TERMINOLOGY CARDS, PAPER 1 EXAM
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
2025
Learning Styles correct answers Definition: the mode in which learners
best acquire information, knowledge, language, etc
Example: some students learn best through seeing things (visual
learners)
Further Point: We can think of styles in terms of VAKOG (Visual, Auditory,
Kinaesthetic, Olfactory and Gustatory). Students normally have a blend of
these styles
Multiple Intelligences correct answers Definition: definitions of learner
styles/types divided into different 'intelligences' conforming to a
different sphere of activity
Example: some people are good with numbers and patterns -
they have logical/mathematical intelligence
Further Point: 7 intelligences have been identified, though many now
include an 8th (naturalist).
Learner Profile correct answers Definition: an overview of a learner's
strengths and weaknesses in terms of what learner styles and
intelligences they have
Example: Student A is a good visual and auditory learner, but doesn't get
much out of kinaesthetic activities
Further Point: learner profiles can be used to base the needs of your
students on when designing courses and activities
Tolerance of Ambiguity correct answers Definition: a learner is happy to
wait for a language rule and cope with only part of the story
Example: a student accepts the reason, "that's just the way it is," is
tolerant of ambiguity
Further Point: students can be intolerant of ambiguity as well and feel
they need to know rules they can apply in any situation
,Syllabus-bound learner correct answers Definition: describes a learner that
needs the 'packaging' and presentation of data which the teacher, syllabus
or course provides
Example: a student who doesn't feel s/he can learn outside of formal
education is syllabus-bound
Further Point: the opposite kind of learner is described as a syllabus-
free learner
Syllabus-free learner correct answers Definition: a learner who can learn
from general elements in a learning context and outside of a classroom
Example: a learner who likes individual exercises and feels they work best
on their own could be described as syllabus-free
Further Point: it is considered syllabus-free learners learn best when left
to their own devices and can be restricted by course requirements
Holistic learner correct answers Definition: describes a learner who learns
language through global exposure to language
Example: a student who doesn't feel the need to sequentially work through
things and doesn't feel the need to make constant connections between
things
Further Point: these types of learner benefit from doing a wide range of
activities in a wide range of topics - breadth of experience is important
Serialist learner correct answers Definition: describes a learner that needs
to analyse elements sequentially
Example: a student who wants to do tenses in a strict order would be a
serialist
Further Point: serial learners can be thought of in opposition to holistic
learners who learn through global exposure
Field-dependent learner correct answers Definition: describes a learner who
only sees systems in terms of the general structure
Example: a learner who would not notice grammatical or lexical patterns in
dialogue
, Further Point: we can also talk about field-independent learners, who
see things in terms of larger structures
Field-independent learner correct answers Definition: describes a learner
who notices systems in larger structures
Example: a learner who notices verb patterns within dialogue
Further Point: we can also talk about field-dependent learners, who only
see things in terms of general structures
Intrinsic motivation correct answers Definition: a desire to learn based on
some kind of internal requirement or satisfaction
Example: a learner who comes to English classes because s/he loves
learning languages
Further Point: can be balanced against 'extrinsic' motivation, where the
impetus comes from outside
Extrinsic motivation correct answers Definition: requirements for learning
which come from 'outside'
Example: a need to learn to get a job, pass an exam or because parents
have made you
Further Point: can be balanced against 'intrinsic' motivation, where the
impetus comes from inside
Integrative motivation correct answers Definition: the need to learn is
based on the student's requirement to 'fit in' inside an L2 environment
Example: needing to know a language because you've moved to
another country Further Point: this kind of motivation can be intrinsic
or extrinsic
Instrumental motivation correct answers Definition: desire to learn caused
by the need to achieve something