Cambridge Assessment English

TKT
Teaching Knowledge Test

Preparation Course
Module 1
Introduction and advice for the test
Introduction to TKT preparation
materials
These self-access materials will help you to prepare for the test by enabling you to revise some
of the knowledge tested in TKT: Module 1 and by giving you practice in the types of questions
you will answer in the test.
The materials are divided into three parts:
• Part 1: Describing language and language skills
• Part 2: Background to language learning
• Part 3: Background to language teaching.

These materials have been designed for self-study and should take approximately six hours in
total. We suggest that you work through the materials a little at a time. This will give you time to
think about any parts of the TKT: Module 1 test that you need to do more work on, and time to
think about your progress.

In each section of the materials, you will complete tasks which will revise some of the content
covered in TKT: Module 1 and you will practise answering some questions. You can use the
TKT Glossary to help you, which can be found here:
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/tkt/prepare-for-tkt

Each time you finish a task or practice quiz you can check or compare your answers with those
in the answer keys at the end of each part.
In the test you will have a separate answer sheet. You can see an example of this in the TKT
Handbook, which can be found here:
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/tkt/prepare-for-tkt

2 Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019
 Introduction to TKT: Module 1 1

Section 1: Introduction to TKT: Module 1

1.1 Getting to know TKT: Module 1

Let’s start by finding out about TKT: Module 1. Use the TKT Handbook to help you complete
the tasks.

Task 1
Which of the statements below about TKT: Module 1 are True and which are False? Put a tick
() in the appropriate box.

Statement True False

1. You have 1 hour 20 minutes to do the test.

2. There are 100 questions in the test.

3. All questions have the same multiple-choice format.

4. You can use your dictionary in the test.

5. There is one mark for each question.

6. It is possible to fail the test.

7. You write words and sentences in your answers.

8. TKT: Module 1 has two parts.

Task 2
Correct the False sentences in Task 1. Write your answers in the table above.
Now check your answers in the key.

Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019 3
 Introduction to TKT: Module 1 1

1.2 Subjects tested in TKT: Module 1

Now let’s look at the teacher knowledge that TKT: Module 1 Parts 1, 2 and 3 test. You will find
the syllabus for Module 1 in the TKT Handbook.

Task
Tick () the part of the test where each area of knowledge is tested.
Part 1: Describing language and language skills
Part 2: Background to language learning
Part 3: Background to language teaching

Subjects tested – Teaching knowledge of: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

learner needs

lexis (words)

learner characteristics

presentation techniques and introductory activities

exposure to language and focus on form

grammar

the differences between L1 and L2 learning

assessment types and tasks

functions

motivation

language skills – reading, listening, speaking and writing

the role of error

types of activities for language and skills development

phonology

Now check your answers in the key.

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 Introduction to TKT: Module 1 1

1.3 Types of tasks in TKT: Module 1

We’ve looked at what TKT: Module 1 tests, so now let’s see what the test looks like. There are
different formats for the questions in the test, but for all of them you must mark your answers
on your answer sheet. Here are some examples of question types matching; multiple-choice
and odd-one-out. These questions are about the test. You will see examples of actual test
questions when you move on to Part 1 of the materials.

Sample question type 1

Do the task below. Mark your answers on the answer sheet below. Then answer the questions
at the bottom of the page.

For questions 1 – 2, look at the statements about the parts of the TKT: Module 1 test and the
three options listed A, B and C. Choose the option (A, B or C) which completes each
statement correctly.

1 TKT: Module 1 Part 1 tests knowledge of

A the role of error.
B functions.
C presentation techniques.

2 TKT: Module 1 Part 2 tests knowledge of

A language skills.
B introductory activities.
C learner characteristics.

Answer sheet:

Which type of task is this?

A matching B multiple-choice C Odd-one-out

Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019 5
 Introduction to TKT: Module 1 1

Sample question type 2

Do the task below. Mark your answers on the answer sheet below. Then answer the question
at the bottom of the page.

For questions 1 – 3, match the parts of the test with the subjects listed A – D.
There is one extra option which you do not need to use.

Subjects

A learning strategies
B functions
C correcting learners
D assessment types and tasks

Parts of the test

1 TKT: Module 1 Part 1

2 TKT: Module 1 Part 2

3 TKT: Module 1 Part 3

Answer sheet:

Which type of task is this?

A matching B multiple-choice C odd-one-out

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 Introduction to TKT: Module 1 1

Sample question type 3

Do the task below. Mark your answers on the answer sheet below. Then answer the question
at the bottom of the page.

For questions 1 – 2, look at the statements about parts of the TKT: Module 1 test and choose
the option (A, B or C) which does NOT complete each statement correctly.

Mark the option (A, B or C) which does NOT complete each statement correctly on your
answer sheet.

1 TKT: Module 1 Part 1 does NOT test knowledge of

A language skills.
B phonology.
C exposure to language and focus on form.

2 TKT: Module 1 Part 3 does NOT test knowledge of

A activities for language and skills development.

B the differences between L1 and L2 learning.
C presentation techniques and introductory activities.

Answer sheet:

Which type of task is this?

