IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
**Question 1.** Which SLA theory emphasizes that language acquisition occurs
when learners receive input that is slightly beyond their current level of
competence?
A) Behaviorism
B) Krashen’s Input Hypothesis
C) Interactionist Theory
D) Sociocultural Theory
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Krashen’s Input Hypothesis (i+1) posits that comprehensible
input just above the learner’s current level promotes acquisition.
**Question 2.** In the context of BICS and CALP, which statement is accurate?
A) BICS typically requires 2–3 years to develop, while CALP takes 5–7 years.
B) Both BICS and CALP develop at the same rate.
C) CALP refers to basic conversational skills.
D) BICS is academic language needed for content-area learning.
**Answer:** A
**Explanation:** BICS (social language) develops quickly (2‑3 years); CALP
(academic language) often takes 5‑7 years.
**Question 3.** Which learner variable most strongly predicts success in
second‑language acquisition according to research?
A) Age of arrival
,IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
B) Personality type
C) Motivation
D) Learning style
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Motivation, especially integrative and instrumental, consistently
predicts higher proficiency.
**Question 4.** The term “interlanguage” refers to:
A) The language spoken at home by ELL families.
B) The final target language that learners aim to achieve.
C) The evolving linguistic system that learners create as they acquire a second
language.
D) A bilingual education program model.
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Interlanguage is the transitional, learner‑created system that
reflects both L1 influence and emerging L2 rules.
**Question 5.** Fossilized errors are best described as:
A) Errors that disappear once the learner reaches the Emerging stage.
B) Errors that persist despite continued exposure and instruction.
C) Errors made only in oral communication.
D) Mistakes that occur only in writing.
,IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Fossilized errors become entrenched and are resistant to
correction even with ample input.
**Question 6.** Which program model provides instruction in both languages
with the goal of developing bilingualism and biliteracy for all students?
A) Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)
B) Dual Language/Two‑Way Immersion
C) ESL Pull‑out
D) Sheltered English Instruction (SEI)
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Dual Language programs aim for high proficiency and literacy in
both languages for native and non‑native speakers.
**Question 7.** The Lau v. Nichols (1974) decision primarily addressed:
A) Funding for bilingual programs.
B) The requirement for schools to provide equal educational opportunities to
non‑English‑speaking students.
C) The prohibition of pull‑out ESL programs.
D) The adoption of the Common Core Standards.
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Lau v. Nichols held that failing to provide language support
violates the Equal Educational Opportunities Act.
, IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
**Question 8.** Under Illinois law, which assessment is most commonly used for
ELL placement and reclassification?
A) MAP Growth
B) ACCESS for ELLs
C) STAR Reading
D) NAEP
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** ACCESS is the state‑approved English language proficiency test
for placement and reclassification.
**Question 9.** When integrating WIDA ELP standards with Illinois content
standards, a teacher should:
A) Teach language objectives only after content objectives are mastered.
B) Align language objectives with each content objective for every lesson.
C) Use language objectives only in pull‑out sessions.
D) Separate language and content instruction completely.
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Effective alignment requires both language and content
objectives to be addressed together in each lesson.
**Question 10.** Which SIOP component focuses on providing students with
“hands‑on” practice of new concepts?
**Question 1.** Which SLA theory emphasizes that language acquisition occurs
when learners receive input that is slightly beyond their current level of
competence?
A) Behaviorism
B) Krashen’s Input Hypothesis
C) Interactionist Theory
D) Sociocultural Theory
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Krashen’s Input Hypothesis (i+1) posits that comprehensible
input just above the learner’s current level promotes acquisition.
**Question 2.** In the context of BICS and CALP, which statement is accurate?
A) BICS typically requires 2–3 years to develop, while CALP takes 5–7 years.
B) Both BICS and CALP develop at the same rate.
C) CALP refers to basic conversational skills.
D) BICS is academic language needed for content-area learning.
**Answer:** A
**Explanation:** BICS (social language) develops quickly (2‑3 years); CALP
(academic language) often takes 5‑7 years.
**Question 3.** Which learner variable most strongly predicts success in
second‑language acquisition according to research?
A) Age of arrival
,IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
B) Personality type
C) Motivation
D) Learning style
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Motivation, especially integrative and instrumental, consistently
predicts higher proficiency.
**Question 4.** The term “interlanguage” refers to:
A) The language spoken at home by ELL families.
B) The final target language that learners aim to achieve.
C) The evolving linguistic system that learners create as they acquire a second
language.
D) A bilingual education program model.
**Answer:** C
**Explanation:** Interlanguage is the transitional, learner‑created system that
reflects both L1 influence and emerging L2 rules.
**Question 5.** Fossilized errors are best described as:
A) Errors that disappear once the learner reaches the Emerging stage.
B) Errors that persist despite continued exposure and instruction.
C) Errors made only in oral communication.
D) Mistakes that occur only in writing.
,IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Fossilized errors become entrenched and are resistant to
correction even with ample input.
**Question 6.** Which program model provides instruction in both languages
with the goal of developing bilingualism and biliteracy for all students?
A) Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)
B) Dual Language/Two‑Way Immersion
C) ESL Pull‑out
D) Sheltered English Instruction (SEI)
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Dual Language programs aim for high proficiency and literacy in
both languages for native and non‑native speakers.
**Question 7.** The Lau v. Nichols (1974) decision primarily addressed:
A) Funding for bilingual programs.
B) The requirement for schools to provide equal educational opportunities to
non‑English‑speaking students.
C) The prohibition of pull‑out ESL programs.
D) The adoption of the Common Core Standards.
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Lau v. Nichols held that failing to provide language support
violates the Equal Educational Opportunities Act.
, IL125ILTS English as a New Language Practice Exam
**Question 8.** Under Illinois law, which assessment is most commonly used for
ELL placement and reclassification?
A) MAP Growth
B) ACCESS for ELLs
C) STAR Reading
D) NAEP
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** ACCESS is the state‑approved English language proficiency test
for placement and reclassification.
**Question 9.** When integrating WIDA ELP standards with Illinois content
standards, a teacher should:
A) Teach language objectives only after content objectives are mastered.
B) Align language objectives with each content objective for every lesson.
C) Use language objectives only in pull‑out sessions.
D) Separate language and content instruction completely.
**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Effective alignment requires both language and content
objectives to be addressed together in each lesson.
**Question 10.** Which SIOP component focuses on providing students with
“hands‑on” practice of new concepts?
