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

In listening comprehension, what does top-down processing involve?

1. Decoding individual words

2. Using global expectations and prior knowledge

3. Acknowledging local context

4. Listening for specific details only

The correct answer is: Using global expectations and prior knowledge

Top-down processing in listening comprehension is characterized by the use of global expectations and prior knowledge to make sense of spoken language. This approach emphasizes how listeners utilize their background knowledge, context, and the overall meaning they derive from what they hear, rather than focusing on the individual components of the speech, such as specific words or phrases. By relying on what they already know and expect in a given situation, listeners can construct meaning even when they may not understand every word. This method contrasts with bottom-up processing, which focuses on decoding individual sounds or words to build understanding from the smallest units of language. The other options suggest strategies that do not capture the essence of top-down processing effectively; they either focus too narrowly on specific details or the more granular aspects of language. Therefore, option that highlights the role of global expectations and prior knowledge aligns perfectly with the definition of top-down processing in listening comprehension.