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

What does the term "overgeneralization" imply in language learning?

1. Using vocabulary incorrectly

2. Formulating broad rules that lead to errors

3. Using complex sentences inaccurately

4. Responding too confidently in unfamiliar contexts

The correct answer is: Formulating broad rules that lead to errors

The term "overgeneralization" in language learning refers to the tendency of learners to apply a rule broadly to cases where it should not be applied, leading to errors. This commonly occurs when learners generalize grammatical rules or vocabulary usage based on limited examples and experiences. For instance, a learner might think that all verbs in the past tense are formed by adding -ed, applying this rule to irregular verbs like "go" (resulting in "goed") which do not follow this pattern. This indicates that while learners are attempting to understand and utilize the language, they can misapply rules in a way that does not accurately capture the complexities of the language. The essence of overgeneralization lies in its basis in learned patterns, but taking those patterns too far, thus resulting in tangible errors in language use.