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.