NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

During which stage do learners typically begin to self-correct their language errors?

1. Advanced fluency

2. Early production

3. Intermediate fluency

4. Basic interpersonal communication

The correct answer is: Intermediate fluency

Learners typically begin to self-correct their language errors during the intermediate fluency stage. At this stage, individuals have developed a broader vocabulary and improved grammatical understanding, allowing them to communicate more effectively and engage in more complex interactions. As their confidence and awareness of language use grow, they become more capable of recognizing their errors and making corrections independently. In contrast, during basic interpersonal communication, learners focus primarily on social language skills and often lack the proficiency needed for nuanced self-correction. Early production is marked by limited vocabulary and simple sentences, which does not usually allow for self-correction. Advanced fluency, while characterized by a high level of language proficiency, is not the stage where self-correction begins; rather, it reflects a complete mastery of the language where the ability to self-correct is expected and fully developed.