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

Why is providing structured group work beneficial to ESL learners?

1. It allows students to hide and not participate actively.

2. It encourages the use of social and communication skills.

3. It simplifies complex tasks for students.

4. It minimizes interactions between different language speakers.

The correct answer is: It encourages the use of social and communication skills.

Providing structured group work is beneficial to ESL learners because it encourages the use of social and communication skills. In a group setting, students are more likely to engage in conversations, share ideas, and practice language in a supportive environment. By collaborating with peers, they can develop their speaking and listening skills as well as their ability to negotiate meaning and express themselves clearly in English. Additionally, working in groups allows learners to draw on each other's strengths, clarify doubts, and learn from different perspectives. This interaction not only aids language acquisition but also fosters a sense of community among students, which can enhance motivation and reduce anxiety when using a new language. While other options mention potential drawbacks or misinterpret the goals of structured group work, the primary focus of effective group activities is to create opportunities for meaningful communication and collaboration among ESL learners.