In comparing L1 and L2 acquisition, which factor tends to give L2 learners an advantage for direct instruction?

• A. They have a longer attention span.
• B. They are younger.
• C. They have no knowledge of language structure.
• D. They lack processing abilities.

Answer: (A)

Direct instruction relies on learners’ ability to focus on explicit form, rules, and deliberate practice. L2 learners typically bring more mature cognitive resources and can sustain attention through structured lessons, drills, and corrective feedback. That longer attention span means they can notice, internalize, and apply grammatical patterns more effectively than younger language learners who are still developing sustained attention and often rely on implicit learning in naturalistic contexts. The other options don’t fit because being younger would usually reduce capacity for sustained, explicit work; not knowing language structure would make explicit instruction harder to use; and lacking processing abilities would hinder focusing and applying the instruction at all.