FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does the speech emergence stage represent for language learners?

1. They are able to produce coherent paragraphs

2. They begin to use simple sentences and questions

3. They can only use gestures to communicate

4. They show fluency in multiple languages

The correct answer is: They begin to use simple sentences and questions

The speech emergence stage represents a significant development in language learners' abilities. At this stage, learners transition from the initial stages of language acquisition, where they might rely heavily on non-verbal cues or limited vocabulary, to a point where they start using simple sentences and questions. This capability indicates that they have a foundational grasp of the language structure and vocabulary sufficient to engage in basic communication. As learners in this stage begin to formulate simple sentences, they also demonstrate an understanding of grammatical rules and can initiate conversations, ask questions, and respond to prompts. This development is crucial as it lays the groundwork for more complex language skills, such as forming coherent paragraphs and expressing their thoughts in a more structured manner, which typically occurs in later stages of language acquisition. Consequently, this stage is essential for building confidence and facilitating further language development.