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

In a middle school ESL program for diverse students, which structure is most commonly used?

1. Newcomer center.

2. Self-contained ESL class.

3. ESL class period.

4. Dual-language program.

The correct answer is: ESL class period.

The most commonly used structure in middle school ESL programs for diverse students is the ESL class period. This format typically allows students to attend a designated class specifically tailored for English language development, which is separate from their regular academic classes. It provides focused instruction on language skills, promoting vocabulary acquisition, grammar, reading, writing, and speaking in a supportive environment. This structure is effective because it can easily integrate into the existing school schedule without requiring significant adjustments to the overall school framework. It also allows students to engage with their peers in their other classes while still receiving targeted support for their language needs. In contrast, a newcomer center, while beneficial for students who are new to the language and the country, serves a more limited population and usually focuses on very recent arrivals. A self-contained ESL class offers instruction in both language and content but is less common at the middle school level compared to the ESL class period structure. Finally, a dual-language program, which promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, may not be as widespread at the middle school level and can require specific programmatic support and staffing that some schools may not have. Overall, the ESL class period is a flexible and effective approach for diverse middle school ESL learners, accommodating their language development while allowing