FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What occurs during the Pre-production stage of language acquisition?

1. Students focus on speaking and writing in English

2. Students have a vocabulary of approximately 500 words and respond non-verbally

3. Students begin to produce simple sentences

4. Students develop a passive vocabulary of 3,000 words

The correct answer is: Students have a vocabulary of approximately 500 words and respond non-verbally

During the Pre-production stage of language acquisition, students typically have a limited vocabulary, often around 500 words, which allows them to understand and respond to basic communication but not to speak or write independently in the new language. At this stage, learners often demonstrate their comprehension through non-verbal means, such as gestures, nodding, or using visuals. This indicates that while they are absorbing language and understanding it, they are not yet ready to actively produce speech or text. The focus here is primarily on building listening skills and passive vocabulary, which lays the groundwork for future stages of language development where more active production is expected.