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

Which student has the most significant language learning needs upon arriving from a non-English-speaking country?

1. Maria from Guatemala with no prior literacy skills

2. Chan from Thailand with unknown academic background

3. Jorge from Mexico with considerable academic achievement

4. Linda from El Salvador with declining language service support

The correct answer is: Maria from Guatemala with no prior literacy skills

Maria from Guatemala, who has no prior literacy skills, demonstrates the most significant language learning needs among the students listed. When a student arrives in a new country without any foundational literacy skills, they face immense challenges in acquiring a new language—especially English, which encompasses not only vocabulary but also the ability to read and write in a completely different system. Literacy serves as a vital foundation for all language acquisition. Without it, students struggle with basic reading and comprehension that are crucial to learning English. In contrast, while Chan's academic background is unknown, he may still possess some literacy skills that could be built upon. Jorge, despite being from a non-English-speaking country, has considerable academic achievement, indicating he may have developed cognitive skills and background knowledge that can facilitate his language learning. Linda's declining language service support suggests some level of existing skills, even if they're not supported strongly at the moment. Thus, Maria's lack of prior literacy skills positions her as the student needing the most significant support and resources for effective language learning.