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

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What term describes a group of words and rules that make up a person's language knowledge?

  1. Lexicon

  2. Linguistic set

  3. Syntax

  4. Morpheme

The correct answer is: Linguistic set

The appropriate term that describes a group of words and the rules governing their use in a person's language knowledge is known as a lexicon. A lexicon encompasses the vocabulary of a language, which includes not only the words themselves but also their meanings, usage, and relationships to one another. In the context of language, syntax refers specifically to the set of rules that dictate how words combine to form phrases and sentences. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in a language, whereas a linguistic set is not a standard term used to describe a common aspect of language knowledge. Ultimately, the lexicon represents a comprehensive framework containing both vocabulary and the underlying principles that govern language usage, making it the most fitting choice in this context.