NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

According to the Acquisition Learning Hypothesis, how is language best acquired?

1. Through explicit instruction and practice

2. By immersion in a language-rich environment

3. Through unconscious exposure to language

4. By focusing on grammatical rules and structures

The correct answer is: Through unconscious exposure to language

The Acquisition Learning Hypothesis, proposed by Stephen Krashen, posits that language is best acquired through unconscious exposure rather than through explicit instruction or grammatical focus. This means that learners pick up a new language naturally and intuitively through interaction and meaningful communication, rather than through formal learning or practice. Exposure to authentic language use—such as listening and interacting with speakers in a real-world context—allows learners to absorb vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation organically. This process resembles how children learn their first language: they are immersed in an environment where the language is spoken, allowing them to internalize its nuances without deliberate effort on their part. In contrast, options that emphasize explicit instruction, immersion in structured environments, or focus on grammatical rules underscore more traditional methods of language learning. While these can certainly have their place, they do not align with Krashen’s view of language acquisition, which emphasizes the significance of a more natural, subconscious learning process.