Which term describes a student whose native language is not English?

Which term describes a student whose native language is not English?

• A. English-Language Learner (ELL)
• B. Cognates
• C. Schema
• D. Underextension

Answer: (A)

This item tests terminology used for students who are learning English as an additional language. The best term is English-Language Learner, often shortened to ELL. It describes a student whose native language isn’t English and who is developing proficiency in English while continuing to learn content. Using this label helps educators plan language support and track progress in language development. Cognates are words in different languages that share form and meaning, like English “animal” and Spanish “animal.” They describe linguistic features, not a category of students. Schema refers to a mental framework for organizing knowledge and how learners connect new information to what they already know. Underextension is a phenomenon in early language development where a child applies a word too narrowly. Those terms describe processes or concepts, not the student’s language background.

This item tests terminology used for students who are learning English as an additional language. The best term is English-Language Learner, often shortened to ELL. It describes a student whose native language isn’t English and who is developing proficiency in English while continuing to learn content. Using this label helps educators plan language support and track progress in language development.

Cognates are words in different languages that share form and meaning, like English “animal” and Spanish “animal.” They describe linguistic features, not a category of students. Schema refers to a mental framework for organizing knowledge and how learners connect new information to what they already know. Underextension is a phenomenon in early language development where a child applies a word too narrowly. Those terms describe processes or concepts, not the student’s language background.