UGC NET English: Unit 5

Language, Basic Concepts, Theories & Pedagogy – English in Use
25 Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best defines “Language Acquisition Device” (LAD) as proposed by Noam Chomsky?

   1. A specific part of the brain responsible for learning second languages.
   2. A hypothetical module of the human mind that allows infants to acquire and produce language.
   3. The process of learning a language through explicit instruction and drilling.
   4. The ability of animals to communicate complex ideas.

   Correct Answer: b

   Chomsky’s LAD is a foundational concept in his theory of Universal Grammar, suggesting an innate human capacity for language acquisition.

2. The concept of “competence” in Chomsky’s linguistic theory refers to:

   1. The actual use of language in concrete situations.
   2. The speaker’s subconscious knowledge of the rules of their language.
   3. The ability to perform well in language proficiency tests.
   4. The social and cultural appropriateness of language use.

   Correct Answer: b

   Chomsky distinguished between “competence” (idealized knowledge) and “performance” (actual language use).

3. Ferdinand de Saussure’s key contribution to linguistics lies in his distinction between:

   1. Semantics and Pragmatics
   2. Synchrony and Diachrony
   3. Language Acquisition and Language Learning
   4. Universal Grammar and Generative Grammar

   Correct Answer: b

   Saussure emphasized studying language synchronically (as a system at one point in time) rather than diachronically.

4. Which branch of linguistics studies the meaning of words and phrases?

   1. Phonology
   2. Morphology
   3. Syntax
   4. Semantics

   Correct Answer: d

   Semantics is the study of meaning; phonology studies sound, morphology word structure, and syntax sentence structure.

5. The smallest meaningful unit in a language is called a:

   1. Phoneme
   2. Morpheme
   3. Allophone
   4. Allomorph

   Correct Answer: b

   A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning; a phoneme is the smallest distinctive sound unit.

6. “Code-switching” refers to:

   1. Translating words from one language to another.
   2. The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation.
   3. Learning a new programming language.
   4. Using secret codes to communicate.

   Correct Answer: b

   Code-switching is common among multilingual speakers switching languages within a single conversation.

7. Which of the following pedagogical approaches emphasizes drilling and memorization of grammatical rules?

   1. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
   2. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)
   3. Grammar-Translation Method
   4. Audio-Lingual Method

   Correct Answer: c

   The Grammar-Translation Method focuses on translating texts and explicit grammar study.

8. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) primarily focuses on:

   1. Accuracy in grammatical structures.
   2. Fluency and effective communication.
   3. Rote memorization of vocabulary.
   4. Translation of literary texts.

   Correct Answer: b

   CLT aims to develop communicative competence for real-life language use.

9. The concept of “interlanguage” refers to:

   1. The language used between two native speakers.
   2. A learner’s developing linguistic system influenced by both their native and target languages.
   3. A universal language for international communication.
   4. The process of language acquisition in young children.

   Correct Answer: b

   Interlanguage is a dynamic system learners create as they acquire the target language.

10. The term “World Englishes” acknowledges:

    1. The dominance of British English globally.
    2. The diverse forms of English that have evolved worldwide.
    3. The decline of English as an international language.
    4. The need for a standardized global English.

    Correct Answer: b

    World Englishes recognizes distinct, legitimate varieties of English across the globe.

11. Which theory suggests that language development is primarily a result of imitation and reinforcement?

    1. Nativist Theory
    2. Interactionist Theory
    3. Behaviorist Theory
    4. Cognitive Theory

    Correct Answer: c

    Behaviorist theories (e.g., Skinner) view language learning as conditioned behavior.

12. According to Stephen Krashen’s Monitor Model, “acquisition” is:

    1. A conscious process of learning language rules.
    2. A subconscious process of picking up language naturally.
    3. The explicit teaching of grammar.
    4. The result of error correction by teachers.

    Correct Answer: b

    Krashen distinguishes natural, subconscious acquisition from conscious rule-learning.

13. The “silent period” in second language acquisition refers to:

    1. A period when a learner refuses to speak the target language.
    2. An initial stage focusing on listening and comprehension before production.
    3. A pause in language development due to lack of exposure.
    4. The time spent in self-study without interaction.

