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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. There is debate about the simplicity of English spelling and _________________________.

2. When does modern English begin to emerge?

3. Which country has been successful in protecting its language?

4. The author decides it is ______________ to divide the U.S. into distinct accents.

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the impact of the Viking invasion of England?

2. Explain how the language of one people can can change over time.

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

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

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

6. How did the English language evolve in the British Isles or what is now known as the United Kingdom?

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

8. Explain the impact of the invasion of the Normans in England.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

One of the major issues that Bryson emphasizes throughout the book is that no higher authority controls the English language. Imagine that you could invent such an authoritative organization and outline its mission statement as well as its strategic and tactical plans.

Essay Topic 3

What is the situation when more than one language exists within a country? Explain the challenges of living in and governing such situations.

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