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

Which hypothesis states that language is acquired in a specific order by language learners?

1. Nativist Hypothesis

2. Natural Order Hypothesis

3. Critical Period Hypothesis

4. Social Interaction Hypothesis

The correct answer is: Natural Order Hypothesis

The Natural Order Hypothesis is grounded in the idea that language acquisition follows a predictable sequence or order, regardless of the learner's first language or the language being acquired. This hypothesis, proposed by Stephen Krashen, suggests that learners will acquire grammatical structures and linguistic features in a set sequence that is similar across individuals. This concept is significant in understanding how educators can tailor language instruction to align with the natural progression of language learning. For instance, knowing that certain grammatical concepts tend to be learned before others can help teachers design curricula that are developmentally appropriate and effectively support language acquisition. The emphasis is on the notion that learners may not necessarily speak or write in the same way their instructors expect, as they are progressing through these stages at their own pace according to this natural order. The other hypotheses, while relevant to language acquisition, focus on different aspects: for instance, the Nativist Hypothesis emphasizes innate abilities, the Critical Period Hypothesis discusses the impact of age on language learning, and the Social Interaction Hypothesis centers on the role of social contexts in acquiring language. Each of these provides valuable insights, but they do not specifically address the sequential order in which language structures are acquired, making the Natural Order Hypothesis the correct choice in this context.