What are the stages of English language acquisition for ELLs?

The correct answer outlines the recognized stages of English language acquisition for English Language Learners (ELLs). The stages include preproduction, where learners have very limited language skills and may not speak at all, moving to production where they start to use single words or short phrases. Next, is the emergence stage, where learners begin to form simple sentences and can participate in basic conversations. The intermediate fluency stage involves more complex sentence structures and increased vocabulary, allowing for better expression of thoughts and ideas. Finally, the advanced fluency stage signifies a high level of proficiency where the learner can understand and communicate effectively in a variety of contexts, similar to a native speaker.

This framework reflects a systematic progression in language acquisition, emphasizing both comprehension and production skills, crucial for an ELL's development in English. The other options do not accurately depict the stages of language acquisition as recognized in educational settings, which may lead to confusion or an incomplete understanding of a learner's journey in mastering a new language.