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

What does BICS stand for in the context of language acquisition?

1. Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills

2. Basic Interaction and Communication Skills

3. Basic Institutional Communication Standards

4. Basic Informal Communication Skills

The correct answer is: Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills

BICS stands for Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills. This term is used in the context of language acquisition to describe the social language proficiency that students develop to communicate effectively in everyday, informal situations. BICS involves skills that are essential for social interactions, such as listening, speaking, and understanding language in a context where visual cues, gestures, and familiar settings support comprehension. Students often acquire BICS more quickly than other forms of language proficiency because it typically arises from interactions in social settings, such as conversations with peers, family, and in community environments. These skills do not necessarily require a deep understanding of abstract concepts or academic language, making them more accessible to language learners in the early stages. The other options do not accurately reflect the term used in linguistics. Options that imply different variations of communication skills or standards do not capture the specific social and informal context that BICS addresses. Thus, understanding that BICS focuses on basic communicative skills used in daily interactions is key to recognizing its importance in language acquisition.