In threshold theory, what describes the first threshold?

In threshold theory, what describes the first threshold?

• A. Enough for advantages to exist
• B. Full bilingual proficiency
• C. Enough proficiency to avoid negative effects
• D. High cultural integration

Answer: (C)

Threshold theory looks at how much second-language ability a student needs before language outcomes begin to change academic performance. The first threshold is the minimum level of L2 proficiency that lets a learner avoid negative effects caused by insufficient language ability. In other words, once you reach this level, struggling with the language stops hindering learning, but you haven’t yet reached the level where bilingualism brings actual advantages. The other options describe either higher proficiency or different ideas (full bilingual proficiency or cultural integration) or mix in benefits that belong to the second threshold, not the first.

Threshold theory looks at how much second-language ability a student needs before language outcomes begin to change academic performance. The first threshold is the minimum level of L2 proficiency that lets a learner avoid negative effects caused by insufficient language ability. In other words, once you reach this level, struggling with the language stops hindering learning, but you haven’t yet reached the level where bilingualism brings actual advantages. The other options describe either higher proficiency or different ideas (full bilingual proficiency or cultural integration) or mix in benefits that belong to the second threshold, not the first.