Which category of strategies is used to lower affective filter and reduce anxiety during language learning?

• A. Affective Strategies
• B. Cognitive Strategies
• C. Social Strategies
• D. Metacognitive Strategies

Answer: (A)

Lowering the affective filter means creating a learning moment where emotions and anxiety are kept in check so learners can take in new language more easily. Affective strategies are specifically about managing feelings, motivation, and attitudes to reduce stress and fear of making mistakes. In practice, this includes things like positive self-talk, relaxation techniques, building a supportive classroom climate, and encouraging risk-taking without worrying about failure.

Cognitive strategies focus on processing and recalling language (rules, patterns, problem-solving), metacognitive strategies involve planning and monitoring one’s own learning, and social strategies center on using interaction with others to practice language. While those can support learning, they don’t target emotions and anxiety as directly as affective strategies do.