Which stage involves controlled practice of the target language after learners have seen examples?

• A. Restricted use
• B. Free practice
• C. Guided exploration
• D. Review

Answer: (A)

After learners have seen and studied examples of the target language, the next step is to practice it in a controlled, limited way to solidify accuracy and form. This is why the stage called restricted use is the best fit. In this phase, students use the new language only in defined contexts or with prompts provided by the teacher, so they can focus on getting the pronunciation, structure, and word order right without worrying about producing freely. The teacher watches, prompts, and offers corrections as needed, gradually easing restrictions as learners become more confident.

This contrasts with free practice, which invites more spontaneous and unconstrained usage; guided exploration, which centers on discovering or analyzing rules with support rather than practicing accurate forms; and review, which is more about re-examining and reinforcing material rather than practicing new forms under constraint.