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

What is an important aspect of Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP)?

1. It focuses solely on academic language

2. It allows transfer of skills from L1 to L2

3. It is only relevant to verbal communication

4. It eliminates the need for cultural context

The correct answer is: It allows transfer of skills from L1 to L2

The concept of Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) is crucial in understanding how learners transfer knowledge and skills from their first language (L1) to their second language (L2). The correct answer highlights that CUP entails a shared foundation of cognitive and linguistic skills that are transferable between languages. When students acquire proficiency in their L1, they develop various skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and certain communicative abilities. These skills can facilitate and enrich their learning in L2, enabling them to become more proficient in the new language. This transfer process indicates that underlying proficiency is not confined to specific language contexts; rather, it encompasses more general, higher-order cognitive functions that operate similarly across languages. In contrast, focusing solely on academic language disregards the full range of communication and cognitive abilities that underpin language learning. Similarly, confining relevance solely to verbal communication neglects the importance of non-verbal cues and comprehension in language acquisition. Lastly, ignoring cultural context would undermine the understanding of language use within sociocultural frameworks, which is essential for effective communication. Therefore, recognizing CUP as a mechanism for skill transfer from L1 to L2 is essential for educators supporting language development.