Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 0%

In preparation for a classroom discussion on whether to visit a museum or a historic site during their next field trip, Mr. Forbes, a language arts teacher, familiarizes the ELs in his class with phrases such as:
• "My preferred choice is ______ because ______."
• "If we go to the ______, our class can explore ______."

According to Cummins, an example of cognitively undemanding communication is

Rationale

Answering yes/no questions in the classroom is an example of cognitively undemanding communication.

Yes/no questions require minimal cognitive effort, as they typically necessitate straightforward responses without the need for elaborate reasoning or complex language structures. This makes them accessible for learners, including English learners (ELs), who may still be developing their language proficiency.

A (taking a multiple-choice test) YOUR ANSWER

Multiple-choice tests often require higher cognitive engagement since students must analyze each option, recall information, and make distinctions among similar answers. This process involves critical thinking and decision-making skills, which can be more demanding than simply responding to yes/no questions.

C (writing sentences in English) YOUR ANSWER

Writing sentences involves a greater degree of cognitive load, as it requires learners to construct grammatically correct and contextually appropriate responses. This task necessitates knowledge of vocabulary, syntax, and the ability to express ideas clearly, making it more cognitively demanding than yes/no questions.

D (understanding a passage in a social studies textbook) YOUR ANSWER

Comprehending a passage in a textbook requires substantial cognitive effort, including the ability to interpret complex ideas, analyze information, and synthesize knowledge. This process often involves critical reading skills, which are inherently more demanding than the simple affirmation or negation required in yes/no questions.

Conclusion

Cognitively undemanding communication refers to interactions that require minimal mental effort, allowing learners to engage without the burden of complex language tasks. Among the choices presented, answering yes/no questions stands out as the least demanding form of communication, facilitating participation in classroom discussions for English learners. In contrast, the other options involve higher levels of cognitive engagement, making them unsuitable examples of cognitively undemanding communication.

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