What best supports an eighth-grade English language learner performing at the expanding level in their continued language acquisition?

Providing ongoing explicit instruction in discipline-specific vocabulary is particularly beneficial for an eighth-grade English language learner at the expanding level because it directly addresses the linguistic needs of a student who is beginning to engage more deeply with academic content. At this stage, students start to refine and extend their language skills, transitioning from basic conversational proficiency to acquiring the vocabulary necessary for academic success.

Explicit instruction in vocabulary helps to scaffold their understanding of complex texts and concepts that are essential in various subjects. This kind of targeted learning ensures that students can not only recognize and produce the vocabulary but also understand its usage in context, which is critical for their overall language development and academic achievement.

Moreover, mastering discipline-specific vocabulary enables them to participate more fully in class discussions, comprehend curricular materials, and express their ideas more clearly, contributing to their confidence and competence in an academic setting. This approach aligns with best practices in language acquisition, particularly for learners who are developing their proficiency in a second language.

In contrast, while group projects can enhance social language skills, they might not provide the same depth of vocabulary understanding that explicit instruction does. Similarly, limiting graphic organizers does not support learners who benefit from visual aids, which can help them organize and understand complex information. Lastly, focusing solely on general communication skills might