Correct Response: A. Syntax relates to the rules governing the way words are combined in a sentence. By using colors to highlight the parts of speech (e.g., nouns, verbs) in the sentences, students gain an awareness of syntax, the arrangement of these parts of speech, in an English sentence. B is incorrect because the students do not highlight elements related to mechanics (e.g., punctuation, capitalization) in this activity. C is incorrect because pragmatics relates to the social context in which language is used. The meaning of language can be altered depending on the context in which it is used. Students do not gain experience with pragmatics by identifying parts of speech in a sentence. D is incorrect because, in the activity described, the students do not pay attention to individual letters or parts of a word, so it is unlikely that the activity would promote their understanding of spelling or spelling patterns.
