Which of the following is an affective factor that can influence a learner of a second language?

• A. Willingness to risk embarrassment in learning a second language
• B. Amount of grammar instruction
• C. Age of acquisition
• D. Number of hours studied per week

Answer: (A)

Affective factors are emotions and attitudes that influence how a learner engages with a second language. Willingness to risk embarrassment in learning a second language captures this because it reflects the learner’s readiness to speak and make mistakes in order to practice, which directly affects how much speaking practice they get and how quickly they improve. When a learner is comfortable taking risks, they participate more, seek opportunities to use the language, and push through anxiety, all of which support progress.

The other options describe instructional input, developmental timing, or study quantity rather than feelings or dispositions. Grammar instruction amount is about teaching content, age of acquisition relates to when learning begins and cognitive development, and hours studied per week measure effort rather than emotional readiness.