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ESL Grammar & Linguistics for Teachers Flashcards

6 cards from real ESL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 ESL Grammar & Linguistics for Teachers flashcards as text

  1. What is a common error ESL students make when using articles in English?

    Answer: Omitting or incorrectly using 'a,' 'an,' or 'the'

    Languages without an article system (e.g., many Asian languages) lead learners to struggle with English's definite and indefinite articles.

  2. Which grammar concept explains why 'I am agree' is incorrect in English?

    Answer: Stative vs. dynamic verb distinction

    'Agree' is a stative verb and is not used in progressive forms; the correct form is 'I agree.'

  3. What does the term 'interlanguage' refer to in ESL contexts?

    Answer: The evolving linguistic system a learner creates between L1 and target language

    Interlanguage is the learner's dynamic, developing language system that draws on L1 patterns and gradually moves toward target language norms.

  4. Which phonological feature distinguishes the words 'ship' and 'sheep' in English?

    Answer: Vowel length and quality

    The /ɪ/ in 'ship' is a short, lax vowel, while the /iː/ in 'sheep' is a long, tense vowel—a minimal pair difference.

  5. What is the grammatical term for 'quickly' in the sentence 'She ran quickly'?

    Answer: Adverb

    Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and 'quickly' modifies the verb 'ran.'

  6. What is 'fossilization' in second language acquisition?

    Answer: The permanent retention of non-target-like features in a learner's language

    Fossilization occurs when certain learner errors become fixed and resistant to correction, even with continued exposure and instruction.

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