Final answer:
Students acquire receptive vocabulary first, which refers to their ability to understand words when they hear or read them. They then acquire expressive vocabulary, which is the ability to use words in their own speech and writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of vocabulary that students acquire first is receptive vocabulary. Receptive vocabulary refers to the words that students are able to understand and comprehend when they hear or read them. It involves the ability to recognize and interpret words, even if they are not able to use them in their own speech or writing.
For example, a young child may be able to understand words like 'mommy,' 'dog,' or 'ball' even before they are able to say those words themselves. This shows that they have acquired these words receptively before expressing them expressively.
As students continue to develop their language skills, they then acquire expressive vocabulary, which is the ability to use words in their own speech and writing.