TKT Background to Language Learning 3

Question 1

What is the main characteristic of 'communicative competence' as defined by Canale and Swain?

Accepted Answer

The ability to use language appropriately and effectively in social contexts

Answer

The ability to produce grammatically perfect sentences

Answer

The ability to translate between two languages accurately

Answer

The ability to memorise large amounts of vocabulary

Question 2

What does 'overgeneralisation' mean in the context of language learning errors?

Accepted Answer

Applying a target language rule to contexts where it does not apply

Answer

Using too many words when fewer would be sufficient

Answer

Translating from the first language incorrectly

Answer

Refusing to use new vocabulary in spoken tasks

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'affective factors' in language learning?

Accepted Answer

Emotional and psychological factors such as anxiety, motivation, and self-esteem

Answer

The physical classroom environment and seating arrangement

Answer

The learner's level of grammatical knowledge

Answer

The method used by the teacher to present new language

Question 4

What is the difference between 'acquisition' and 'learning' according to Krashen's theory?

Accepted Answer

Acquisition is subconscious and natural; learning is conscious and deliberate

Answer

Acquisition is formal, learning is informal

Answer

Acquisition applies only to children; learning applies only to adults

Answer

Acquisition involves reading; learning involves listening

Question 5

What is a 'learning style' in the context of language learning?

Accepted Answer

A learner's preferred way of processing and remembering new information

Answer

The syllabus design adopted by the teacher

Answer

The textbook series used in class

Answer

A specific grammar teaching methodology

Question 6

In the context of language learning, what is 'comprehensible input'?

Accepted Answer

Language that is slightly above the learner's current level but still understandable

Answer

A written text that has been graded to remove all difficult vocabulary

Answer

Input that is provided only in the learner's first language

Answer

A listening task that is slower than normal speech