In the CI + One approach, teachers should introduce concepts:

In the CI + One approach, teachers should introduce concepts:

• A. The teacher should provide input well within the learner's current capabilities to ensure success.
• B. Input should be just one step beyond the learner's current level of competence, akin to the zone of proximal development.
• C. Learners achieve L2 best when grammar rules are explicitly taught before exposure.
• D. Instruction should rely on translation to connect L1 and L2.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that language input should be comprehensible and just beyond what learners can do on their own. Providing material that sits in the learner’s stretch zone—one step above their current level—helps them notice new structures and meanings without becoming overwhelmed. This mirrors the zone of proximal development: learning happens best when support is aimed at what they can almost do independently with guidance. If input stays well within their current abilities, there’s little push to grow; if grammar is taught explicitly before they’ve had meaningful exposure, or if translation is relied on to connect L1 and L2, learners miss the chance to acquire language through authentic use and context. So the best approach is presenting concepts at that just-beyond level, with supports that keep meaning clear while gently extending their reach.

The main idea here is that language input should be comprehensible and just beyond what learners can do on their own. Providing material that sits in the learner’s stretch zone—one step above their current level—helps them notice new structures and meanings without becoming overwhelmed. This mirrors the zone of proximal development: learning happens best when support is aimed at what they can almost do independently with guidance. If input stays well within their current abilities, there’s little push to grow; if grammar is taught explicitly before they’ve had meaningful exposure, or if translation is relied on to connect L1 and L2, learners miss the chance to acquire language through authentic use and context. So the best approach is presenting concepts at that just-beyond level, with supports that keep meaning clear while gently extending their reach.