FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to James Cummins, which skill set is always greater than the other?

1. Speaking skills exceed writing skills

2. Receptive skills exceed productive skills

3. Listening skills exceed reading skills

4. Writing skills exceed speaking skills

The correct answer is: Receptive skills exceed productive skills

James Cummins' work focuses significantly on language acquisition and the processes involved in learning a second language. He emphasizes the distinction between receptive and productive skills, where receptive skills (listening and reading) allow learners to understand language input, while productive skills (speaking and writing) involve language output. The reasoning for stating that receptive skills exceed productive skills lies in the nature of language acquisition. Learners typically develop the ability to understand and process language before they can use that language to produce it. As a result, learners often demonstrate greater proficiency in understanding spoken or written language than they do in expressing themselves through speaking or writing. This hierarchy reflects the typical progression in language learning, where comprehension precedes production. This foundational understanding is critical for educators to consider when designing language instruction and assessments, as it underscores the importance of developing receptive skills as a basis for productive language use.