FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to James Cummins, how do reading and listening skills compare to speaking and writing?

1. They are generally equal

2. They exceed productive skills

3. They are less important

4. They require the same effort

The correct answer is: They exceed productive skills

James Cummins, a prominent figure in the field of bilingual education, emphasizes the distinction between receptive skills (reading and listening) and productive skills (speaking and writing). According to his research, reading and listening skills typically exceed productive skills in terms of their role in language acquisition and overall language proficiency. Receptive skills often involve comprehension and the ability to understand language input, which is crucial for developing a solid foundation in any language. Students can assimilate language structure, vocabulary, and themes more readily through reading and listening, which serve as key components for cognitive processing and building language proficiency. This foundation ultimately enhances their productive skills, as students can draw upon the knowledge they acquire from these receptive experiences when they begin to engage in speaking and writing. The assertion that receptive skills are particularly powerful in language learning and development aligns with Cummins' perspective on the importance of these skills in a comprehensive language curriculum. This recognition of the greater impact of reading and listening on language development supports the conclusion that they exceed productive skills in their contribution to overall language competence.