A matching B multiple-choice C odd-one-out

Now check your answers in the key.

Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019 7
 Some tips for preparing and taking the test 2

Section 2: Some tips for preparing for

and taking the test
2.1 Preparing for the test

Here are some ideas for preparing for the test:

1. You can continue your learning in your classroom as you teach. When you do different
things in class, reflect on how these things might be assessed in the test.
2. It’s a good idea to prepare for the test by keeping a journal or using a notebook to write
down how your teaching relates to TKT, or with other teachers you could compare your
teaching and TKT topics.
3. Remember to use the TKT Glossary, which is included in the online course materials, to
revise and maybe learn some new terms used in TKT: Module 1. You can also use the
practice test in the TKT Modules 1 – 3 Handbook to do a complete test.

The TKT Glossary and TKT Modules 1 – 3 Handbook can be found here:
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/tkt/prepare-
for-tkt

The handbook includes the answer key to the practice test, so when you have finished,
you can check your answers. You could try to do this in exam conditions to prepare for
taking TKT: Module 1. Here are some suggestions for doing the practice test:
a. Make sure you have enough time to complete the practice test in one sitting. This
will make it more like exam conditions.
b. Make sure you won’t be interrupted. Turn off your phone and sit somewhere quiet.
Close the door so you can concentrate.
c. Make sure you have everything you need to do the test. You could print out the
answer sheet which you will have in the test to record your answers to practise
what will happen in the test.
d. Move all of your coursebooks and notes away – don’t be tempted to look up
answers! You can do this after you have finished the test.
e. Before you start the test, check the time and be strict with yourself to make sure
you will be able to complete the test in the time allowed.

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 Some tips for preparing and taking the test 2

2.2 Taking the test

Here are some tips for taking the test – both the practice test and the real test:

1. It is often calming to look through the question paper quickly to see which topics are in it.
It is always good to see something you feel confident about. If you see something you
don’t feel as confident about, you may want to make sure you do this at the start while
you feel fresh. You can do the sections in any order that suits you.
2. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you start each task. Be sure of what you
are being asked to do, particularly if it is an odd-one-out task.
3. Read each question carefully.
4. Read all of the answers listed and think carefully about which answer to choose; don’t
choose the first possible one you see.
5. Be careful not to word-spot; that means choosing an answer because the same word
appears in the question and the answer.
6. Make sure you mark an answer for all of the questions. Don’t leave any answers blank. If
you don’t know an answer, guess. You might be lucky!
7. Leave some time for near the end of the test to go back to any questions you weren’t
sure about. But be careful not to change an answer just for the sake of it.
8. Make sure you mark your answer in the right place on the answer sheet. Many people
leave this until the end of the test, but it is better to do it after each section or page. You
won’t be allowed extra time to transfer your answers in the test, so it’s a good idea to
practise doing this.
9. Finally, enjoy showing what you know. If you have prepared well, this is your opportunity
to demonstrate your knowledge!

Good luck in the practice test, and when taking TKT: Module 1!

Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019 9
 Answer key

Answer key
Getting to know TKT: Module 1

Statement True False

1. You have 1 hour 20 minutes to do the test. 
2. There are 100 questions in the test. 
There are 80 questions in the test.
3. All questions have the same multiple-choice format. 
No, there are different types of questions.
4. You can use your dictionary in the test. 
You are not allowed to use any resources during the test.
5. There is one mark for each question. 
6. It is possible to fail the test. 
Everyone gets a score which puts them in one of four bands. Band 4
is the highest.
7. You write words and sentences in your answers. 
You choose the correct answer A, B, C, D etc. and fill in an answer
sheet.
8. TKT: Module 1 has two parts. 
It has three parts:
Part 1: Describing language and language skills
Part 2: Background to language learning
Part 3: Background to language teaching.

10 Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019
 Answer key

Subjects tested in TKT: Module 1

Subjects tested – Teaching knowledge of: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

learner needs 
lexis (words) 
learner characteristics 
presentation techniques and introductory activities 
exposure to language and focus on form 
grammar 
the differences between L1 and L2 learning 
assessment types and tasks 
functions 
motivation 
language skills – reading, listening, speaking and writing 
the role of error 
types of activities for language and skills development 
phonology 

1.3 Types of tasks in TKT: Module 1

Sample question type 1

1. B
2. C
Task type: multiple-choice (B)

Sample question type 2

1. B
2. A
3. D
Task type: matching (A)

Sample question type 3

1. C
2. B
Task type: odd-one-out (C)

Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019 11
Further information
About Cambridge Assessment English, including international language standards
www.cambridgeenglish.org/why-cambridge-english

Published research
www.cambridgeenglish.org/research-and-validation/published-research

English Profile, including Cambridge Learner Corpus

www.englishprofile.org

Teaching English, including Cambridge English Teaching Qualifications and Teaching Framework
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english

TKT
www.cambridgeenglish.org/tkt

We are Cambridge Assessment English. Part of the University of

Cambridge, we help millions of people learn English and prove their
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All details are correct at the time of going to print in April 2019.

12 Cambridge Assessment English TKT: Module 1 | Introduction and advice for the test | © UCLES 2019