Module 5: Teaching Grammar and Vocabulary for Real Communication
Concept Checking Questions (CCQs)
CCQs are one of the most useful tools in a teacher's toolkit — and one of the most underused. A good CCQ takes 30 seconds and tells you instantly whether students have understood a grammar point or vocabulary item.
Why "Do you understand?" does not work
When teachers ask "Do you understand?" students almost always say yes — even when they do not. It is embarrassing to say no. And the question is too vague — students might understand part of it but not all of it.
CCQs solve this problem. Instead of asking about understanding, you ask about meaning — through specific, targeted questions that reveal whether students truly get it.
✓What makes a good CCQ?
- Simple language — simpler than the target language itself
- Short — one question at a time
- Specific — checks one aspect of meaning
- Cannot be answered with a lucky guess
CCQ examples
Target language: "She used to live in New York." - "Does she live in New York now?" → No - "Did she live there in the past?" → Yes - "Did she live there once or for a long time?" → For a long time
Target language: "I am exhausted." - "Am I a little tired or very tired?" → Very tired - "Do I want to sleep or exercise?" → Sleep
✓When to use CCQs
- After presenting new grammar — before moving to practice
- After introducing new vocabulary — before students use it
- During practice — to check a student's understanding of a specific item
- Before a new activity — to make sure students understand the task
Try This: Write a CCQ for each new grammar point or vocabulary item in your next lesson plan. This simple habit will transform how quickly you catch misunderstandings — and how confidently students move into practice activities.