This is the silent period. Beginners only listen but rarely speak. English language learners
may have some words in their receptive vocabulary but they are not yet speaking. Some students
will be able to repeat only everything that someone says. They are not really producing language
but are imitating. Students may duplicate gestures and movements to show comprehension.
Teachers should focus attention on listening comprehension activities and on building a receptive
vocabulary because English language learners at this stage will need much repetition of English