MTTC English As A Second Language (126) Practice Test

The affective filter describes a mental barrier shaped by emotions that can block language input from being processed. When a learner is relaxed, motivated, and confident, the filter is low, and new language input is more readily absorbed and learned. When anxiety is high or motivation is low, the filter rises, making it harder for input to get through and slow down acquisition. So the statement that high anxiety or low motivation raises the affective filter and hinders intake captures this dynamic most accurately. The idea that the filter has no effect on input conflicts with the theory, and saying it only affects pronunciation is too narrow since emotional state can influence listening, reading, and overall learning. Likewise, suggesting a low filter hinders learning would be the opposite of how this concept works.