Concept-Checking Questions (CCQs) and Timelines

CCQs check that learners understand the meaning, not that they can repeat the form. Rules:

1. Break the concept into its parts and ask one question per part.
2. Use simple language below the level of the target item.
3. Do not include the target language in the question.
4. Answers are yes/no, a short phrase, or a choice ("now or in the past?").
5. Never "Do you understand?" - learners say yes whatever they understand.

Model sentence first, then the CCQs with expected answers.

#Tenses and aspect

#Present perfect (experience)

I've been to Japan.

• Did I go to Japan? (yes) - Do we know when? (no) - Is it important when? (no) - Am I in Japan now? (no) Timeline: X somewhere on the line between birth and now, no date.

#Present perfect (unfinished time, for/since)

She's lived here for five years.

• Does she live here now? (yes) - When did she start living here? (five years ago) - Will she probably continue? (yes)

#Present perfect vs past simple

I lost my keys vs I've lost my keys.

• Which sentence: do I have my keys now? (we don't know / no - present perfect) - Which one is about now? (present perfect)

#Past continuous + past simple (interrupted action)

I was cooking when the phone rang.

• Which started first, the cooking or the phone? (cooking) - Did the cooking stop when the phone rang? (yes, maybe) - Was the phone call long or short? (short)

#Past perfect

When I arrived, the film had started.

• Two actions: which happened first? (film started) - Did I see the beginning? (no)

#Used to

I used to live in a village.

• Did I live in a village in the past? (yes) - Once or for a long time? (a long time) - Do I live there now? (no)

#Be/get used to

She's used to getting up early.

• Is getting up early difficult for her now? (no) - Was it difficult in the past? (maybe yes) - Is this about a past habit? (no)

#Going to (plans) vs will (spontaneous decisions)

I'm going to visit my aunt on Saturday. - Did I decide before now? (yes) - Is it a plan? (yes) I'll answer it! (phone rings) - Did I decide before? (no) - When did I decide? (now)

#Present continuous for arrangements

I'm meeting Tom at 6. - Is it in the future? (yes) - Have we agreed the time? (yes) - Is it written in my diary? (probably)

#Future perfect

By 2030 I'll have finished my degree. - Is my degree finished now? (no) - In 2030, will it be finished? (yes) - Will I finish before or after 2030? (before)

#Modals

#Must vs have to (obligation)

I must call my mum. - Is it necessary? (yes) - Who thinks it's necessary - me or a rule? (me) You have to wear a helmet. - Is it necessary? (yes) - Who decided? (a rule / the law)

#Mustn't vs don't have to

You mustn't smoke here. - Can you smoke? (no) - Is it OK to smoke? (no, it's prohibited) You don't have to come. - Is it necessary to come? (no) - Can you come if you want? (yes)

#Should (advice)

You should see a doctor. - Is it a good idea? (yes) - Is it a rule? (no) - Must he do it? (no)

#Might / may / could (possibility)

It might rain later. - Will it rain? (we don't know) - Is it possible? (yes) - Am I sure? (no)

#Must / can't (deduction)

He must be tired. - Am I sure? (almost) - Why do I think so? (evidence: he worked 12 hours) She can't be at home. - Do I think she is at home? (no) - Am I almost sure? (yes)

#Should have (past regret / criticism)

I should have studied. - Did I study? (no) - Was it a good idea to study? (yes) - Can I change it now? (no)

#Conditionals

#First conditional

If it rains, we'll stay in. - Is rain possible? (yes) - Are we talking about the future? (yes) - Is it real or imaginary? (real possibility)

#Second conditional

If I won the lottery, I'd buy a house. - Have I won the lottery? (no) - Will I probably win? (no) - Is this real or imaginary? (imaginary) - Past, present or future? (present/future)

#Third conditional

If I had left earlier, I wouldn't have missed the train. - Did I leave early? (no) - Did I miss the train? (yes) - Can I change it? (no) - Past or present? (past)

#Wish

I wish I had a car. - Do I have a car? (no) - Do I want one? (yes) - Am I happy about it? (no)

#Passive

The bridge was built in 1890. - Do we know who built it? (no / not important) - What's more important, the bridge or the builders? (the bridge)

#Comparatives and superlatives

Tom is taller than Sam. - Are they the same height? (no) - Who is short? (Sam) It's the cheapest phone in the shop. - Are there other phones? (yes) - Are they more expensive? (yes, all of them)

#Reported speech

She said she was tired. - Who is speaking now, me or her? (me) - Did she say it before now? (yes) - What were her exact words? ("I'm tired")

#Relative clauses (defining vs non-defining)

My brother who lives in Paris is a chef. - Do I have more than one brother? (yes) My brother, who lives in Paris, is a chef. - Do I have more than one brother? (no / probably one)

#Lexis

#Gradable words

The film was terrifying. - Was it scary? (yes) - A little or very? (very) - Can I say "very terrifying"? (no - absolutely terrifying)

#Phrasal verbs

The meeting was called off. - Did the meeting happen? (no) - Was it planned? (yes) - Was it moved to another day? (no / we don't know)

#Collocation / near synonyms

He's a heavy smoker. - Does he smoke a lot or a little? (a lot) - Is he fat? (no / not important)

#Functional exponents

Would you mind opening the window? - Is it a question or a request? (request) - Polite or rude? (polite) - Do I want the window open? (yes) - Answer if you agree? ("No, not at all")

#Timeline conventions

past ----------------- NOW ----------------- future
      X  single action
      XXXXXXXXX  state or repeated action
      ~~~~~~~ ongoing action;   | interrupting event
      [ for five years ]-------> continues

Draw the timeline, ask learners to place the action, then use the CCQs.