CELTA application form and language awareness task

Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages

British Council Bangladesh

Please complete all parts electronically and send the completed form and language awareness
task to [email protected].
Note that the form will be used to assess your written English.

Full name and address: You’re interested in:

Avijit Roy
 Online
 Part-time (10 weeks)
101/1 Promukto Ekota, Bagbari,
Sylhet-3100  Tentative Month and Year:

Email address: First language and nationality:

[email protected] Bangla and Bangladeshi

Mobile/phone number:+8801672897907 Date of birth: 5th of October,1989

Level of English / English exam name & Other languages (indicate level of proficiency):
result: Professional/ IELTS – 7.5
Hindi, French

Summary of academic qualifications: Dates: 1st

BBA- Independent University of Bangladesh January,2015
Concentration: ( Marketing)

MBA- Madonna University, MI, USA 1st April,2019

Concentration: Accounting

MBA- Bangladesh University of Professionals 1st January, 2021

Concentration: Operation Management

Experience of learning languages:

Experience of learning languages:

1. Elementary French in Independent University of Bangladesh

2. IELTS Teacher’s Training Program by British Council Bangladesh
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

English language teaching experience (if applicable):

IELTS instructor and English Language Coordinator at Mentors Bangladesh.

Choose one of these titles to write about your reasons for applying for the CELTA course.

Explain why you wish to become an English teacher, and how you consider yourself to be
personally suited to teaching English as a foreign language.

Or

If you are already an experienced teacher, explain why you want to take the CELTA course and
how you think it will benefit you.

You must answer this question in continuous prose and write no less than 800 words.

Remember that this is a course that will qualify you to be an English teacher. It is important
you check your written work carefully.

Use of correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation will all be taken into
consideration when evaluating your application.

Failure to produce a well-written application form or not meeting the word limit may well
prevent you from being accepted on to the course.

As an experienced IELTS teacher, I am writing this essay to explain why I want to take
the CELTA course and how I believe it will benefit me. The CELTA (Certificate in
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course is a widely recognized
qualification for those who wish to teach English as a foreign language. It is a rigorous
course that covers a range of teaching methodologies and provides practical teaching
experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to develop their skills as
an English language teacher.

There are several reasons why I am interested in taking the CELTA course. Firstly, I
believe that it will enhance my knowledge and understanding of the English language.
Even though I have experience teaching English, there is always more to learn. The
course will give me the opportunity to study grammar, syntax, and phonology in more
detail, which will enable me to explain these concepts more effectively to my students. I
also believe that the course will help me to improve my own language skills, as I will be
required to produce written and spoken work at a high level of accuracy.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

Secondly, I believe that the CELTA course will enable me to become a more effective
teacher. The course will introduce me to a range of teaching methodologies, such as
communicative language teaching and task-based learning, which I can incorporate into
my lessons. These methodologies focus on student-centered learning and encourage
students to take an active role in their own language development. By learning to use
these methodologies effectively, I believe that I can create more engaging and effective
lessons for my students.

Thirdly, I am interested in taking the CELTA course because I believe that it will
increase my employability. CELTA is a well-respected qualification in the field of English
language teaching, and many language schools and institutes require their teachers to
hold a CELTA qualification. By obtaining this qualification, I will have more job
opportunities both locally and internationally. It will also allow me to work in a wider
range of teaching contexts, such as teaching business English or academic English.

Lastly, I am interested in taking the CELTA course because I believe that it will provide
me with personal and professional development opportunities. The course will give me
the opportunity to work with other English language teachers and to receive feedback on
my teaching practice. This feedback will enable me to identify areas where I need to
improve and to develop a plan for my ongoing professional development. Additionally,
the CELTA course will require me to reflect on my own teaching practice, which will
enable me to develop a deeper understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses as
a teacher.

Overall, I believe that the CELTA course will benefit me in several ways. It will enhance
my knowledge of the English language, enable me to become a more effective teacher,
increase my employability, and provide me with personal and professional development
opportunities. I am excited about the prospect of taking the CELTA course, and I believe
that it will be a valuable addition to my skills as an English language teacher.

Language awareness task

These tasks are designed to help you think about the English language and how it works. They
should also help you decide what kind of review you need. Your answers to the tasks may also be
referred to in an interview, so it might be useful for you to make a copy of this task.
Please refer to one of the following grammar reference books to help you:
Swan, Michael. 1995. Practical English Usage (2nd edition). Oxford University Press
Leech, G. 1989. An A-Z of English Grammar & Usage. Longman.

A. Grammar
Look at the incorrect sentences below.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

a) Underline the verb in the prompt and correct it.

b) Name the correct tense.
c) Comment briefly on the use of the correct tense.

Example: I took a shower when the doorbell rang.

Correction: I was taking a shower when the doorbell rang.

Tense: Past continuous/progressive
Use: An action already in progress at a particular time in the past.

1. I am not understanding French.

a) The verb in the prompt is "am not understanding."

b) The correct tense is "present continuous," which should be "am not understanding" to "do

not understand."

c) The present continuous tense is used to describe an action that is currently happening.

