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

What aspect of language does "comprehensible input" primarily target?

1. Language that is accessible to beginners

2. Language that challenges students excessively

3. Language that is exclusively formal

4. Language that lacks context

The correct answer is: Language that is accessible to beginners

The concept of "comprehensible input" primarily targets language that is accessible to learners, especially beginners. This term, introduced by linguist Stephen Krashen, refers to language input that is slightly beyond the current proficiency level of the learner but still understandable with some effort. This approach is essential in language acquisition as it helps learners to grasp new vocabulary, grammatical structures, and meanings in a supportive context. Effective comprehensible input enables students to make sense of language in a way that is engaging and relevant to their experiences, facilitating gradual language development and encouraging communication. The other options do not align with the principles of comprehensible input. Language that challenges students excessively would likely lead to frustration and hinder learning, while language that is exclusively formal may not reflect real-life usage and would not engage learners effectively. Similarly, language that lacks context would not provide the necessary support for learners to understand and acquire new language skills. Thus, the focus on accessible language for beginners is crucial for encouraging language learning and fostering communication skills.