In the speech sample 'look doggy' 'more cookie' 'no bed' 'mommy good', which term best describes this speech?

• A. Babbling
• B. Telegraphic speech
• C. Simple sentence
• D. Narrative

Answer: (B)

Two-word, content-word utterances with missing function words describe telegraphic speech. In the sample, each expression uses real words but leaves out small grammatical elements (like is, the, or at) and endings, producing short, meaning-bearing phrases such as “look doggy,” “more cookie,” “no bed,” and “mommy good.” This pattern is typical of early language development when children convey ideas with the essential nouns and verbs, keeping grammar minimal. It’s not babbling, which would be nonwords or repetitive syllables; it’s not a simple sentence with full grammar or a narrative, since the phrases are short, lack inflection or linking words, and don’t form extended stories.