DELTA Module 2 Background Essay & Lesson Plan Samples

Cambridge DELTA Module Two

Unlike Module 1 (Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching) which is assessed via an end-of-course written exam of two 90-minute papers, DELTA Module 2 (Developing Professional Practice) is assessed by a mixture of practical assignments that the candidate needs to complete throughout the course. According to the official handbook, this continuous assessment comprises a portfolio of coursework that is submitted to Cambridge, including the following:

- A two-part Professional Development Assignment (PDA) consisting of:

• a Reflection & Action (R&A) assignment that includes a series of teaching and reflection tasks and activities which candidates engage in throughout the course;


• an Experimental Practice (EP) assignment where candidates research a particular ELT approach, procedure or technique they are unfamiliar with. Here they need to read up on the related literature, prepare and teach a lesson based on their chosen approach/ procedure/ technique, and then write up a 1,500-2,000 word Commentary on the lesson and a post-lesson Reflection & Evaluation.

- Four Language Systems/Skills Assignments (LSAs) consisting of:

• four mini research papers of between 2,000-2,500 words exploring an area of Language Systems or Skills related to a particular teaching/learning issue. Called Background Essays (BEs), two of these essays need to focus on Language Systems (grammar, lexis, phonology), and the other two on Language Skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing).


• the candidate is then required to plan, teach and reflect on an observed lesson related to the chosen area in each of the BAs. Three of these lessons will be internally assessed by the course tutors at the center while the fourth will be assessed externally, by a Cambridge English approved external assessor. 

- Ten lesson observations of other teachers teaching

Module 2 assessment involves participation in a DELTA Module 2 course at an approved Cambridge English Center.

Language Systems/Skills Assignment (LSA):

Sample Background Essay (BE) & Lesson Plan (LP)

To give prospective candidates an idea of what a Background Essay and an accompanying lesson plan for the LSAs look like, I have decided to publish the BA & LP I wrote in March 2017 as part of the course requirement. In this essay and lesson, I chose to focus on "discourse" (thus, a Language System Assignment):

Sample Background Essay: Recognizing and Using Discourse Strategies in Conversational Interaction

Sample Lesson Plan (+ Appendices/lesson materials): Helping Students Recognize and Use Discourse Strategies That Make Conversation Sound Natural

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For Daily Lessons & Lesson Ideas based on a DELTA Module 2 approach to lesson design & planning, please visit Our Lesson Blog. For a database of lessons and useful links, please click here.

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