CLAD Core Concepts & Fundamentals 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'subtractive bilingualism'?
- A learner acquires a second language while maintaining the first
- A learner's first language atrophies as the second language is acquired (Correct answer)
- A learner acquires two languages simultaneously from birth
- A learner switches between languages within a sentence
Correct answer: A learner's first language atrophies as the second language is acquired
Subtractive bilingualism occurs when the acquisition of a dominant second language replaces or diminishes the learner's native language.
Question 2: The sociolinguistic concept of 'diglossia' refers to:
- The use of two different writing systems within one language
- A community's use of two language varieties for different social functions (Correct answer)
- The simultaneous production of speech in two languages
- A speech disorder affecting bilingual individuals
Correct answer: A community's use of two language varieties for different social functions
Diglossia describes a situation where two varieties of a language (or two languages) are used by a community for different purposes, such as formal versus informal contexts.
Question 3: A student who arrived in the US two years ago communicates fluently on the playground but struggles with textbook reading tasks. This gap is best explained by the difference between:
- Phonological and morphological awareness
- Receptive and productive vocabulary
- BICS and CALP (Correct answer)
- Formal and informal register
Correct answer: BICS and CALP
BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) develops much faster than CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency), which can take 5–7 years to develop fully.
Question 4: Which of the following assessment practices is most appropriate and equitable for English language learners?
- Administering only English-language standardized tests to ensure consistency
- Allowing ELLs to demonstrate content knowledge through multiple modalities (Correct answer)
- Grading ELLs on the same rubric as fluent English speakers without modification
- Delaying content assessment until students achieve full English proficiency
Correct answer: Allowing ELLs to demonstrate content knowledge through multiple modalities
Using multiple modalities—such as drawings, oral responses, or demonstrations—allows ELLs to show what they know about content without being penalized for limited English proficiency.
Question 5: Which approach to second-language instruction emphasizes that language is best learned through meaningful use in real communicative contexts rather than through isolated grammar drills?
- Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) (Correct answer)
- Grammar-Translation Method
- Audiolingual Method
- Direct Instruction
Correct answer: Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
Communicative Language Teaching prioritizes authentic communication and meaning-making over the memorization of grammatical rules and rote drills.
Question 6: When designing instruction for Long-Term English Learners (LTELs), which approach is most likely to address their specific challenges?
- Placing them back in beginner ELD classes focused on oral vocabulary
- Providing explicit academic language instruction alongside grade-level content (Correct answer)
- Requiring them to complete extra homework in their home language
- Enrolling them in full English immersion with no language support
Correct answer: Providing explicit academic language instruction alongside grade-level content
LTELs typically have conversational English but lack academic language; targeted instruction in academic vocabulary and literacy within content areas addresses this gap.
Question 7: The principle of 'primary language support' in CLAD instruction holds that:
- All instruction must occur in the student's native language until age eight
- Using the home language strategically can deepen content comprehension and support English development (Correct answer)
- Native language use in school is harmful to English acquisition
- Primary language support is only applicable in designated bilingual programs
Correct answer: Using the home language strategically can deepen content comprehension and support English development
Research supports using a student's home language as a bridge to content understanding and English literacy, even in English-medium classrooms.
CLAD Core Concepts & Fundamentals 5
Which of the following best describes 'subtractive bilingualism'?