Which feature of academic language can pose challenges for ESL students?

Academic language often includes complex sentence structures that can be challenging for ESL students. These structures may incorporate various clauses, subordination, and advanced grammatical forms that differ significantly from everyday speech. As a result, students who are still developing their English proficiency might struggle to comprehend, produce, or analyze such intricate sentences.

In academic settings, texts may use specialized vocabulary and syntax that assumes a certain level of understanding, making it difficult for ESL learners to engage with the material fully. These complexities may lead to misunderstandings or an inability to participate in discussions and written assignments effectively, ultimately hindering their learning experience.

In contrast, simple vocabulary, simplified instructions, and everyday conversational phrases generally do not pose the same level of difficulty for ESL students as they are more aligned with their everyday language experiences and are therefore easier to understand.