4. Many English speakers promote the particular variety of English that they speak while ____________________ the dialects of speakers from other regions.

5. In the English language, what has a range of possibilities not available in other languages?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the dynamic of countries with more than one language?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Building on language foundations, human speech spread throughout the world. Explain some of the commonalities and distinctions that mark the evolution of the English language.

Essay Topic 2

In many cases, languages go beyond national borders. Explain some of the situations where languages overlap geographically and can cause social and political divisions.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the debate on the challenges of learning the English language. Take into account spelling, pronunciation, grammar rules, etc.

(see the answer keys)

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