However, the sentence is not grammatically correct, as the present continuous form of the

verb "understand" is "am not understanding." The correct tense for the negative statement

should be present simple. Therefore, the correct sentence is "I do not understand French."

2. I’ve been to Calgary two years ago.

a) The verb in the prompt is "been".

b) The correct tense is past simple.

c) Since "two years ago" refers to a specific time in the past, the correct tense to use is the

past simple. Therefore, the sentence should be corrected to "I went to Calgary two years

ago."

3. Look at the sky! It will snow.

a) The verb in the prompt is "will snow."

b) The correct tense is "present tense" as it describes an action that is happening currently.

c) The use of the correct tense would be "Look at the sky! It is snowing." as the present

continuous tense is used to describe an action that is happening currently. The original

sentence used the future tense, which implies that the action has not yet occurred.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

B. Meaning
How would you explain the difference in meaning between the following sets of sentences to a
foreign learner?

Example:
A. I like going to the beach.
B. I’d like to go to the beach.

Explanation:
A: Means ‘I like it in general’ and describes someone’s habits/hobbies.
B: Means ‘I want’ to go - at some future time, maybe tomorrow.

1. She stopped smoking.

She stopped to smoke.
Explanation:
A: "She stopped smoking" means that she used to smoke in the past, but has now quit or
given up the habit. This sentence describes the action of quitting smoking.

B: "She stopped to smoke" means that she paused or took a break from what she was
doing in order to smoke a cigarette. This sentence describes the action of smoking itself,
rather than quitting it.

2. I used to teach children.

I am used to teaching children.
Explanation:
A: "I used to teach children" means that I taught children in the past but I no longer do it
now. It is describing a previous job or activity.

B: "I am used to teaching children" means that I am accustomed to teaching children, and I
am comfortable doing it because I have done it many times before. It implies that I am
currently teach children or have recently done so.

3. If he works hard, he’ll pass the exam.

If he worked hard, he’d pass the exam.
Explanation:
A: "If he works hard, he’ll pass the exam" suggests that the person has a good chance of
passing the exam if he puts in the required effort. This sentence is in the present tense and
talks about a future possibility.

B: "If he worked hard, he’d pass the exam" suggests that the person has a hypothetical
chance of passing the exam if he were to put in the required effort. This sentence is in the
past tense and talks about a hypothetical or imaginary situation.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

C. Functions

Consider the following requests. All are asking the same thing, but with different language:

Would you help me out?

Could you possibly help me out?
Do me a favour and help me out!

1. Give examples of three other ways we could make this request.

Three other ways to make the request are:

 Can you assist me?
 Would you lend me a hand?
 I could use your help, could you please help me?

2. What factors are important in deciding which of these forms should be used?

The factors that are important in deciding which form to use include the level of
formality, the relationship between the requester and the person being asked, and the
context of the situation. More formal situations may call for more polite language, while
informal situations may allow for more casual language. The relationship between the
requester and the person being asked may also influence the choice of language, as
well as the urgency or importance of the request.

3. Which of the request above would you choose to teach to a beginner class? Why?

I would choose the first request, "Would you help me out?" to teach to a beginner class.
This is because it is the most straightforward and simple form of the request. It is also
polite and appropriate for most situations, making it a good starting point for learners.
As students become more comfortable with the language and more aware of the
context and relationship factors that influence language choice, they can then be
introduced to more complex forms of the request.

D. Vocabulary

How would you explain the difference between these words in simple terms?
1. steal/rob

"Steal" means taking something that belongs to someone else without permission, while
"rob" means taking something by force or threat. So, stealing is usually done secretly,
while robbing involves the use of violence or intimidation.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

2. win/beat

"Win" means to be the one who is victorious in a competition or contest, while "beat"
means to defeat or overcome someone in a competition or fight. Winning implies
achieving a goal, while beating someone often involves direct competition or conflict.

3. skinny/thin

"Skinny" and "thin" both describe someone who is not very heavy or fat. However,
"skinny" implies a person who is very slim, sometimes to the point of being unhealthy,
while "thin" describes someone who is not as heavy as others, but still has a healthy
body weight. So, being skinny implies a lack of body mass, while being thin simply
means being lighter than average.

E. Punctuation
Rewrite the following text punctuating it and changing any words to make it seem more natural.

this is your invitation to cruise onboard the worlds most famous ship and experience
the worlds most famous ships unequalled reputation for style comfort and
personalised service in january nineteen ninety six queen elizabeth two embarks on
queen elizabeth twos annual world cruise and queen elizabeth two will again offer
new zealand passengers unique and affordable opportunities to experience a slice of
the ultimate adventure

This is your invitation to cruise onboard the world's most famous ship and experience its
unequalled reputation for style, comfort, and personalized service. In January 1996, the Queen
Elizabeth Two will embark on its annual world cruise, offering New Zealand passengers unique
and affordable opportunities to experience a slice of the ultimate adventure. Join us as we set
sail and discover why the Queen Elizabeth Two is renowned worldwide for its exceptional
offerings.

F. Approaches to teaching and learning

1. Think about your experience(s) in learning a foreign language.

What do you think makes an effective language lesson?
Write no less than 200 words.

