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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is phonology?

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

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

4. Which words are appropriate for the common people to use?

5. Who tends to invent new words in the present day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the impact that slurring of speech has on English pronunciation?

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

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

4. Explain what the author means by the creation of language areas.

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

6. How does the English language compare with the development and growth of other global languages?

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

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

9. How does the author account for the changing pronunciation of English over time?

10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of pictographic languages?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the series of attacks by other nations on Great Britain. Which groups attacked and what influences did they have on England, and ultimately, the English language?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the challenges of publishing a dictionary. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to hard copy and digital versions. Can you offer any alternative solutions?

Essay Topic 3

What was the impact of American immigrants to the English language? Take into account surnames, place names, and words assimilated into the American lexicography.

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