Which Krashen hypothesis distinguishes Acquisition and Learning as two distinct ways to develop language competence?

• A. The Affective Filter Hypothesis argues emotions affect learning.
• B. The Input Hypothesis explains learning through comprehensible input.
• C. The Acquisition/Learning Hypothesis posits two distinct processes: acquisition and learning.
• D. The Natural Order Hypothesis states rules are learned in a fixed order.

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is Krashen's separation of language development into two distinct processes: acquisition and learning. Acquisition is the natural, unconscious process where language emerges through meaningful communication, similar to how children pick up their first language. Learning is the conscious, formal knowledge of rules and grammar that results from study. The Acquisition/Learning Hypothesis explicitly names these two separate pathways and argues they contribute to language competence in different ways, even though both can influence how well someone actually uses the language. This distinction isn’t about emotions, the amount of input, or the order in which rules are learned—that’s addressed by the other hypotheses—so this choice directly identifies the precise distinction Krashen proposed.