84. Use the list of characteristics to answer the question. The characteristics are: Has a receptive and expressive vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words, Speaks in one- or two-word phrases, Uses short, memorized phrases to communicate, although not always correctly, and Typically uses present-tense verbs. The list of characteristics indicates that an English learner is performing at which of the following stages of second-language acquisition?
Answer: B
Early production
An English learner exhibiting a receptive and expressive vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words, speaking in one- or two-word phrases, and using short, memorized phrases to communicate is demonstrating characteristics of the early production stage in second-language acquisition.
A) Preproduction
Preproduction is characterized by a very limited vocabulary, typically under 500 words, and learners do not speak but may respond non-verbally. Since the question specifies that the learner has a vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words, this option is incorrect.
B) Early production
Early production is accurately described by the learner's ability to use a vocabulary of around 1,000 words and to communicate in one- or two-word phrases. This aligns perfectly with the characteristics listed, making this option the correct answer.
C) Speech emergence
The speech emergence stage is marked by learners beginning to form longer sentences and using more complex language structures. However, learners at this stage typically have a vocabulary exceeding 1,000 words and can communicate more effectively than just one- or two-word phrases, thus making this option incorrect.
D) Intermediate fluency
Intermediate fluency involves a more advanced command of the language, including the use of varied vocabulary and more complex sentences. Given that the learner in question is still limited to short phrases and present-tense verbs, this option does not fit the described characteristics.
Conclusion
The early production stage is defined by the ability to use a basic but functional vocabulary and communicate in short phrases, which aligns seamlessly with the characteristics provided. All other options fail to accurately represent the learner's capabilities, either underestimating or overestimating their proficiency in English. Thus, option B is definitively the correct choice.