View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Words adopted into the English language already have ___________________.
(a) Prior approval for use
(b) Dictionary listings
(c) Adaptations from other languages
(d) Ease of use indicators

2. According to the author, regional accents ___________.
(a) are hysterical
(b) are too numerous to count
(c) are dying out
(d) overlap each other

3. What is an important benefit of the Asian pictograph languages?
(a) Instant recognition
(b) Connection to modern and ancient texts
(c) Elegant styling
(d) Cultural integrity

4. The English writing system developed from what?
(a) Markings on trees
(b) Pictographs
(c) Cave drawings
(d) Etchings on leaves

5. During Norman rule, which words are appropriate for the upper class to use?
(a) Danish
(b) Irish
(c) French
(d) Italian

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Noam Chomsky?

2. What is often cited as an equalizing force in English?

3. In what country does the printing revolution take place?

4. For years, concern for spelling has been neglected over imposing what?

5. Who is the Venerable Bede?

Short Essay Questions

1. What irony does the author point out in Americans emulating British English?

2. What are the merits of using the English language?

3. What is a third method of explaining where words come from?

4. What is Noam Chomsky's position on how children learn language?

5. How was the Cro-Magnon man able to supersede the Neanderthal man in human development?

6. Explain the theories that languages are based in sound.

7. What was the Great Vowel Shift?

8. What is so interesting about the way human speech has spread around the world?

9. What event prompted the usage of standardized spelling in England?

10. What is another method of explaining where words come from?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 915 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample