TEFL Second Language Acquisition 2

Question 1

Which concept refers to the range of tasks a learner can accomplish with guidance but not yet independently?

Accepted Answer

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Answer

Vygotsky's ZPD describes the gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with scaffolded support from a more capable person.

Question 2

According to the Natural Order Hypothesis, grammatical structures are:

Accepted Answer

Acquired in a predictable sequence regardless of L1 or instruction

Answer

Research supports that certain grammatical morphemes (e.g., -ing before plural -s) are acquired in a consistent order across learners.

Question 3

What is 'scaffolding' in the context of SLA and language teaching?

Accepted Answer

Temporary support provided to help learners perform tasks they cannot yet do independently

Answer

Scaffolding involves providing structured support that is gradually removed as the learner gains competence, rooted in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory.

Question 4

Which term describes the output learners produce when they 'push' themselves to use more precise or complex language structures?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensible output

Answer

Swain's Output Hypothesis argues that producing 'pushed' output forces learners to notice gaps in their competence and develop accuracy.

Question 5

A learner who avoids using the subjunctive because they are unsure of it is demonstrating:

Accepted Answer

Avoidance strategy

Answer

Avoidance occurs when learners deliberately bypass difficult or uncertain structures, which can limit their interlanguage development.

TEFL Certification Teaching English as a Foreign Language Practice Test

TEFL Certification Teaching English as a Foreign Language Practice Test

TEFL Second Language Acquisition 2