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

What is the third stage of second language acquisition where learners combine simple words into sentences?

1. Speech emergence

2. Prescriptive stage

3. Fluency development

4. Vocabulary acquisition

The correct answer is: Speech emergence

The third stage of second language acquisition where learners begin to combine simple words into sentences is known as speech emergence. In this stage, learners transition from the early stages of language acquisition, where they primarily engage in individual words and short phrases, to forming more complex sentences. This ability to construct sentences signifies a crucial development in their language skills, as it reflects a deeper understanding of grammar and vocabulary. During the speech emergence stage, learners often demonstrate increased confidence in their speaking abilities and begin to communicate more effectively in meaningful ways. They may still make grammatical errors, but the important aspect is their progression toward more complex language use, which is fundamental to building fluency in the target language. In contrast, the prescriptive stage does not pertain to second language acquisition but rather to teaching grammar rules. Fluency development refers to further enhancement of language skills beyond the initial stages and usually occurs after the speech emergence stage. Vocabulary acquisition focuses specifically on the learning of new words, which is critical but separate from the ability to form sentences.