ESL Acquisition Theories 5

Question 1

The 'Poverty of the Stimulus' argument (Chomsky) is used to support UG because:

Accepted Answer

Children receive too little positive input to acquire complex grammar through experience alone

Answer

Chomsky argued that children acquire complex grammatical knowledge that goes far beyond what the input provides, suggesting an innate grammatical endowment must fill the gap.

Question 2

Which SLA concept describes learners reverting to earlier, less accurate forms under communicative pressure?

Accepted Answer

Backsliding

Answer

Backsliding occurs when learners temporarily regress to earlier interlanguage forms, often under stress, fatigue, or in fast-paced communicative situations.

Question 3

Communicative Competence (Hymes) expanded Chomsky's competence model by adding:

Accepted Answer

The social and contextual rules governing appropriate language use

Answer

Dell Hymes argued that true communicative competence includes knowing not just grammar but also when, where, and how to use language appropriately in social contexts.

Question 4

In Information Processing Theory applied to SLA, what happens as a skill becomes 'automatized'?

Accepted Answer

It becomes effortless and requires minimal conscious attention

Answer

According to Information Processing Theory (McLaughlin), practiced language skills shift from controlled (effortful) to automatic (effortless) processing, freeing attention for higher-level tasks.

Question 5

Krashen's five hypotheses collectively form which model of SLA?

Accepted Answer

The Monitor Model

Answer

Krashen's Monitor Model encompasses five interrelated hypotheses: the Acquisition-Learning, Natural Order, Monitor, Input, and Affective Filter Hypotheses.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Practice Test

ESL (English as a Second Language) Practice Test

ESL Acquisition Theories 5