Which of the following demonstrates the teacher's awareness of second-language acquisition?

• A. Language acquisition occurs when students practice grammar rules in isolation.
• B. Students develop vocabulary before any engagement with meaning.
• C. Language acquisition is acquired through integrating all skills together.
• D. Learning happens only through explicit instruction.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that true language acquisition happens when learners use all language skills together in meaningful, communicative tasks. The best option reflects this by saying that language is acquired through integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing, so students practice and perform real communication rather than focusing on one skill at a time.

This integrated approach matters because acquisition grows from using language in authentic contexts, where meaning drives attention to form naturally. When lessons weave together multiple skills—like listening to a short passage, discussing it, reading related text, and writing a response—the learner picks up patterns, vocabulary, and pronunciation more effectively and fluently.

In contrast, practicing grammar in isolation treats language as separate rules to memorize, which doesn’t reflect how language is used in real conversation. Building vocabulary before meaning can detach word knowledge from how it’s used in context. Relying only on explicit instruction emphasizes showing and telling rather than letting language emerge from meaningful use. The integrated approach aligns with how language develops in real-life communication.