The psychological barrier that allows input to be filtered through to a language processing mechanism. A low filter has little anxiety increasing comprehension and attention. Which term?

• A. Affective filter
• B. Acquire
• C. Cognitive style
• D. Chunking

Answer: (A)

Affective filter explains why some learners take in language input more readily than others. It’s the emotional barrier that can block or permit input to reach the brain’s language processing system. When the filter is low—meaning anxiety is minimal, motivation and self-confidence are higher, and the environment feels safe—input gets through more easily, so comprehension improves and learners pay more attention. If the filter is high, worry or fear can block or reduce intake, making processing slower and understanding harder.

The other terms don’t fit this mechanism. Acquire is just about obtaining knowledge and isn’t a term for emotional gating of input. Cognitive style refers to preferred ways of thinking or learning in general, not the immediate emotional barrier to processing language input. Chunking is a memory strategy for grouping information, not the emotional filter that governs input processing.