TEA ESL Vocabulary Development & Academic Language 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'academic language' as used in ESL education?

Accepted Answer

The language associated with literacy and academic content across subject areas

Answer

The informal language students use with peers at recess

Answer

The native language that students use at home

Answer

The formal English required only in writing assignments

Question 2

A student can hold a conversation in English but struggles to read a science textbook. According to Cummins' framework, this student has developed:

Accepted Answer

BICS but not CALP

Answer

Neither BICS nor CALP

Answer

CALP but not BICS

Answer

Full academic language proficiency

Question 3

The ELPS proficiency level descriptors used in Texas to classify ELLs are organized around which level system?

Accepted Answer

Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced High

Answer

Pre-K, Kindergarten, Elementary, Secondary

Answer

Level 1 through Level 5

Answer

Emergent, Developing, Expanding, Bridging

Question 4

When assessing vocabulary knowledge, which assessment type best captures a student's depth of word knowledge beyond simple recognition?

Accepted Answer

Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS) requiring students to explain word use

Answer

Multiple-choice matching test

Answer

True/false vocabulary quiz

Answer

Spelling test of the target words

Question 5

A student consistently uses academic vocabulary correctly in writing but rarely uses it in oral discussions. As an ESL teacher, the BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Create structured oral language activities that require use of the target vocabulary

Answer

Assume the student has mastered the vocabulary since they can write it

Answer

Provide additional written assignments to reinforce vocabulary

Answer

Refer the student to a speech-language pathologist

Question 6

Which of the following represents an academic language function that ELL students must master for content-area learning?

Accepted Answer

Comparing and contrasting two historical events using transitional language

Answer

Chatting informally with classmates during lunch

Answer

Greeting the teacher at the beginning of class

Answer

Asking for permission to use the restroom

Question 7

A teacher notices that an ELL student scores well on vocabulary tests but cannot apply the words in writing. This student likely has:

Accepted Answer

Receptive vocabulary knowledge but not productive vocabulary knowledge

Answer

Productive vocabulary knowledge but not receptive vocabulary knowledge

Answer

Neither receptive nor productive vocabulary knowledge

Answer

Full mastery of the vocabulary