Which teaching technique involves practicing sentences that represent certain linguistic forms, typical of the audiolingual approach?

• A. Pattern practice drill
• B. Processing instruction
• C. Negotiation of form
• D. Noticing hypothesis

Answer: (A)

Pattern practice drills embody how the audiolingual method trains automatic use of structures. The idea is to present a model sentence that highlights a particular grammatical form, then have learners imitate it through rapid repetition and controlled substitution to produce many sentences that share the same form. This approach aims to entrench correct form and pronunciation through habit formation, turning pattern into automatic response rather than through explicit rule analysis. It emphasizes mouth-ready, rhythmic practice and stable drill sequences so learners can produce accurate structures in real time.

Processing instruction, by contrast, focuses on learners uncovering grammatical structure by manipulating and processing input to understand how it works. Negotiation of form centers on learners seeking clarification during real-time interaction to repair understanding. Noticing hypothesis involves learners paying attention to linguistic forms in input and using that awareness to guide their language development. The scenario described aligns with pattern practice drill because it targets repetitive production of sentences that exemplify a specific linguistic form.