What term describes learners working in pairs privately while the rest of the class watches?

• A. Closed pairs
• B. Open pairs
• C. Group work
• D. Pair-work rotation

Answer: (A)

Two learners work together privately while the rest of the class watches. This is called closed pair work. The idea is that the pair’s discussion stays within that dyad for the moment, allowing them to focus on the task without peers interrupting or overhearing, while the rest of the class observes and learns from the process. It can help students build confidence in speaking and practice with less pressure, and it gives the teacher a chance to monitor and model feedback from a distance.

Open pair work, by contrast, would have the conversation shared with the class or involve all students in the discussion, which changes the dynamics and visibility. Group work involves more than two learners, and pair-work rotation means changing pairs or tasks so students work with different partners over time.