California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) : Language Structure and Use
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL)
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Language Structure And Use
Which of the following provides the best definition of the term: "minimal pairs"?
Sets of two words in which only one morphological element is distinct
Sets of two words in which only one phonological element is distinct
Sets of three words in which only one phonological element is distinct
Sets of two words in which all but one phonological element are distinct
Sets of two words in which only one phonological element is distinct
The first key to answering this question was to know that "minimal pairs" are a tool for teaching phonology to students. Knowing this, and that "pairs" are sets of two, one simply had to know that the "minimal" aspect of the "pair" for teaching purpose is a phonological DIFFERENCE between the words. One distinct element being different helps to establish that element to students.
Example Question #2 : Language Structure And Use
Syntax refers to ____________________.
the arrangement of syllables in a word
the arrangement of grammatical units in a sentence
the words chosen for a sentence
None of these
the arrangement of grammatical units in a sentence
This is a simple definition question. "Syntax" refers to the arrangement of grammatical units into a cohesive sentence, this includes words, phrases, clauses, punctuation. The words chosen in a sentence is called "diction."
Example Question #2 : Language Structure And Use
The last element of fluent writing most second language learners develop is _______________.
None of these
grammatical correctness
accurate diction
syntactical variety
syntactical variety
Second language learners tend to develop the ability to write grammatically correct sentences far before they develop the ability to write sentences that are syntactically varied, using multi-clause sentences, a variety of introductory phrases, and so on.
Example Question #3 : California Teacher Of English Learners (Ctel)
The four fundamental systems of language are vocabulary, phonology, grammar, and __________________.
discourse
contrast
cohesion
morphemes
discourse
This question is foundational in nature. In order to teach any of the component elements of language acquisition, you must know the fundamental systems by which languages operate. The fourth fundamental system is discourse, which refers to extended chunks of language that create a unified, cohesive meaning.
Example Question #1 : Pragmatics
Which of the following statements about pragmatic competence is NOT true?
Pragmatic competence is generally acquired late in a second language learners development
Pragmatic competence refers only to a learner's' output skills, their speech and writing, not their receptive skills (reading and listening)
All of these statements about pragmatic competence are accurate.
Pragmatic competence can often be identified, or tested, in a learner's ability to "hedge" in communication
Pragmatic competence refers only to a learner's' output skills, their speech and writing, not their receptive skills (reading and listening)
Pragmatic competence refers to a learner's ability to communicate effectively in all realms of communication (receptive AND output skills). One key to pragmatic competence is that the learner is able to communicate and understand the nuances of intended meaning in real-time situations. This involves and understanding of "hedging" ("my foot kind of hurts" vs "my foot hurts").
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