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

What approach in ESL instruction is justified by the idea that communication involves both sending and receiving messages?

1. Assuring all new information is presented in a meaningful context.

2. Integrating the four language modes rather than teaching them in isolation.

3. Incorporating authentic literature at varying proficiency levels.

4. Focusing on real-life application of skills rather than memorizing definitions.

The correct answer is: Integrating the four language modes rather than teaching them in isolation.

The belief that communication involves both sending and receiving messages underpins the idea that language instruction should not treat the different modes of language—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—separately. By integrating these four language modes, learners can see how they interact in real communication. For instance, a student might read a passage (reading), discuss its themes with peers (speaking), listen to a lecture on its context (listening), and then write a response or summary (writing). This holistic approach mirrors real-life communication where individuals constantly switch between different modes based on context and effort to convey and receive information effectively. In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of teaching but do not specifically emphasize the interconnectedness of language skills that is crucial for effective communication. Presenting new information in a meaningful context (first option) is vital but less about the interaction of language modes. Incorporating authentic literature (third option) supports reading practice but does not address the integration of other skills. Finally, focusing on real-life applications (fourth option) is essential for practical skills but again does not emphasize the simultaneous functioning of all language modes in communication.