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

Which developmental stage involves children beginning to use elements of grammar and repeating longer sentences?

1. Early multiword stage

2. Single word stage

3. Phonetic stage

4. Advanced language stage

The correct answer is: Early multiword stage

The early multiword stage is characterized by children starting to combine words into phrases and sentences, showcasing their understanding of grammar. During this stage, which typically occurs around 24 to 30 months of age, children begin to construct simple sentences, using a variety of grammatical elements such as nouns and verbs. They may not yet fully grasp complex grammatical rules, but they are actively experimenting with word order and sentence structure, leading to the use of longer and more meaningful utterances. This stage is crucial for language development, as it marks a transition from single words to more complex forms of communication.