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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the author what is the most striking example of a word with multiple meanings?
(a) Fine
(b) Dance
(c) Track
(d) Snap

2. The author decides it is ______________ to divide the U.S. into distinct accents.
(a) futile
(b) fun
(c) frustrating
(d) easy

3. What language and culture does the answer to #44 bring to England?
(a) Spanish
(b) Danish
(c) French
(d) Irish

4. In the English language, what has a range of possibilities not available in other languages?
(a) Adverbs
(b) Consonants
(c) A vowel system
(d) A wide alphabet

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What helps a listener and speaker to use the correct word when in doubt?

2. The English language has _____________________________.

3. The author states that there are characteristics in the English language that ______________________________.

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

5. In Chapter 4, the author traces the development of English in what country?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the Great Vowel Shift?

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

3. What is the proof of the power of the English language in the modern world?

4. Why is learning the English language considered a large industry in the world?

5. What seems to be a long-term benefit of a phonetic system as opposed to a pictograph system?

6. What is the frustration of attempting to organize information about English in North America?

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

8. What drawbacks are there in using the English language?

9. What two religious scholars are responsible for documenting language in England?

10. Finally, what is the fourth method of explaining where words come from?

(see the answer keys)

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