The feedback that the ESL teacher gives to the student can be defined as which of the following terms?

The feedback that the ESL teacher gives to the student can be defined as which of the following terms?

• A. correction
• B. elicitation
• C. evaluation
• D. instruction

Answer: (B)

In ESL feedback, elicitation is the approach that invites a learner to supply or correct language rather than handing it to them. When a teacher uses elicitation, they might ask a guiding question, repeat a student’s attempt with a prompt, or pause to give hints so the student self-corrects. This keeps the learner actively involved and helps them notice gaps in their knowledge, which supports longer-term learning and independence. This contrasts with direct correction, where the teacher immediately provides the correct form; with evaluation, which focuses on judging performance; and with instruction, which is broader teaching of rules and content. Elicitation specifically describes feedback that prompts the learner to produce the correct form, making it the best fit here.

In ESL feedback, elicitation is the approach that invites a learner to supply or correct language rather than handing it to them. When a teacher uses elicitation, they might ask a guiding question, repeat a student’s attempt with a prompt, or pause to give hints so the student self-corrects. This keeps the learner actively involved and helps them notice gaps in their knowledge, which supports longer-term learning and independence.

This contrasts with direct correction, where the teacher immediately provides the correct form; with evaluation, which focuses on judging performance; and with instruction, which is broader teaching of rules and content. Elicitation specifically describes feedback that prompts the learner to produce the correct form, making it the best fit here.