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

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Prepare for the NYSTCE ESOL exam with our practice quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations to enhance your readiness. Master the test!

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Which general proficiency statement is true regarding ELLs who are 'Transitioning'?

They completely understand complex oral discourse
They can only engage in basic conversation
They may appear fluent due to mastery of BICS
They do not utilize teacher support

The correct answer is: They may appear fluent due to mastery of BICS

The statement that ELLs who are 'Transitioning' may appear fluent due to mastery of Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) is accurate. At this stage in their language development, these students have generally acquired a level of conversational fluency that allows them to engage in basic, everyday conversations with others. This might give the impression that they are more proficient than they truly are in contexts that require higher levels of academic language or cognitive processes, which are part of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). Although they may be able to understand and produce language in social contexts, they may still struggle with more complex or abstract concepts that require a deeper command of academic language. Hence, while they seem fluent in conversing about familiar topics, it is essential to recognize that they might still need support when it comes to academic tasks or in understanding complex oral discourse.