What accommodation is most appropriate for ELL students when assessing comprehension of a text?

Allowing students to answer questions verbally is the most appropriate accommodation for ELL students when assessing their comprehension of a text. This method recognizes that ELL students might face challenges with writing due to language barriers. Verbally answering questions can help to alleviate some of the pressure associated with writing in a second language and allows students to demonstrate their understanding without being hindered by their writing skills. This approach also encourages authentic communication and provides an opportunity for students to articulate their thoughts and interpretations in a manner that feels more accessible to them.

While other options may also support ELL students, they may not directly address the specific challenges in demonstrating comprehension. For instance, writing essays might place undue stress on ELL students who are still acquiring language proficiency, whereas providing written prompts beforehand might benefit students with reading skills but does not facilitate real-time engagement in comprehension assessment. Similarly, using technology for responses can be beneficial, but it may not necessarily assist in clarifying the understanding of the material in the same immediate and interactive way that verbal responses do. Therefore, offering the chance to answer questions orally directly targets the comprehension assessment effectively for ELL students.