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

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Study for the TESOL Test. Improve your teaching skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers guidance and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What characteristic is essential for successful second-language learners according to the principles of language development?

Commitment to learning
Ability to self-correct
A willingness to take risks in language use
Developing self-confidence

The correct answer is: A willingness to take risks in language use

The willingness to take risks in language use is essential for successful second-language learners because it plays a crucial role in the learning process. When learners are open to experimenting with the language, they create opportunities for practice and interaction that are vital for improving their skills. By engaging in conversations, making mistakes, and trying out new vocabulary or grammatical structures, learners gain valuable feedback that contributes to their language development. This willingness helps them to push beyond their comfort zones, fostering growth in their communication abilities. In contrast, while commitment to learning, the ability to self-correct, and developing self-confidence are important traits, they are often facilitated by a willingness to take risks. For instance, self-correction typically occurs after a learner has the confidence to attempt speaking or writing in the second language, even if they may not have complete mastery. Therefore, risk-taking is a foundational attitude that can enhance all aspects of language learning and leads to greater overall success in becoming proficient in a second language.