FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does the Natural Order Hypothesis suggest?

1. All grammatical structures are learned equally

2. Second language acquisition has a predictable acquisition pattern

3. Acquisition of a new language depends on cultural exposure

4. Grammatical rules should be learned spontaneously

The correct answer is: Second language acquisition has a predictable acquisition pattern

The Natural Order Hypothesis posits that in the process of second language acquisition, learners tend to acquire grammatical structures in a predictable sequence. This hypothesis was developed by Stephen Krashen and is part of his broader theory on language acquisition. According to this concept, certain grammatical features are learned earlier than others, regardless of the learner's first language, the teaching method employed, or the learner's age. This means there is an innate order to the way language structures are acquired, which can help educators understand and anticipate the challenges learners might face at different stages of their language development. The focus of the Natural Order Hypothesis is on the inherent acquisition patterns that emerge in learners, rather than on the notion that all grammatical structures are learned equally, the influence of cultural exposure, or the idea that grammatical rules must be learned spontaneously. Understanding this hypothesis can greatly assist educators in designing curricula and instructional strategies that align with the natural progression of language learning.