CLAD Core Concepts & Fundamentals 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'subtractive bilingualism'?

Accepted Answer

A learner's first language atrophies as the second language is acquired

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

A community's use of two language varieties for different social functions

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

BICS and CALP

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Allowing ELLs to demonstrate content knowledge through multiple modalities

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Answer

Communicative Language Teaching prioritizes authentic communication and meaning-making over the memorization of grammatical rules and rote drills.

CLAD Practice Test

CLAD Practice Test

CLAD Core Concepts & Fundamentals 5