Which theory describes a period of growth during which full native competence is possible when acquiring a language?

• A. Critical Period Hypothesis
• B. De-contextualised Language
• C. Deductive Approach
• D. Descriptive Grammar

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that there is a biologically driven window in early childhood during which language can develop to native-like mastery. This period, often described by the Critical Period Hypothesis, reflects high brain plasticity that lets children acquire phonology, grammar, and overall language structure with little explicit instruction. Once this window closes, language learning becomes more difficult, and achieving native-like proficiency—especially in grammar and pronunciation—becomes less likely for many late learners. Evidence from early first-language development and contrasts with late second-language learners supports this view, showing lasting differences in ultimate attainment when learning occurs after the period of peak plasticity. The other options don’t describe this acquisition window: one refers to language without social context, another to a teaching method that emphasizes explicit rules, and another to analyzing how language is used rather than how it is learned over time.