Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Practice Test

According to the natural order hypothesis, how is language best acquired?

1. Through explicit grammar instruction.

2. Learning through normal conversation.

3. Via metacognitive strategies.

4. Utilizing pattern drills.

The correct answer is: Learning through normal conversation.

The natural order hypothesis, proposed by Stephen Krashen, posits that language acquisition occurs in a predictable sequence that is independent of explicit instruction. According to this hypothesis, individuals acquire language more effectively through meaningful communication and interaction in a natural context rather than through formal teaching methods. Learning through normal conversation provides opportunities for real-life language use, allowing learners to engage with native speakers and interact in authentic situations. This immersion in language promotes understanding and retention, as learners are exposed to vocabulary and structures in context, enhancing their ability to internalize the language. Options involving explicit grammar instruction, metacognitive strategies, and pattern drills emphasize techniques that may not align with the hypothesis. While these methods can contribute to learning, they do not represent the naturalistic approach to language acquisition that the natural order hypothesis advocates. This highlights the importance of interaction and communication in achieving fluency and comprehension, which is central to the correct answer.