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

What prompted many states in the United States to mandate English as the language of instruction in public schools during the early 20th century?

1. Massive immigration, especially from southern and eastern Europe around 1900, provoked concerns about loss of a common language.

2. Standardized intelligence tests were developed in English, and educators wanted students to perform well.

3. The Supreme Court ruled that teachers could teach in foreign languages, causing a backlash for English instruction.

4. Foreign-language-speaking immigrants wanted their children to assimilate and speak exclusively in English.

The correct answer is: Massive immigration, especially from southern and eastern Europe around 1900, provoked concerns about loss of a common language.

The choice indicating that massive immigration, particularly from southern and eastern Europe around 1900, provoked concerns about the loss of a common language is correct because it addresses the sociopolitical climate of the time. As large numbers of immigrants entered the United States, many spoke languages other than English. This led to fears among some citizens and policymakers that the nation's linguistic and cultural cohesion was at risk. In response to this concern, many states began to mandate English as the primary language of instruction in public schools, aimed at promoting integration and ensuring that all students could communicate effectively in a shared language. This shift was seen as essential for national unity and was part of broader movements toward assimilation during that period. The other options touch on factors that were relevant in the educational context but do not capture the primary impetus for the widespread mandate of English instruction. For instance, while standardized intelligence tests developed in English did influence educational practices, they were not the primary reason for the push for English instruction itself. Similarly, the mention of Supreme Court rulings and foreign language instruction reflects a reactionary measure rather than a proactive initiative to mandate English in schools. Lastly, while it is true that some immigrant families wanted their children to assimilate, the overall governmental response was more about