FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which emotional factor might negatively impact a student’s ability to learn a second language?

1. Excitement

2. Anxiety

3. Curiosity

4. Confidence

The correct answer is: Anxiety

Anxiety can significantly hinder a student's ability to learn a second language because it creates a mental barrier that affects concentration and information retention. When students experience anxiety, they often feel overwhelmed by the fear of making mistakes or being judged, which can lead to avoidance of speaking and participating in class. This discomfort may cause them to miss out on crucial practice opportunities, hindering their language acquisition process. Furthermore, anxiety can also lead to cognitive overload—when students are overly focused on their anxiety rather than the learning task at hand, their cognitive resources become strained, resulting in diminished learning outcomes. Ultimately, while other emotional factors such as excitement, curiosity, and confidence often enhance the learning experience, anxiety poses a significant challenge that can impede progress in learning a new language.