What is the purpose of informal observation?

• A. Looks at pragmatic language, classroom language demands, and other factors that may impact formal assessment
• B. Measures reading comprehension
• C. Evaluates only morphosyntactic accuracy
• D. Predicts future language outcomes

Answer: (A)

Informal observation is about how language is used in real-life, everyday situations rather than in a structured test. It captures pragmatic language, how a person handles classroom language demands, and other factors that can influence performance on formal assessments. By watching a child or adult interact in conversations, participate in classroom activities, and manage everyday communication, you gain a picture of functional communication strengths and challenges in authentic contexts. This ecological view helps guide planning and intervention, because it shows what supports are actually needed and how language skills unfold in real settings, not just what a test score might suggest.

Other options focus on specific, standalone skills or predictions that aren’t the primary aim of informal observation. Measuring reading comprehension, for instance, targets a particular literacy skill through formal tests. Evaluating only morphosyntactic accuracy narrows attention to grammar structure rather than how language is used in social and functional contexts. Predicting future language outcomes is about forecasting, which formal observation may inform but isn’t the main purpose of observing language in natural settings.