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

In the context of second-language acquisition, what does intermediate fluency indicate?

1. A learner has acquired a vocabulary of about 1,000 words

2. A learner can hold conversations using simple sentences

3. A learner has acquired a vocabulary of about 6,000 words and speaks in complex sentences

4. A learner is not yet aware of grammatical structures

The correct answer is: A learner has acquired a vocabulary of about 6,000 words and speaks in complex sentences

Intermediate fluency in the context of second-language acquisition signifies that a learner has developed a sufficient vocabulary and can express themselves more effectively in the target language. When a learner is said to have acquired a vocabulary of about 6,000 words and is able to construct complex sentences, it indicates a transition from basic conversational skills to a more sophisticated level of language use. At this stage, learners are not only capable of holding conversations but can also engage in discussions on various topics, articulate opinions, and use grammatical structures accurately, which reflects a deeper understanding of the language. The other options present various stages of language acquisition but do not adequately capture the full scope of what intermediate fluency entails. For example, the first option refers to a much smaller vocabulary and suggests a more limited ability in language expression. The second option addresses conversational abilities but lacks mention of the vocabulary size and complexity of sentence structure that correspond to intermediate fluency. Lastly, the fourth option implies a lack of awareness of grammatical structures, which does not align with the characteristics of intermediate fluency, where learners typically start to demonstrate a grasp of such structures.