Which teaching approach involves students first completing a task without help, then the teacher addresses problems and presents the target language, followed by a second practice task?

• A. Test-Teach-Test
• B. Task-Based Learning
• C. Presentation–Practice–Production
• D. Teacher-Directed Review

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of the Test-Teach-Test pattern in classroom instruction. In this approach, learners first attempt a task with minimal guidance, which reveals what they can do and where they struggle. The teacher then analyzes those results, addresses the problems by introducing the necessary language in a targeted way, and provides focused short input or instruction on the target language. Finally, learners perform a second practice task to apply what's just been taught and to consolidate their learning. This sequence emphasizes learning from the initial performance and using that insight to tailor instruction, rather than presenting language upfront.

It differs from options where the language is introduced before any task (the initial practice would come after a presentation) or where the focus is on completing a task with guided scaffolding throughout from start to finish. In this pattern, the diagnostic first attempt drives the subsequent teaching and practice, making it especially useful for surfacing learners’ real needs and improving practical use quickly.