Which stage is characterized by learners producing single-word or two- to three-word phrases?

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Multiple Choice

Which stage is characterized by learners producing single-word or two- to three-word phrases?

In second language development, learners move through stages of oral language use. The stage where learners produce single words or two- to three-word phrases shows they’re just beginning to put together short expressions and rely on limited chunks to communicate. They understand more than they can express, respond to simple questions, and benefit from lots of modeling and repetition. This is the Early Production stage. Think of why this fits: in this stage, speech is still brief and formulaic, focusing on key words and short phrases rather than full sentences. It follows the silent or minimal-speaking period and precedes the stage where longer sentences become common. The other stages describe progressively more complex speech: preproduction is mainly nonverbal; speech emergence involves longer phrases and sentences; intermediate fluency features even more complex language with greater fluency and accuracy.

In second language development, learners move through stages of oral language use. The stage where learners produce single words or two- to three-word phrases shows they’re just beginning to put together short expressions and rely on limited chunks to communicate. They understand more than they can express, respond to simple questions, and benefit from lots of modeling and repetition. This is the Early Production stage.

Think of why this fits: in this stage, speech is still brief and formulaic, focusing on key words and short phrases rather than full sentences. It follows the silent or minimal-speaking period and precedes the stage where longer sentences become common. The other stages describe progressively more complex speech: preproduction is mainly nonverbal; speech emergence involves longer phrases and sentences; intermediate fluency features even more complex language with greater fluency and accuracy.

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