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WorksheetsKey Terms in Second Language Acquisition
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
According to the authors, what is a “second language”?
Any language learned after early childhood
A language learned only for academic or professional purposes
A language learned before the first language
A language learned in a formal classroom setting
What is “simultaneous bilingualism”?
Learning two languages at the same time from birth
Acquiring one language after mastering another
Learning a new language exclusively in adulthood
Learning a language only for communication in a specific context
Which of the following characteristics define a good theory according to this text?
It’s simple and easily understood by beginners
It offers a clear explanation, makes predictions, and is testable
It emphasizes immediate practical application
It avoids complex concepts or terminology
What is “competence” in the context of second language learning?
A learner’s ability to use language in practical settings
A learner’s subconscious understanding of a language’s rules and structure
The accuracy of pronunciation in speaking tasks
The fluency achieved by consistent practice
How is “performance” defined by the authors?
The idealized understanding of language structure and grammar
The ability to learn multiple languages quickly
The actual use of language in real-life situations, affected by external factors
The learning rate and retention speed of new vocabulary
Which term describes the evolving system a learner constructs when acquiring a new language, often mixing L1 and L2 elements?
Fossilization
Interlanguage
Performance
Communicative Competence
What is the “Affective Filter”?
The internal motivation that drives language acquisition
Emotional barriers like anxiety and stress that can hinder language learning
The process of filtering out unnecessary vocabulary
The tendency to overuse memorization strategies
“Fossilization” refers to:
Mastery of a language without further need for improvement
The point at which incorrect language forms become fixed and resistant to correction
The beginning stages of language learning
The process of adopting native-like pronunciation
What does “Comprehensible Input” mean in second language learning?
Language input that is entirely understandable without any gaps
Language input that is slightly above the learner’s current level but still understandable
Language input restricted to basic vocabulary and grammar
The amount of language input provided in a single lesson
According to the socio-cultural view, which of the following best supports language learning?
Independent grammar drills and memorization
Engaging in social interactions within meaningful cultural contexts
Isolated study sessions focused on vocabulary retention
Translating sentences from the learner’s first language
What does “Noticing Hypothesis” suggest about language learning?
Language learning happens only through memorization and repetition
Learners must consciously notice language forms and structures to acquire them
Language is learned subconsciously without awareness of specific structures
Noticing errors leads to fossilization in language acquisition
In SLA, what is meant by “Communicative Competence”?
Mastery of grammar and syntax in the target language
The ability to use language appropriately in various social and cultural contexts
Memorizing vocabulary lists for effective communication
Perfect pronunciation and fluency in the second language
What is “Explicit Learning” in language acquisition?
Learning language rules through exposure alone, without instruction
Learning language consciously, often through direct instruction and awareness of grammar rules
Learning language automatically, without focus on grammar or structure
Learning language through peer interactions in informal settings
How is “Implicit Learning” different from Explicit Learning?
It requires formal grammar instruction
It happens naturally and unconsciously through exposure to language
It only occurs in classroom environments
It involves translation from the first language
What does the “Output Hypothesis” propose in language acquisition?
Language learning is only effective through reading and listening
Producing language (speaking/writing) helps learners process and refine their understanding
Language learning occurs best with minimal output and maximum input
Output should be avoided in the early stages of language learning
What role does the “Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)” play in language learning?
It identifies the set of vocabulary a learner must know independently
It defines the difference between what a learner can achieve alone and what they can achieve with support
It measures the speed at which learners acquire grammar rules
It emphasizes memorization over understanding
What is the main focus of the “Interaction Hypothesis”?
Language learning occurs best in isolated study
Interaction with speakers of the target language promotes language acquisition
Language can only be learned through translation
Listening is the most important aspect of language acquisition
“Form-focused Instruction” in SLA refers to:
Emphasizing communication without regard for grammar
Drawing attention to grammatical forms and structures within meaningful contexts
Avoiding grammar teaching and focusing on vocabulary
Teaching language through memorizing phrases only
What is “Transfer” in SLA?
The process of applying knowledge from the first language to the second language
Forgetting aspects of the first language due to second language learning
Learning a second language without influence from the first language
The inability to learn similar languages simultaneously
In the context of SLA, what is “Metalinguistic Awareness”?
Awareness of grammar rules without the ability to apply them
Understanding and thinking about language as a system, beyond simple use
The ability to pronounce words accurately
Learning language through immersion only
