Human Growth and Development CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of language development occurs during the preoperational stage?

1. Use of sentences

2. Holophrastic speech

3. Autonomy speech

4. Imitation

The correct answer is: Holophrastic speech

During the preoperational stage, children develop holophrastic speech, which is the use of one word or phrase to communicate an entire sentence or idea. This is a key milestone in language development because it shows that children are beginning to understand and use language to express their thoughts and needs. Option A is incorrect because the use of sentences is not specific to the preoperational stage and can occur earlier or later in language development. Option C is incorrect because autonomy speech refers to a child's ability to assert their independence and make their own choices, rather than linguistic development. Option D is incorrect because imitation is a natural part of a child's development and can occur in all stages, not just the preoperational stage. It does not specifically relate to language development.