Which concept explains that learners monitor and correct their own errors, focusing on accuracy?

• A. Interactionist Theory
• B. Natural Approach
• C. Monitor Model
• D. Content-Based Approaches

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is the monitor idea from Krashen’s Monitor Model. In this view, learners have two channels: unconscious language ability (acquisition) and conscious knowledge about rules (learning) that can be used to edit speech. The “monitor” is the self-correction mechanism a learner applies to their own output to improve accuracy. It operates best when there’s time, when the learner is focused on form, and when they have explicit knowledge of the rules. That’s why you’ll see learners pause to fix grammar or pronunciation before or after speaking. But overusing the monitor can slow fluency, so it’s most effective as a light, occasional editor rather than a constant process. Other approaches emphasize interaction or meaningful input rather than this self-editing for form, so they don’t capture this self-monitoring behavior.