Which of the following students is demonstrating characteristics most often associated with a pragmatic language disorder?

The choice reflecting characteristics most often associated with a pragmatic language disorder is the student who asks questions at inappropriate times during a conversation. Pragmatic language disorder specifically affects the social use of language, which includes skills such as knowing how to start or end conversations, taking turns in dialogue, and adjusting language based on the context and audience.

In this case, the fourth-grade student’s inappropriate timing of questions indicates a difficulty in understanding conversational norms and cues. This inability to navigate social interactions effectively is a hallmark of pragmatic language disorders, as they struggle with the rules governing how language is used in social contexts.

The other options illustrate different types of language or learning challenges. The second-grade student who can recount a story but struggles with following instructions may indicate issues with receptive language or executive functioning, and the fifth-grade student losing track of topics during discussions may suggest attention or organizational challenges rather than specifically pragmatic issues. The first-grade student who communicates thoughts clearly and logically does not exhibit any signs of pragmatic difficulties and demonstrates effective communication skills instead.