Learning a foreign language is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Having studied multiple
languages myself, I believe that an effective language lesson is one that strikes a balance
between four key elements: structure, immersion, engagement, and practice.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

Firstly, a language lesson should have a clear structure. This includes setting clear objectives,
providing relevant materials, and outlining a lesson plan. This structure ensures that learners
have a roadmap for what they will be learning and how they will achieve it.

Secondly, immersion is crucial. Learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary
and grammar rules; it’s about using the language in real-life contexts. A good language lesson
should provide opportunities for learners to engage with the language through activities such as
role-plays, debates, and discussions.

Thirdly, engagement is key. A language lesson should be interesting and enjoyable to keep
learners motivated and focused. Incorporating multimedia resources, such as videos and
podcasts, can help make the lesson more dynamic and interactive.

Lastly, practice is essential. To become proficient in a language, learners must have

opportunities to practice using the language in various contexts. Language lessons should
provide ample opportunities for learners to practice their listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills through activities such as group work, pair work, and individual exercises.

In conclusion, an effective language lesson should have a clear structure, offer immersion
opportunities, be engaging and enjoyable, and provide ample opportunities for practice. By
incorporating these elements, language learners can build a solid foundation for acquiring a new
language and achieve their language learning goals

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

2. The CELTA course requires a lot of teamwork. For example, you are required to work together
on lesson planning, as well as give and receive feedback following practice teaching sessions.
Imagine that a sensitive colleague has delivered a poor lesson. How would you present
feedback, keeping in mind the need to learn, as well as your colleague’s feelings?
Write no less than 200 words.

In the CELTA course, teamwork plays a vital role in ensuring that all trainees succeed in
becoming competent English language teachers. One aspect of this teamwork involves
providing feedback following practice teaching sessions. Feedback is essential to help
colleagues identify areas that need improvement and to recognize what they did well.
However, providing feedback can be challenging, especially when the colleague has delivered
a poor lesson. In such situations, it is essential to deliver feedback in a constructive and
sensitive manner, considering the need to learn and the colleague's feelings.

Firstly, it is crucial to provide feedback based on observable and specific behavior rather than
generalizations. It is easier for the colleague to understand where they went wrong when they
receive feedback on a particular aspect of their teaching, such as time management or
effective board work, rather than being told they were simply bad. When giving feedback, it is
important to emphasize the positive aspects of the lesson, and then highlight the areas that
need improvement. This can be done by using the sandwich technique- start with positive
feedback, then move onto constructive criticism and end with more positive feedback.

Secondly, it is important to use language that is non-judgmental and objective. Instead of using
negative language, use neutral phrases such as "the students seemed to struggle with...", "it
might be worth considering...", or "perhaps you could try...". This helps to create a safe and
supportive environment for the colleague to accept feedback and ask questions.

Finally, it is important to give the colleague the opportunity to reflect and respond to the
feedback. Allow them to ask questions and provide explanations of their actions. This way, the
colleague can have a better understanding of what went wrong and how they can improve.

In conclusion, delivering feedback to a sensitive colleague who has delivered a poor lesson
requires tact and sensitivity. Using observable and specific behavior, non-judgmental
language, and giving the colleague an opportunity to reflect and respond, can ensure that the
feedback is constructive and supportive. This way, both the colleague's feelings and the need
to learn are taken into account.
3. In some cultures, students are expected to sit in silence until asked a question. Imagine that
you are working in a classroom where you want to establish a more interactive and relaxed
environment. How would you go about doing this?
Write no less than 200 words.

In some cultures, it is a common expectation for students to sit in silence until they are asked
a question by the teacher. However, research has shown that interactive and relaxed learning
environments can significantly enhance students' learning experiences. Therefore, as an
educator working in such a classroom, it is essential to establish a more interactive and relaxed
learning environment.

To create an interactive and relaxed learning environment, I would start by building positive
relationships with my students. I would get to know my students on a personal level and make

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.
 CELTA application form and language awareness task
Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages
British Council Bangladesh

an effort to understand their interests and learning styles. This would help me to tailor my
teaching approach and create engaging lesson plans that cater to their individual needs.

Furthermore, I would incorporate more interactive and collaborative learning activities into my
lessons. This would involve providing opportunities for students to work in pairs or small
groups, participate in discussions, and engage in hands-on activities. By doing so, students
can develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while also learning from their
peers.

Additionally, I would encourage students to ask questions and express their thoughts and
opinions freely. This would create an environment where students feel comfortable and
confident to share their ideas, which can lead to more meaningful discussions and enhance
their learning experience.

Finally, I would implement positive reinforcement strategies to recognize and reward students'
participation and engagement in class. This would encourage students to take an active role
in their learning and help build a positive and inclusive classroom culture.

In conclusion, establishing an interactive and relaxed learning environment requires effort and
dedication, but the benefits for students are significant. By building positive relationships,
incorporating interactive and collaborative learning activities, encouraging student
participation, and implementing positive reinforcement strategies, students can experience a
more engaging and enjoyable learning experience that can improve their academic success.

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The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.