TESOL ● Second Language Acquisition Theories ● Past Exam Questions ● Winter 19/20

Please stipulate which learning framework each of the following scholars is

most renowned for. (2)

Proponent Learning Framework

James Cummins

Robert C. Gardner

Jay McClelland

Larry Selinker

Evaluate the relative merits of the principle of convergence as an

explanation of Universal Grammar. (5)

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 TESOL ● Second Language Acquisition Theories ● Past Exam Questions ● Winter 19/20

Using established linguistic principles, explain the underpinnings of this English

language learner’s utterance: (10)

“Yesterday me surprised: The husband of my sister buy her two red rose for Valentine Day.”

Image source: Pixels.com/ public domain

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 TESOL ● Second Language Acquisition Theories ● Past Exam Questions ● Winter 19/20

To what extent does Michael Long’s seminal hypothesis fail to provide an

adequate explanation of the second language acquisition process? Please
substantiate your answer. (5)

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 TESOL ● Second Language Acquisition Theories ● Past Exam Questions ● Winter 19/20

Chasing after a ball on a usually quiet street, a five-year old neighbour of yours is hit by
a car. Her limbs and body are soon on the mend, but the doctors declare that it will take
some time before they can determine anything about her language faculties. As a
language practitioner, what evidence would you need to observe to determine that the
child is in fact suffering from expressive aphasia? (3)

You send flowers to the hospital but decide to give the parents some further reassurance
that there is hope their little girl will make a full recovery and that she will be able to
thrive when she enrols at the International School in Dresden – a school where English is
the medium of instruction. (She is a native German speaker). Both of the parents are
academics, so you know that they will be persuaded by sound arguments pertaining to
established principles of second language acquisition. Suggest a prognosis for their
daughter, and make sure you can support your claims. (7)

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