary texts
Mastery of language patterns
Translation

14. Who coined the term “Communicative Competence”?

Noam Chomsky
M.A.K. Halliday
Dell Hymes
Henry Sweet

15. Error Analysis as a field was developed by:

Krashen
Corder
Richards
Bloomfield

16. The Direct Method teaches vocabulary mainly through:

Translation
Pictures and real objects
Grammar rules
Drills only

17. “Monitor Hypothesis” is part of:

Chomsky’s UG
Krashen’s SLA theory
Vygotsky’s theory
Behaviourism

18. In the Silent Way, the teacher is seen as:

Controller
Prompter
Passive observer
Technician or facilitator

19. CLT activities include:

Pattern drills
Mechanical repetition
Role plays & information gap tasks
Dictation only

20. The Natural Approach prioritizes:

Conscious grammar learning
Meaningful input
Memorization
Immediate error correction

English Language Teaching

 

 What is ELT (English Language Teaching)?

ELT means the process of teaching English to those whose first language is not English.
It includes methods, approaches, theories, and tools used to teach reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English.

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🌱 1. Origin & Development of ELT

Period	Key Idea	Major Thinkers / Theories
Grammar-Translation Period (18th–19th century)	Focused on grammar rules, translation, and memorization.	Latin & Greek influence
Direct Method (early 20th century)	Teach through speaking only, no translation, focus on everyday vocabulary.	Berlitz Schools
Audio-Lingual Method (1940s–1960s)	Based on habit formation and repetition drills.	B.F. Skinner (Behaviorism)
Communicative Approach (1970s–1980s)	Focus on communication and meaning, not just grammar.	Dell Hymes, Noam Chomsky
Post-Communicative Period (1990s–Now)	Combination of techniques — learner-centered, task-based, digital learning.	Nunan, Krashen, Larsen-Freeman

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📘 2. Important ELT Approaches & Methods

(a) Grammar Translation Method (GTM)

• Oldest and most traditional.

• Grammar rules + translation between native & English language.

• Focus: Reading & Writing (not speaking/listening).

• Teacher-centered.

• ❌ Weakness: No fluency in communication.

(b) Direct Method

• No translation; all teaching in English.

• Focus: Speaking & Listening.

• Use of visual aids (pictures, objects).

• ✅ Builds fluency.

• ❌ Hard for beginners.

(c) Audio-Lingual Method

• Based on Behaviorism → language learning through repetition & drills.

• “Practice makes perfect.”

• Dialogues & pattern practice.

• ❌ Doesn’t focus on creativity or meaning.

(d) Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

• Most popular today.

• Goal: Communicative Competence (Hymes).

• Emphasizes real-life conversation, role play, pair work, group activities.

• ✅ Focus on fluency over accuracy.

(e) Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

• Students learn language by doing real-world tasks.

• Ex: planning a trip, making a presentation, writing an email.

(f) Silent Way

• Teacher is mostly silent; students discover rules themselves.

• Uses Cuisenaire rods (colored sticks).

• Promotes learner independence.

(g) Suggestopedia

• Created by Georgi Lozanov.

• Uses music, relaxation, and positive atmosphere.

• Aim: remove psychological barriers in learning.

(h) Total Physical Response (TPR)

• Developed by James Asher.

• Students respond physically to commands (e.g., “Stand up”, “Run”).

• Best for beginners or children.

(i) Natural Approach

• Developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell.

• Focus: Comprehensible input.

• Learners acquire language naturally without pressure to speak early.

