Introduction to Language & Literacy
Objective Questions (25 MCQs)
- Language is primarily a system of
- A. Drawing
- B. Communication
- C. Numbers
- D. Gestures
- The study of word formation is known as
- A. Syntax
- B. Phonology
- C. Morphology
- D. Semantics
- The smallest unit of sound in a language is called
- A. Morpheme
- B. Phrase
- C. Phoneme
- D. Syllable
- Literacy mainly involves the ability to
- A. Dance and sing
- B. Read and write
- C. Count numbers
- D. Speak only
- Which component of language deals with meaning?
- A. Syntax
- B. Semantics
- C. Pragmatics
- D. Phonology
- The ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words is called
- A. Fluency
- B. Vocabulary
- C. Phonemic awareness
- D. Comprehension
- The relationship between letters and sounds is known as
- A. Syntax
- B. Phonics
- C. Vocabulary
- D. Semantics
- Which approach teaches language through meaningful whole texts?
- A. Phonics
- B. Whole language approach
- C. Grammar translation
- D. Structural approach
- The stage where children use single words to express whole ideas is
- A. Telegraphic stage
- B. Holophrastic stage
- C. Two-word stage
- D. Pre-linguistic stage
- A print-rich environment helps children develop
- A. Motor skills
- B. Reading habits
- C. Sleeping habits
- D. Eating habits
- Pragmatics refers to
- A. Meaning of words
- B. Structure of sentences
- C. Sounds of language
- D. Use of language in context
- Which of the following is NOT a type of literacy?
- A. Digital literacy
- B. Critical literacy
- C. Media literacy
- D. Musical literacy
- A child’s first stage of language development is
- A. Babbling
- B. Crying
- C. Telegraphic stage
- D. Word combination
- The Language Experience Approach (LEA) uses
- A. Songs
- B. Learners’ own stories
- C. Textbooks only
- D. Diagrams only
- Fluent reading involves
- A. Speed only
- B. Accuracy, speed, and expression
- C. Memorization
- D. Writing long essays
- Which factor strongly influences a child’s literacy level?
- A. Clothing
- B. Home environment
- C. Class monitor
- D. Favourite food
- Vocabulary development is important because it
- A. Improves handwriting
- B. Supports reading comprehension
- C. Makes learners quiet
- D. Reduces talking
- The use of real-life communication in teaching is called
- A. Whole language
- B. Communicative approach
- C. Grammar-translation
- D. Audio-lingual method
- The study of sentence structure is
- A. Syntax
- B. Morphology
- C. Semantics
- D. Phonology
- Which component supports understanding of text meaning?
- A. Phonology
- B. Fluency
- C. Comprehension
- D. Penmanship
- A child writing scribbles and shapes is in the _____ stage of writing.
- A. Fluent
- B. Emergent
- C. Advanced
- D. Transitional
- Which of the following best explains literacy?
- A. The ability to memorize stories
- B. The ability to listen, speak, read, and write
- C. The ability to count
- D. The ability to work alone
- Oral language skills include
- A. Drawing skills
- B. Speaking and listening
- C. Reading and painting
- D. Counting and measuring
- Balanced literacy combines
- A. Only phonics
- B. Only whole language
- C. Phonics and whole language
- D. Grammar and writing
- A teacher who models correct language use is helping to build learners’
- A. Vocabulary
- B. Writing alone
- C. Sports skills
- D. Sleeping habits
Objective Answer Key (Table)
| Q# | Answer (Letter) | Answer (Text) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Communication |
| 2 | C | Morphology |
| 3 | C | Phoneme |
| 4 | B | Read and write |
| 5 | B | Semantics |
| 6 | C | Phonemic awareness |
| 7 | B | Phonics |
| 8 | B | Whole language approach |
| 9 | B | Holophrastic stage |
| 10 | B | Reading habits |
| 11 | D | Use of language in context |
| 12 | D | Musical literacy |
| 13 | B | Crying |
| 14 | B | Learners' own stories |
| 15 | B | Accuracy, speed, and expression |
| 16 | B | Home environment |
| 17 | B | Supports reading comprehension |
| 18 | B | Communicative approach |
| 19 | A | Syntax |
| 20 | C | Comprehension |
| 21 | B | Emergent |
| 22 | B | The ability to listen, speak, read, and write |
| 23 | B | Speaking and listening |
| 24 | C | Phonics and whole language |
| 25 | A | Vocabulary |
Subjective / Essay Questions (5) — with Answers
- Explain the relationship between language and literacy.
Answer: Language forms the foundation of literacy. Oral language (listening and speaking) supports the development of reading and writing. Children who master vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension in spoken language find it easier to read and write. Weak language skills lead to literacy difficulties.
- Describe five components of language and their importance.
Answer:
- Phonology – Study of sounds; helps children decode words.
- Morphology – Study of word formation; supports vocabulary growth.
- Syntax – Sentence structure; helps learners construct correct sentences.
- Semantics – Meaning of words; important for comprehension.
- Pragmatics – Use of language in context; helps learners communicate appropriately.
- Discuss three major factors that influence language and literacy development in children.
Answer:
- Home environment: Availability of books and conversations improves literacy.
- Teacher quality: Skilled teachers use effective methods such as phonics and storytelling.
- Socio-economic background: Children from supportive homes tend to have better exposure to learning materials.
- Explain the importance of early literacy skills.
Answer: Early literacy skills—like phonemic awareness, print awareness, and vocabulary—prepare children for formal reading. These skills help them identify sounds, understand how print works, and build comprehension, resulting in strong academic performance.
- Outline and explain the stages of language development in children.
Answer:
- Pre-linguistic stage: Crying, cooing, and babbling before real words.
- Holophrastic stage: One-word utterances with full meanings.
- Two-word stage: Simple combinations like "mommy go".
- Telegraphic stage: Short phrases without function words.
- Complex sentence stage: Full sentences with proper grammar.
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