Which hypothesis proposes that there is a fixed order in which grammatical structures are acquired, independent of learners' first language, aptitude, or age?

• A. Natural Order Hypothesis
• B. Monitor Hypothesis
• C. Input Hypothesis
• D. Affective Filter Hypothesis

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is that grammatical structures tend to be acquired in a relatively fixed sequence, largely regardless of a learner’s first language, innate aptitude, or age. This is the Natural Order Hypothesis. It posits that as learners develop their interlanguage, certain grammatical features emerge in a predictable progression, and this sequence tends to hold across different learners even when their backgrounds differ. It highlights a pattern in how grammar develops, suggesting some forms are acquired earlier than others and that exposure to meaningful input supports that natural progression.

This idea stands apart from the others because the other hypotheses emphasize different mechanisms: the Monitor Hypothesis focuses on how conscious knowledge can edit language output; the Input Hypothesis centers on understanding input that is just beyond the learner’s current level as the driver of acquisition; and the Affective Filter Hypothesis points to emotional and motivational factors that can raise or lower the ease of acquiring language input.