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

What is an example of overextension in language use?

1. Using a word too narrowly

2. Combining words to form sentences

3. Using one word to represent multiple meanings

4. Producing sounds without meaning

The correct answer is: Using one word to represent multiple meanings

Overextension in language use occurs when a child (or language learner) applies a single word too broadly, using it to represent multiple meanings or categories of objects. An example is a young child who uses the word "dog" to refer to all four-legged animals, not just dogs. This illustrates their attempt to make sense of the world around them by overgeneralizing a term based on their limited experience. The other options refer to different language phenomena. For instance, using a word too narrowly pertains to underextension, where terms are applied less broadly than they should be. Combining words to form sentences is a natural progression in language use, indicating an advancement in grammar and syntax understanding. Producing sounds without meaning happens in the early stages of language development and does not represent intentional language use but more the experimentation with phonetics. Hence, the correct choice is indeed an example of how language can be used in an overextended manner.