Page 178 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9-12: English As a Second Language and English Literacy Development, 2007

THEONTARIOCURRICULUM,GRADES9–12 | ESLandELD
audience. The intended readers, listeners, or viewers for a particular text.
authentic text. A text that has not been simplified or adapted for English language learners. See also authentic English.
authentic English. English that is not manipulated or revised to make it easier to understand. The language used daily by first-language speakers includes idioms, hesitations, incomplete sentences, implied meanings, and culturally specific references.
authentic language task. A language learning task that involves using language to communicate a message and/or accom- plish a purpose in a real-world situation.
background knowledge. The background experience and knowledge that a student brings to classroom learning. Sometimes referred to as prior knowledge.
barrier game. A language learning game, usually played in pairs, in which each player has different information that both need in order to solve a problem. A phy- sical barrier between the players is used to prevent them from seeing each other’s information. Players must ask each other and respond to questions to bridge the “information gap” and solve the problem.
basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS). Face-to-face language skills used in everyday communication – listening, speaking, carrying on basic conversations, and getting one’s basic needs met. English language learners typically acquire basic interpersonal communication skills before they develop proficiency in more complex, academic language.
biculturalism. The ability to understand equally well, and follow, the cultural rules and norms of two different cultural systems.
bilingual. Able to function equally well in two different languages.
bilingual dictionary. A two-language translation dictionary (e.g., English – French) in which the learner can look up a word in one language and find its equivalent in the other.
blog. A short form for Web log. An online forum where people share personal jour- nal entries, opinion articles, and/or photo- graphs with others on a regular basis.
cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). Language proficiency associated with schooling and the abstract language abilities required for academic work. A more complex, conceptual, linguistic ability than conversational language, CALP includes facility in analysis, syn- thesis, and evaluation. English language learners need at least five years to develop cognitive academic language proficiency in English.
choral reading. A group recitation of a story or poem, intended to help students gain confidence in reading.
circumlocution. A communication strategy used by English language learners when they do not know or remember a particu- lar word. To get their meaning across, learners may define or describe the item, give examples, or cite characteristics of the item.
citizenship. The condition of being vested with the rights, duties, and responsibilities of a member of a state or nation.
cloze passage. A passage of text with some words omitted (e.g., Canada’s mineral resources include nickel, copper, and _____). Students complete cloze passages to demonstrate reading comprehension, knowledge of the subject matter, and pro- ficiency with specific items of grammar, vocabulary, or spelling.
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