Gouin's experience and systematic grammar learning
Gabarito: letra E. Gouin's failed attempt to understand spoken German after ten days of isolated grammar study confirms the view that systematic grammar learning is only meaningful and productive depending on the learner's purpose. The text explicitly shows that his method, which worked for reading Latin and Greek, did not transfer to oral comprehension, supporting the idea that the effectiveness of grammar study is purpose-dependent.
Alternative A — ❌ Incorrect
The text does not suggest that grammar is an adequate starting point; on the contrary, Gouin's approach failed entirely in his first classroom attempt. The alternative overstates the value of grammar as a starting point.
Alternative B — ❌ Incorrect
Gouin had a grammar book and dictionary (the "right resources" according to his method), yet his learning was not successful. Thus, resources alone do not guarantee success.
Alternative C — ❌ Incorrect
Gouin's goal was to understand spoken German (fluency in listening), and his grammar study was useless for that specific goal. However, the alternative says "useless if the learner’s goal is to speak fluently," which is too narrow and absolute; the text only shows failure in listening comprehension, not speaking. Moreover, "useless" is an extreme claim not fully supported.
Alternative D — ❌ Incorrect
Gouin's experience was indeed frustrating, but the alternative focuses on "not really lead to the mastering of the language rules." Gouin likely mastered the rules (he studied them for ten days), yet still could not understand. The frustration stemmed from inability to apply rules in real communication, not from failing to master them.
Alternative E — ✅ Correct ⟵ GABARITO
The text illustrates that systematic grammar learning, as Gouin practiced, may be meaningful and productive for certain purposes (e.g., reading Latin) but not for others (e.g., understanding spoken German). This aligns with theories that the effectiveness of grammar study depends on the learner's purpose.
Gabarito: letra E