• No.	Method / Approach	Introduced by / Developed by	Time Period	Key Features	Focus
  1	Grammar-Translation Method (GTM)	Traditional (Latin & Greek teaching influence)	18th–19th century	Grammar rules, translation, memorization, written exercises	Reading & Writing
  2	Direct Method (Natural Method)	Introduced by Charles Berlitz	Late 19th – early 20th century	No translation; only target language; conversation-based learning; uses real objects	Speaking & Listening
  3	Audio-Lingual Method (ALM)	Based on Behaviorist theory by B.F. Skinner; developed during World War II for U.S. army training	1940s–1960s	Repetition drills, dialogues, habit formation, teacher-centered	Pronunciation, Listening, Speaking
  4	Situational Language Teaching (SLT)	British linguists: A.S. Hornby, Harold Palmer, Michael West	1940s–1950s	Teaching new language in real-life “situations”; use of context	Vocabulary & Sentence patterns
  5	Structural Approach	Developed by Charles C. Fries and Bloomfield’s Structural Linguistics	1950s	Language as structure (patterns); focus on sentence formation	Structure & Accuracy
  6	Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)	Developed from ideas of Dell Hymes (Communicative Competence) and Noam Chomsky (Competence vs Performance)	1970s	Use of language for real communication; interaction; meaning > form	Fluency, Interaction, Meaning
  7	Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)	Prabhu (India, Bangalore Project); later popularized by David Nunan	1980s–1990s	Learn language through completing meaningful tasks (e.g., making plans, solving problems)	Communication via Tasks
  8	Natural Approach	Stephen Krashen & Tracy Terrell	1983	Focus on natural acquisition, not forced learning; use of comprehensible input	Understanding & Acquisition
  9	Silent Way	Caleb Gattegno	1960s	Teacher speaks very little; learners discover rules; uses Cuisenaire rods & color charts	Learner independence
  10	Suggestopedia	Georgi Lozanov (Bulgarian psychologist)	1970s	Uses music, relaxation, and positive environment; lowers anxiety	Relaxed learning & memory
  11	Total Physical Response (TPR)	James Asher	1960s	Students respond to commands with physical actions (e.g., “Stand up”)	Listening & Action-based learning
  12	Lexical Approach	Michael Lewis	1993	Focus on vocabulary chunks and collocations, not grammar	Vocabulary in context
  13	Content-Based Instruction (CBI)	Developed in U.S. & Canada (for ESL learners)	1980s	Teaching language through academic subjects or content	Learning through subject matter
  14	Community Language Learning (CLL)	Charles Curran	1970s	Teacher = counselor; students = clients; group learning	Confidence & Cooperation
  15	Eclectic Approach	— (Combination of methods)	Modern period (1990s–Present)	Use of various methods depending on learner needs	Flexibility & Adaptability
  16	Blended Learning Approach	— (Modern digital teaching)	2000s onwards	Combines classroom + online learning; technology-based	Digital & Interactive learning

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🧠 Summary 

Method	Key Idea (1-line memory tip)
Grammar-Translation	Translate + memorize grammar
Direct Method	Speak only English, no translation
Audio-Lingual	Drill & repeat → habit formation
Situational Teaching	Teach language in real-life situations
Structural Approach	Focus on patterns & sentence structure
Communicative	Talk for meaning, not grammar perfection
Task-Based	Learn by doing real-world tasks
Natural Approach	Understand before speaking
Silent Way	Teacher silent, student active
Suggestopedia	Learn with music & relaxation
TPR	Learn with physical actions
Lexical Approach	Learn chunks, not grammar
CBI	Learn English through subjects
CLL	Teacher as counselor
Eclectic	Mix of methods
Blended	Online + Offline teaching

🧠 3. Key Theorists and Concepts

Theorist	Concept	Explanation
Noam Chomsky	Competence vs. Performance	Knowing the rules vs. actually using them.
Dell Hymes	Communicative Competence	Ability to use language correctly & appropriately.
Stephen Krashen	Input Hypothesis	We learn when we understand language input slightly above our level (i+1).
B.F. Skinner	Behaviorism	Learning by imitation and reinforcement.
Lev Vygotsky	Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)	Learning happens with help from teachers or peers.
David Nunan	Task-Based Learning	Language is learned by completing meaningful tasks.

