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

During which stage of second language acquisition do learners typically refrain from speaking?

1. Preproduction

2. Beginning production

3. Intermediate stage

4. Advanced stage

The correct answer is: Preproduction

In the preproduction stage of second language acquisition, learners often refrain from speaking as they are still in the process of absorbing the language. During this initial phase, which is characterized by a significant amount of listening and comprehension, learners may be exposed to vocabulary and phrases but feel hesitant and lack the confidence to communicate verbally. They are focusing on understanding the language through observation and active listening rather than participating in conversation. At this stage, it is common for students to demonstrate their understanding in non-verbal ways, such as nodding or pointing, instead of producing spoken responses. This reflects their need to build a strong foundation in the language before actively engaging in speech. Thus, the essence of this stage is about recognizing and processing language inputs rather than outputting language, which makes it a critical time for language acquisition and comprehension development.