    Correct Answer: b

    Learners often absorb language silently before actively speaking.

14. The concept of “fossilization” in second language acquisition refers to:

    1. The process of a language becoming extinct.
    2. The stabilization of certain errors in a learner’s interlanguage that resist correction.
    3. The historical development of language over time.
    4. The ability to speak multiple languages fluently.

    Correct Answer: b

    Fossilized errors persist despite continued exposure and instruction.

15. Which approach to language teaching prioritizes tasks and activities involving authentic communication and problem-solving?

    1. Grammar-Translation Method
    2. Audio-Lingual Method
    3. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)
    4. Direct Method

    Correct Answer: c

    TBLT centers learning around meaningful tasks leading to real-world outcomes.

16. The term “lingua franca” denotes:

    1. A language spoken by a small, isolated community.
    2. A language adopted as a common means of communication among speakers of different native tongues.
    3. The official language of a country.
    4. A dying language with few native speakers.

    Correct Answer: b

    A lingua franca bridges communication between groups without a shared first language.

17. Which of the following is a key characteristic of the “Direct Method” of language teaching?

    1. Extensive use of the learners’ native language.
    2. Emphasis on translation and grammar rules.
    3. Teaching exclusively in the target language with direct associations.
    4. Focus on drills and repetitive exercises.

    Correct Answer: c

    The Direct Method avoids the learners’ L1, linking words directly to meaning in the L2.

18. The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests a strong link between:

    1. Language and animal communication.
    2. Language and cognitive development in children.
    3. Language and thought/perception of reality.
    4. Language and social class.

    Correct Answer: c

    The hypothesis (linguistic relativity) posits that language influences how we perceive reality.

19. What is the primary goal of “English for Specific Purposes” (ESP)?

    1. To teach general English proficiency to all learners.
    2. To prepare learners for academic study in any field.
    3. To develop language skills tailored to a particular occupation or field.
    4. To promote English as a global language.

    Correct Answer: c

    ESP targets the specialized linguistic needs of learners in professional or academic contexts.

20. Which of these pedagogical principles is most aligned with “learner-centered instruction”?

    1. The teacher is the sole authority and knowledge provider.
    2. Learners are actively involved and their needs guide instruction.
    3. Curriculum is rigidly fixed and cannot be adapted.
    4. Learning occurs primarily through passive reception of information.

    Correct Answer: b

    Learner-centered instruction prioritizes autonomy, individual styles, and goals.

21. The concept of “linguistic relativity” is most closely associated with:

    1. Noam Chomsky
    2. B.F. Skinner
    3. Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf
    4. Ferdinand de Saussure

    Correct Answer: c

    Sapir and Whorf proposed that language influences thought.

22. What does “CLIL” stand for in the context of language education?

    1. Content and Language Integrated Learning
    2. Communicative Language Instruction and Literacy
    3. Comprehensive Linguistic Improvement and Literacy
    4. Classroom Language Immersion Lessons

    Correct Answer: a

    CLIL integrates subject content learning with language instruction.

23. The phenomenon where speakers develop a shared understanding of linguistic rules even if they cannot explicitly state them relates to:

    1. Language performance
    2. Universal grammar
    3. Linguistic competence
    4. Code-switching

    Correct Answer: c

    “Linguistic competence” is Chomsky’s term for implicit language knowledge.

24. In second language acquisition, “transfer” refers to:

    1. The movement of learners from one class to another.
    2. The influence of the first language on learning the second language.
    3. The act of translating texts between two languages.
    4. The process of transferring knowledge from a teacher to a student.

    Correct Answer: b

    Transfer may be positive or negative, affecting L2 acquisition.

25. Which of the following is not a primary component of language as a system?

    1. Phonology (sound system)
    2. Morphology (word structure)
    3. Syntax (sentence structure)
    4. Sociability (social interaction)

    Correct Answer: d

    While language is used socially, “sociability” isn’t an internal structural component like phonology, morphology, or syntax.