Which vocabulary word is most appropriate for explicit instruction for beginning-level English learners?

The most appropriate vocabulary word for explicit instruction for beginning-level English learners is "whole." This term is simple, concrete, and commonly used in various contexts, making it easier for students to grasp its meaning. Beginning-level English learners benefit from vocabulary that relates to familiar concepts and can be visually represented, which helps anchor their understanding.

Teaching "whole" allows instructors to use visual aids such as pictures of complete objects (e.g., a whole apple), and relate it to students' everyday experiences, thereby facilitating comprehension. The concept of "whole" can also be easily connected to other academic subjects, such as math (e.g., whole numbers) or health (e.g., whole foods). This versatility makes it particularly well-suited for building foundational vocabulary in English learners.

The other choices, while potentially interesting, may introduce complications. "Animal," while common, may be too broad and vague without context. "Adventure" is more abstract and may require higher-level comprehension skills, which beginning learners may not possess yet. "Complicated" is inherently advanced and conveys a difficulty that beginning learners might not be ready to understand, as it refers to complexity that requires a stronger grasp of the language to unpack. Therefore, "whole" serves as a foundational and