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

Which of the following skills is NOT a receptive language skill?

1. Listening to directions

2. Reading and understanding texts

3. Writing an essay

4. Interpreting visual information

The correct answer is: Writing an essay

The skill that is identified as not a receptive language skill is writing an essay. Receptive language skills refer to the abilities that involve understanding and processing information received from others, which includes listening and reading. When someone listens to directions or reads and understands texts, they are actively receiving and interpreting information. Writing an essay, on the other hand, is a productive language skill. It involves generating language and constructing coherent thoughts in written form, rather than receiving or comprehending language provided by others. While interpreting visual information may also involve analysis and understanding, it typically goes hand-in-hand with receptive language skills since it requires processing non-verbal cues, which aligns with the essence of receptivity in communication. Thus, writing an essay distinctly stands apart as an active form of communication rather than a receptive one.