Which hypothesis of the monitor model states that comprehensible input is necessary for language acquisition?

• A. Input Hypothesis
• B. Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
• C. Monitor Hypothesis
• D. Affective Filter Hypothesis

Answer: (A)

Comprehensible input that is just beyond a learner’s current level is what Krashen identifies as driving language acquisition in his Input Hypothesis. This idea says that when learners understand messages in meaningful contexts, they gradually internalize grammar and vocabulary without needing explicit instruction—the input has to be understandable but slightly challenging (often described as i+1). With repeated exposure to such input, learners move from what they can already understand to more complex language forms. Other parts of the monitor model describe related ideas, like conscious rules vs. unconscious learning, how explicit knowledge can act as a monitor for output, and how emotions can affect whether input is noticed, but they don’t claim that comprehensible input alone is what causes acquisition. In short, the hypothesis that asserts comprehensible input is necessary for acquiring language is the Input Hypothesis.