What does the Affective Filter describe?

• A. A cognitive mechanism that edits student responses.
• B. A mental block caused by affective factors that prevents input from reaching the learner.
• C. An approach that emphasizes production practice.
• D. A theory stating that input is unnecessary for acquisition.

Answer: (B)

The Affective Filter describes a mental block caused by emotions that can prevent input from reaching the learner. In Krashen’s view, language acquisition hinges on comprehensible input, but if a learner is anxious, lacks motivation, or has low self-confidence, the affective filter rises and blocks new language from being processed and absorbed. In practical terms, creating a supportive, low-stress classroom environment helps lower this filter, allowing more input to be processed and learned. The other descriptions don’t capture how emotions influence the processing of language input.