According to Cummins, which of the following would most likely be considered a "context reduced" language task?

In the context of second language acquisition and the distinction made by Jim Cummins between "context-embedded" and "context-reduced" language tasks, the situation described in the first choice aligns closely with the characteristics of a "context-reduced" task.

Listening to a biology lecture typically involves a setting where there's limited visual or situational context to support understanding. This means that learners must rely heavily on their listening skills and their existing knowledge of the subject matter without additional cues that could aid comprehension. In this scenario, the abstract nature of the content being presented and the lack of interactive or contextual support make it more challenging for students, particularly those who are English language learners, to grasp the material.

Conversely, the other options present scenarios that provide more context, whether through visual aids, collaboration with peers, or interactive elements, which help facilitate understanding and make the language task more accessible. For instance, discussing a project with a classmate inherently involves a rich exchange of ideas and can offer relational context. Similarly, using graphic organizers or engaging with illustrated textbooks with bolded vocabulary provides substantial support that helps clarify the message being conveyed, making these tasks more context-embedded.

Thus, the answer "A. Listening to a biology lecture" is correct because it