FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What phase characterizes a student in the pre-production stage of second language acquisition?

1. Active participation

2. Silent period

3. Frequent speaking

4. Conversational fluency

The correct answer is: Silent period

In the pre-production stage of second language acquisition, the student is often characterized by the silent period. During this phase, learners are typically focused on absorbing the new language input rather than actively producing language themselves. They may be listening and processing a great deal of language but are not yet ready or willing to speak. This stage can vary in length depending on the individual student, but it is essential for the student's foundational understanding of the new language. The silent period allows learners to silently integrate vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation without the pressure to communicate verbally. This is a critical initial phase that sets the groundwork for future language production and fluency.