OELPA OELPA Academic Language 2

Question 1

Which term refers to words with specialized meanings specific to one subject, such as 'photosynthesis' in science?

Accepted Answer

Tier 3 technical or domain-specific vocabulary

Answer

Tier 1 basic vocabulary

Answer

Tier 2 academic vocabulary

Answer

Social conversational vocabulary

Question 2

Which grammatical feature is commonly tested in OELPA academic language because it is frequently used in science and social studies texts?

Accepted Answer

Passive voice constructions (e.g., 'was discovered,' 'is used')

Answer

Simple present tense only

Answer

Exclamatory sentences

Answer

Second-person point of view

Question 3

On the OELPA, what does a student demonstrate when they use transition words like 'however,' 'in contrast,' and 'similarly'?

Accepted Answer

Understanding of cohesive devices and compare-contrast text structure in academic language

Answer

Proficiency in basic conversational English

Answer

Mastery of narrative story writing

Answer

Ability to perform mathematical calculations

Question 4

Why is knowledge of Latin and Greek roots important for OELPA academic language proficiency?

Accepted Answer

Many academic English words contain Latin and Greek roots that help students infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary

Answer

Ohio requires ELLs to study Latin as part of the curriculum

Answer

Latin roots are tested directly on the OELPA reading section

Answer

Greek and Latin are considered easier languages than English

Question 5

Which type of sentence structure is associated with higher academic language proficiency on the OELPA?

Accepted Answer

Complex and compound-complex sentences with subordinate clauses and embedded phrases

Answer

Short simple sentences with one clause

Answer

Run-on sentences with multiple ideas joined by 'and'

Answer

Sentence fragments used for emphasis

Question 6

How does the OELPA assess a student's knowledge of academic language in the context of math?

Accepted Answer

Through tasks involving mathematical language such as explaining reasoning, interpreting data, or describing geometric properties

Answer

By testing computational arithmetic skills directly

Answer

By requiring students to memorize multiplication tables

Answer

By testing only vocabulary words unrelated to mathematics