Summative Test: Language and Language Learning
Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________ Score: ___________
Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the
letter of your answer on the space provided.
1. What is language primarily used for?
A. Memorizing rules
B. Human communication
C. Reading texts
D. Following instructions
2. Which feature of language allows us to talk about things not present or events that happened
in the past or future?
A. Productivity
B. Displacement
C. Symbolism
D. Arbitrariness
3. Which of the following best describes *arbitrariness* in language?
A. Words always match their meaning
B. Language rules are fixed
C. No inherent connection exists between words and their meanings
D. Words are created through natural sounds
4. The ability to produce and understand new sentences shows that language is:
A. Structured
B. Learned
C. Open-ended
D. Productive
5. The feature that explains how language is passed from one generation to another through
social interaction is:
A. Universality
B. Cultural transmission
C. Creativity
D. Systematicity
6. Which function of language is being used when someone gives instructions to another
person?
A. Expressive
B. Instrumental
C. Communicative
D. Social
7. Which is TRUE about language acquisition?
A. It is always taught in school.
B. It happens naturally and subconsciously.
C. It focuses on grammar and vocabulary.
D. It happens only through written texts.
8. Language learning is usually associated with:
A. Home interaction
B. Grammar drills
C. Playing with peers
D. Watching TV
9. What is one reason why understanding language is important for teachers?
A. To reduce the number of vocabulary words
B. To eliminate grammar lessons
C. To teach effectively based on how people learn
D. To memorize language history
10. Which of the following is a characteristic of language?
A. It is rigid and unchanging
B. It is only biological
C. It is socially transmitted and changes over time
D. It must be taught formally
11. What is the main focus of behaviorist theory?
A. Emotions and thoughts
B. Internal processes
C. Observable behaviors
D. Genetic factors
12. Ivan Pavlov is known for which concept?
A. Operant conditioning
B. Cognitive dissonance
C. Classical conditioning
D. Law of effect
13. Who introduced operant conditioning?
A. Watson
B. Thorndike
C. Pavlov
D. Skinner
14. What is operant conditioning based on?
A. Repetition and imitation
B. Associations between two stimuli
C. Rewards and punishments
D. Emotional reactions
15. What principle did Edward Thorndike contribute to behaviorism?
A. Law of Effect
B. Stimulus Response
C. Operant Learning
D. Classical Conditioning
16. In behaviorist language learning, how do children acquire language?
A. By inventing grammar
B. Through reinforcement and imitation
C. Through cognitive processing
D. By reading books
17. What is a key classroom strategy under behaviorism?
A. Discovery learning
B. Storytelling
C. Grammar translation
D. Drills and repetition
18. According to behaviorism, reinforcement should be:
A. Ignored in language learning
B. Applied inconsistently
C. Used to encourage correct usage
D. Avoided to promote creativity
19. Which stage is characterized by one-word utterances like 'juice'?
A. Babbling
B. Holophrastic
C. Two-word
D. Telegraphic
20. What is an example of overgeneralization?
A. Saying 'milk' for 'I want milk'
B. Saying 'goed' instead of 'went'
C. Babbling sounds like 'ba-ba'
D. Saying 'doggie walk'
21. The two-word stage typically occurs between what age range?
A. 0–6 months
B. 6–12 months
C. 12–18 months
D. 18–24 months
22. What behaviorist classroom strategy gives praise or grades for correct language use?
A. Inquiry-based learning
B. Role playing
C. Positive reinforcement
D. Constructive feedback
23. What does behaviorism underestimate in language learning?
A. Practice
B. Repetition
C. Mental or cognitive processes
D. Listening
24. Which stage involves a vocabulary explosion and three- to four-word sentences?
A. Holophrastic
B. Two-word
C. Babbling
D. Telegraphic
25. Which of the following would a behaviorist likely use?
A. Open dialogue
B. Listening journals
C. Sentence pattern drills
D. Unstructured exploration
26. Which behaviorist concept involves passive learning by pairing stimuli?
A. Operant Conditioning
B. Grammar Translation
C. Classical Conditioning
D. Communicative Approach
27. Behaviorism assumes learning happens best when:
A. There is no reward
B. There is reinforcement of correct responses
C. Learners explore freely
D. Errors are ignored
28. What is a criticism of behaviorism in language learning?
A. It allows too much freedom
B. It does not explain original or creative language use
C. It is too emotional
D. It encourages imagination
29. A child saying 'mouses' instead of 'mice' is an example of:
A. Lack of understanding
B. Grammar translation
C. Rule application
D. Overcorrection
30. Why is behaviorism still relevant in teaching today?
A. It supports language creativity
B. It offers structured, drill-based methods
C. It explains abstract word meanings
D. It avoids error correction
