Language learning strategies

Here are the answers and explanations for the given questions:

  1. The .......... of meaning in classroom communication situations requires that language students develop appropriate communication strategies.
    Answer: a. negotiation
    Explanation: Negotiation of meaning refers to the interactive process where learners and speakers attempt to clarify and adjust meaning through communication. In language learning, this helps students overcome misunderstandings and facilitates communication.
  2. When a learner ··········, he is using a cognitive strategy.
    Answer: d. focuses on the important aspects of the material to be learned
    Explanation: A cognitive strategy involves the mental processes a learner uses to focus on and process language material. Focusing on key elements is a typical cognitive strategy that aids in learning and retention.
  3. When a learner ······· ···, he is NOT using a metacognitive strategy.
    Answer: c. is trying to find friends who speak the target language
    Explanation: Metacognitive strategies involve planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's learning process. Looking for friends to practice with is more related to social strategies, not metacognitive ones.
  4. In L2 learning .......... can not be considered as a learner strategy.
    Answer: a. fossilization
    Explanation: Fossilization is not considered a learning strategy but rather a developmental phenomenon in second language acquisition. It refers to when certain errors become permanent in a learner's language use, preventing further development.
  5. Describing the characteristics of an object instead of using the appropriate L2 item ...........
    Answer: b. reflects a lexical avoidance strategy
    Explanation: Lexical avoidance occurs when a learner avoids using a word they don't know by describing the object instead. This is a type of communication strategy that helps learners avoid breakdowns in communication.
  6. In O'Malley et. al's classification, metacognitive strategies do NOT include ...........
    Answer: a. correcting one's speech for accuracy
    Explanation: Metacognitive strategies involve planning, monitoring, and evaluating learning processes. Correcting one's speech is more aligned with cognitive strategies, which focus on language processing and improving accuracy.
  7. Language learning strategies ..........
    Answer: c. vary widely within an individual and are teachable
    Explanation: Language learning strategies are diverse, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the learner's style and context. These strategies can be taught to help learners optimize their language acquisition.
  8. All of the following bear on language learning strategies EXCEPT that ..........
    Answer: b. they are constant and predictable
    Explanation: Language learning strategies are not constant; they vary among individuals and are influenced by factors such as personality, context, and the nature of the task.
  9. "The window, close it." This is an example of ........... communication strategy.
    Answer: c. substitution
    Explanation: This example shows substitution because the learner substitutes a less complex structure ("close it") for a more complex one (e.g., "Please close the window"). This strategy helps maintain communication despite limited linguistic ability.
  10. Guessing the meaning of an unknown word through word analysis is a .......... strategy.
    Answer: a. cognitive
    Explanation: Cognitive strategies involve mental processes to make sense of language, such as guessing the meaning of words through analysis of word components (e.g., roots or affixes).
  11. In Oxford's strategy classification system, ...........
    Answer: a. cooperating with others is a socioaffective strategy
    Explanation: Socioaffective strategies include social interactions and emotional aspects of learning. Cooperation with others is an example of this, as it enhances learning through collaboration and emotional support.
  12. The use of "Boshghab" instead of "dish" by an Iranian learner of English most probably results from ..........
    Answer: c. a type of borrowing strategy
    Explanation: Borrowing occurs when a learner uses a term from their native language (L1) in the target language (L2) due to a lack of the equivalent word or knowledge of it in L2.
  13. Fossilization may be encouraged by ...........
    Answer: b. form-focused instruction
    Explanation: Form-focused instruction that emphasizes grammatical accuracy over communicative use can lead to fossilization, where learners fixate on errors that prevent further improvement in fluency.
  14. Getting ideas quickly and setting goals and objectives are related respectively to .......... and .......... strategies of language learning.
    Answer: d. cognitive, metacognitive
    Explanation: Cognitive strategies help learners generate ideas quickly, while metacognitive strategies help them plan and set goals for language learning, promoting a structured and self-regulated approach.
  15. An EFL learner's use of "He studied hard, he passed the exam" rather than “Having studied hard, he passed the exam" most probably shows the use of ..........
    Answer: c. avoidance strategies
    Explanation: Avoidance strategies involve learners steering clear of using complex grammatical structures they find difficult. The learner uses a simpler sentence structure to avoid using the more complex "having studied."
  16. The process in which incorrect linguistic features become a permanent part of a person’s speaking or writing is called ..........
    Answer: b. fossilization
    Explanation: Fossilization occurs when certain errors become entrenched in a learner’s language use and do not improve, even with further exposure or instruction.
  17. Wenden recommends that students develop some strategies. Planning for learning, monitoring learning, and checking the outcomes are the subdivisions of ........ strategy proposed by him.
    Answer: a. metacognitive
    Explanation: Metacognitive strategies involve planning, monitoring, and evaluating the learning process. Wenden’s recommendation emphasizes the importance of learners reflecting on and regulating their own learning.
  18. ........ knowledge is the learning skills and strategies that individuals have acquired during their lifetime of learning experience.
    Answer: b. procedural
    Explanation: Procedural knowledge refers to the skills and strategies that individuals acquire over time, which are used to perform tasks or solve problems, such as learning a language.
  19. The learner who monitors his production or comprehension is making use of .......... strategies.
    Answer: a. metacognitive
    Explanation: Metacognitive strategies involve monitoring one’s learning and performance. When a learner checks their own comprehension or production, they are actively reflecting on and controlling their learning.
  20. "Word coinage" is a kind of .......... strategy used by the learners while using the language.
    Answer: a. cognitive
    Explanation: Word coinage involves creating new words or phrases when the learner does not know the exact term, which is a cognitive strategy that helps maintain communication.
  21. A specific method employed by an individual to tackle a problem is called ..........
    Answer: d. a strategy
    Explanation: A strategy is a specific approach or method that a learner uses to solve problems or overcome challenges in language learning. It is a purposeful, conscious effort to achieve a particular goal.