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No.	Theorist	Concept / Theory	Main Idea (in simple words)	Impact on ELT
1	Noam Chomsky (American linguist)	Competence vs. Performance (1965)	• Competence: Knowledge of language (grammar in mind).• Performance: Actual use of language in real situations.	Shifted focus from memorization to understanding grammar rules and language creativity. Basis for Communicative Approach.
2	Dell Hymes (Sociolinguist)	Communicative Competence (1972)	Knowing how and when to use language appropriately in context.	Foundation of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).
3	B.F. Skinner (Behaviorist psychologist)	Behaviorism / Operant Conditioning (1957 – Verbal Behavior)	Language learning = habit formation through stimulus → response → reinforcement.	Gave rise to Audio-Lingual Method (drills & repetition).
4	Stephen Krashen	Monitor Model / Input Hypothesis (1980s)	Five main ideas: 1️⃣ Acquisition vs. Learning 2️⃣ Natural Order Hypothesis 3️⃣ Monitor Hypothesis 4️⃣ Input Hypothesis (i+1 = slightly above learner’s level) 5️⃣ Affective Filter (low anxiety helps learning)	Basis of Natural Approach & Comprehensible Input theory.
5	Lev Vygotsky (Russian psychologist)	Sociocultural Theory / Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) (1930s)	Learners develop language better with help from peers or teacher (social interaction).	Supports Collaborative & Task-Based Learning.
6	Jean Piaget (Cognitive psychologist)	Constructivism / Cognitive Development Theory	Learners build knowledge through experience; language helps thinking.	Encouraged learner-centered teaching.
7	David Nunan	Task-Based Learning Theory (1980s–1990s)	Language is learned best by doing tasks (e.g., problem-solving, projects).	Developed Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT).
8	Michael Halliday	Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)	Language functions according to context (ideational, interpersonal, textual).	Influenced Functional Syllabuses and Communicative Teaching.
9	James Asher	Total Physical Response (TPR) (1960s)	Language learning through physical actions — listen and act.	Used widely in early language teaching and ESL classes.
10	Georgi Lozanov	Suggestopedia (1970s)	Relaxed environment + music helps learners remember better.	Promoted affective (emotional) side of language learning.
11	Caleb Gattegno	Silent Way (1960s)	Teacher speaks very little; students explore language themselves.	Encouraged learner autonomy and discovery learning.
12	Charles Curran	Community Language Learning (CLL) (1970s)	Teacher = counselor; students = clients; builds confidence through group learning.	Helped develop humanistic language teaching.
13	Michael Lewis	Lexical Approach (1993)	Language is made of chunks or collocations (not just grammar).	Vocabulary teaching became central in ELT.
14	Jerome Bruner	Discovery Learning / Scaffolding	Learning happens best when learners discover patterns with teacher support.	Influenced communicative and constructivist methods.
15	Jim Cummins	BICS & CALP (1980s)	• BICS: Basic conversational skills.• CALP: Academic language skills.	Helped teachers understand why some learners speak fluently but struggle academically.
16	John Dewey	Experiential Learning (Early 20th century)	Learn by doing; experience is the base of learning.	Influenced Task-Based & Project-Based approaches.
17	Wilga Rivers	Interactive View of Language Learning	Communication is both receptive and productive; involves interaction.	Strengthened Communicative Approach.
18	H. Douglas Brown	Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (1980s)	Summarized theories from behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.	Helped integrate theories into ELT classroom practice.
19	Henry Widdowson	Communicative Teaching Theory (1978)	Emphasized language use rather than language form.	One of the founders of CLT.
20	Rod Ellis	Second Language Acquisition (SLA) Theories	Explained how learners acquire L2 through input, interaction, and feedback.	Used in TESOL and Applied Linguistics teaching.

Theory Type	Main Theorists	Key Idea	Related ELT Methods
Behaviorism	B.F. Skinner	Habit formation through repetition & reinforcement	Audio-Lingual Method
Cognitivism	Piaget, Bruner	Learning as mental process; understanding rules	Cognitive / Structural Approaches
Constructivism	Vygotsky, Dewey	Learner builds knowledge through experience	Task-Based, Discovery Learning
Humanism	Curran, Lozanov, Gattegno	Learner emotions & motivation are central	CLL, Suggestopedia, Silent Way
Communicative / Functionalism	Hymes, Halliday, Widdowson	Use language for real-life communication	CLT, Functional Syllabuses
Naturalism	Krashen, Terrell	Language acquired naturally through input	Natural Approach
Lexical / Vocabulary-based	Michael Lewis	Language = chunks & collocations	Lexical Approach

🗣️ 4. Language Skills in ELT

There are four core skills:

Skill Type	Skills	Examples
Receptive	Listening & Reading	Understanding spoken or written English.
Productive	Speaking & Writing	Producing language orally or in text.

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🎯 5. ELT in India

• ELT introduced during British rule (Macaulay’s Minute 1835).

• Today, India follows Communicative English approach in schools.

• Major institutes: Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) → now EFLU (Hyderabad).

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💻 6. Modern Trends in ELT

• Blended learning (Online + Classroom)

• Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

• Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)

• Flipped classroom (students learn online before class)

• Use of AI, Chatbots, and YouTube for self-learning.

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📜 7. ELT-related Terms (Important for NET)

Term	Meaning
L1	Mother tongue
L2	Second language
ESL	English as a Second Language
EFL	English as a Foreign Language
ESP	English for Specific Purposes (e.g., Business English)
ELT	English Language Teaching
TESOL	Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
TEFL	Teaching English as a Foreign Language
BICS / CALP	Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills / Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (by Cummins)

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🧾 8. Quick Summary Chart

Method	Focus	Key Idea	Weakness
Grammar-Translation	Grammar	Translation & Reading	No speaking fluency
Direct	Speech	No translation, only English	Hard for beginners
Audio-Lingual	Repetition	Habit formation	No creativity
Communicative	Fluency	Real-life communication	Grammar may be weak
Task-Based	Tasks	Learn by doing	Needs planning
TPR	Actions	Physical response	Not for advanced levels

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🧩 9. Expected NET Questions Example

1️⃣ Who developed the Communicative Competence theory?
👉 Dell Hymes

2️⃣ The Audio-Lingual Method is based on which theory?
👉 Behaviorism

3️⃣ “Input Hypothesis” was given by —
👉 Stephen Krashen

4️⃣ The use of “Cuisenaire rods” is a feature of —
👉 Silent Way

5️⃣ Suggestopedia was developed by —
👉 Georgi Lozanov