Discourse competence involves which kind of language use?

Discourse competence involves which kind of language use?

• A. Nonverbal cues only
• B. Phonetic distinction
• C. Strings of sentences
• D. Single-word vocabulary

Answer: (C)

Discourse competence is about using language across longer stretches to connect ideas and make communication coherent. It involves planning, organizing, and linking ideas so a sequence of talk or writing flows smoothly, with clear relationships between parts, appropriate transitions, and consistent reference to what’s been said. That’s why the best answer is strings of sentences: it reflects the ability to produce and interpret connected discourse, not just isolated words or sounds. Nonverbal cues alone don’t capture how ideas are linked across a stretch of talk. Phonetic distinction focuses on sound rather than how ideas are organized in sequence. A single-word vocabulary can convey isolated meaning but lacks the structure needed to form coherent discourse. Creating and understanding multi-sentence sequences shows discourse competence in action.

Discourse competence is about using language across longer stretches to connect ideas and make communication coherent. It involves planning, organizing, and linking ideas so a sequence of talk or writing flows smoothly, with clear relationships between parts, appropriate transitions, and consistent reference to what’s been said. That’s why the best answer is strings of sentences: it reflects the ability to produce and interpret connected discourse, not just isolated words or sounds.

Nonverbal cues alone don’t capture how ideas are linked across a stretch of talk. Phonetic distinction focuses on sound rather than how ideas are organized in sequence. A single-word vocabulary can convey isolated meaning but lacks the structure needed to form coherent discourse. Creating and understanding multi-sentence sequences shows discourse competence in action.