Which statement best reflects a possible language status for ELLs?

Which statement best reflects a possible language status for ELLs?

• A. ELLs may be proficient in another language.
• B. ELLs are always fluent in English.
• C. ELLs can never be proficient in more than one language.
• D. ELLs must learn English before any other language.

Answer: (A)

ELLs can be proficient in another language while still developing English. Being labeled an English Language Learner means their English proficiency is improving, not that they lack skills in other languages. Many students are bilingual or multilingual, using one language at home and another at school, so proficiency in a non-English language is entirely possible. This is why that statement best reflects a possible language status for ELLs. The other ideas aren’t correct because an ELL may or may not be fluent in English, they can be proficient in more than one language, and they can learn English alongside another language rather than having to learn English first.

ELLs can be proficient in another language while still developing English. Being labeled an English Language Learner means their English proficiency is improving, not that they lack skills in other languages. Many students are bilingual or multilingual, using one language at home and another at school, so proficiency in a non-English language is entirely possible. This is why that statement best reflects a possible language status for ELLs. The other ideas aren’t correct because an ELL may or may not be fluent in English, they can be proficient in more than one language, and they can learn English alongside another language rather than having to learn English first.