CLAD Foundations of ELD Instruction 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Natural Order Hypothesis, proposed by Krashen, suggests that grammatical structures are acquired:
- In the exact order they are taught in textbooks
- In a predictable sequence regardless of instruction (Correct answer)
- Simultaneously with vocabulary
- Only through explicit grammar drills
Correct answer: In a predictable sequence regardless of instruction
Krashen's Natural Order Hypothesis posits that grammatical morphemes are acquired in a predictable sequence that is largely unaffected by the order of formal instruction.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'comprehensible input' as defined by Krashen?
- Language that is far above the learner's current level
- Language that is slightly above the learner's current level (i+1) (Correct answer)
- Language that matches exactly what the learner already knows
- Language delivered only in the student's native tongue
Correct answer: Language that is slightly above the learner's current level (i+1)
Krashen's Input Hypothesis states that acquisition occurs when learners receive input at one level beyond their current competence, denoted as i+1.
Question 3: An ELL student who avoids using complex sentences to prevent making errors is demonstrating which behavior?
- Affective filtering
- Language avoidance (Correct answer)
- Positive transfer
- Monitor overuse
Correct answer: Language avoidance
Language avoidance occurs when learners simplify their output to sidestep structures they are uncertain about, limiting their language development.
Question 4: In ELD instruction, 'academic language' primarily refers to:
- The informal language used on the playground
- Technical and discipline-specific language used in school contexts (Correct answer)
- The student's home language
- Only written forms of English
Correct answer: Technical and discipline-specific language used in school contexts
Academic language encompasses the vocabulary, syntax, and discourse conventions required for school success across all subject areas.
Question 5: Which instructional strategy best supports ELLs in developing discourse-level language skills?
- Isolated vocabulary drilling
- Structured academic discussions with sentence frames (Correct answer)
- Repeated copying of grammar rules
- Silent reading only
Correct answer: Structured academic discussions with sentence frames
Structured academic discussions, supported by sentence frames, help ELLs practice discourse-level language in a scaffolded and meaningful way.
Question 6: A teacher provides a visual word wall with images and definitions in both English and Spanish. This strategy primarily supports ELLs by:
- Eliminating the need for English instruction
- Activating prior knowledge and providing linguistic scaffolds (Correct answer)
- Teaching only through the home language
- Replacing direct vocabulary instruction
Correct answer: Activating prior knowledge and providing linguistic scaffolds
Bilingual word walls activate students' prior knowledge and provide cross-linguistic scaffolds that support English vocabulary acquisition.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a language function in ELD instruction?
- Memorizing spelling rules
- Comparing and contrasting two historical events using academic language (Correct answer)
- Practicing letter formation
- Identifying parts of speech in isolation
Correct answer: Comparing and contrasting two historical events using academic language
Language functions refer to the communicative purposes of language use, such as comparing, arguing, or describing, applied within meaningful academic contexts.
CLAD Foundations of ELD Instruction 3
The Natural Order Hypothesis, proposed by Krashen, suggests that grammatical structures are acquired: