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CELTA Writing Guide

The CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) does not have a specific “writing exam” in the traditional sense. Instead, it evaluates candidates through a combination of practical teaching assessments, written assignments, and lesson planning. The written assignments focus on various aspects of teaching English, including grammar, phonology, and teaching methodologies.

Here are the key details about the written assignments in the CELTA course:

1. Types of Written Assignments

There are usually four main written assignments, each around 750-1,000 words:

  • Language-Related Task: This assignment assesses your understanding of grammar and lexis (vocabulary). You’ll need to analyze specific language points, explain them clearly for a student audience, and plan how to teach these language points.
  • Focus on the Learner: You need to select a learner (often one of your students), analyze their needs, and suggest how they can improve their language skills. This includes analyzing the learner’s difficulties with language and pronunciation.
  • Language Skills Related Task: This assignment focuses on receptive (reading and listening) and productive (speaking and writing) skills. You will usually design a lesson plan based on a reading or listening text, identifying the key skills involved and how you would help students develop them.
  • Lessons from the Classroom: This reflective assignment asks you to evaluate your teaching practice throughout the course. You’ll reflect on feedback you received from your trainers and peers, and how you adapted your teaching to improve.

2. Assessment Criteria

  • Content: The written work must meet the assignment guidelines and demonstrate an understanding of language teaching.
  • Clarity: Your writing should be clear and easy to understand, especially since you’re expected to explain complex grammar points in a way that a learner can comprehend.
  • Structure and Organization: Well-structured arguments and coherent flow are essential, and ideas should be well-supported with examples.
  • Reflection: For reflective tasks, you need to show self-awareness about your teaching practice and how you’ve worked on areas for improvement.

3. Submission and Feedback

  • Assignments are usually submitted electronically during the course.
  • Feedback will be provided by your trainers, and you’ll have a chance to rewrite assignments if necessary, but no more than one rewrite is allowed per assignment.

4. Evaluation

  • The written assignments contribute to the final grade but are not pass/fail on their own. You are assessed holistically, with both practical teaching and written assignments contributing to your overall grade (Pass A, Pass B, Pass, or Fail).

CELTA focuses on real-world teaching skills, and the written assignments are designed to support your development as a teacher, not just test your knowledge in a formal exam setting.