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

Which concept refers to cognitive academic language required for academic settings?

1. Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills

2. Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency

3. Norm referenced measurements

4. Integrative services

The correct answer is: Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency

The concept that refers to cognitive academic language required for academic settings is Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). This term was introduced by Jim Cummins and is vital for understanding the language needed to succeed in a school environment. CALP encompasses the academic language skills necessary to process information, engage in critical thinking, and perform tasks related to formal education, such as completing research papers, participating in discussions, and understanding subject-specific terminology. In contrast to Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), which are the conversational language skills used in social contexts, CALP specifically addresses the language demands found in academic discourse. It often requires a deeper understanding of language structures, vocabulary, and the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, as is commonly experienced in an educational setting. Norm-referenced measurements and integrative services are concepts not directly related to language proficiency itself but rather pertain to assessment methods and educational delivery approaches, respectively. Therefore, Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency is clearly the term that directly correlates with the academic language skills necessary for success in educational environments.