MLAT Word Structure & Morphological Analysis 3

Question 1

Why is morphological awareness important for second language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

It allows learners to infer meanings of unfamiliar words by analyzing word structure

Answer

It helps learners memorize grammar rules faster through repetition

Answer

It primarily improves the pronunciation of foreign sounds

Answer

It helps learners speak more fluently in casual conversation

Question 2

A learner notices that the Spanish suffix '-ción' often corresponds to the English suffix '-tion' (e.g., nación/nation). This demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

Cross-linguistic morphological transfer

Answer

Phonetic coding ability

Answer

Paired associate memorization

Answer

Aural number learning

Question 3

A language learner encounters the unfamiliar word 'malfunction.' Using morphological analysis, the best conclusion is that it means:

Accepted Answer

An improper or failed operation

Answer

A small or minor function

Answer

An old or outdated function

Answer

A repeated or recurring function

Question 4

What is the key difference between inflection and derivation in morphology?

Accepted Answer

Inflection changes grammatical forms without creating new words; derivation creates new words

Answer

Inflection creates new vocabulary; derivation changes grammatical forms

Answer

Both terms refer to the same process of adding affixes

Answer

Inflection applies only to nouns; derivation applies only to verbs

Question 5

Which morphological feature would a language aptitude test most likely assess to measure a learner's ability to analyze new words?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of morpheme boundaries and their contributions to meaning

Answer

Ability to memorize unrelated word pairs by rote

Answer

Reading comprehension speed in the native language

Answer

Ability to reproduce the pronunciation of unfamiliar words

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates 'productive morphology' in language use?

Accepted Answer

Applying '-er' to new verbs like 'googler' or 'tweeter' to create novel nouns

Answer

Memorizing a list of irregular verb forms

Answer

Recognizing that 'ran' is the past tense of 'run'

Answer

Understanding that 'children' is the irregular plural of 'child'

Question 7

Which option correctly identifies ALL morphemes in 'internationalization'?

Accepted Answer

inter-, nation, -al, -ize, -ation (5 morphemes)

Answer

inter-, national, -ize, -ation (4 morphemes)

Answer

international, -ize, -ation (3 morphemes)

Answer

inter-, nat, -ion, -al, -ize, -ation (6 morphemes)