This systematic literature review examines empirical studies on ICQ in EFL classrooms. Guided by PRISMA 2020, eleven peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2025 were selected from Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis Online, and ERIC. The review identifies ICQ types, methodological trends, and pedagogical contributions to instruction-giving and understanding-check practices. Findings indicate that ICQs are mainly used as comprehension checks, confirmation checks, and clarification requests. Form-based ICQs commonly appear as yes/no and Wh-questions, while display questions dominate the purpose-based category. Methodologically, qualitative studies dominated, followed by mixed-methods and limited quantitative research. The review concludes that effective ICQs should be specific, task-based, and evidence-seeking to strengthen instructional clarity and classroom interaction in EFL contexts.
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