Correct Response: A. Language-acquisition research indicates that the earlier a student learns a new language, the greater the likelihood that the student will be able to acquire native-like pronunciation. B is incorrect because native-like pronunciation is rarely attained by older learners, regardless of the length of time they receive formal language instruction. C is incorrect because grammatical competence and pronunciation are not directly related to one another. A learner can achieve grammatical competence without achieving native-like pronunciation. D is incorrect because first- language maintenance does not have a direct effect on pronunciation of the second language. A person can speak English exclusively for years and never achieve native-like pronunciation, while another person, who learns English at a young age, can maintain the first language and also demonstrate native-like pronunciation in English.
