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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. According to the author what will happen when English comes into its own as a modern language of international importance?

2. Which country is used as an example of the difficulties of international communication?

3. What shows up in versions of early dictionaries?

4. Chapter 15 addresses the history of what?

5. How do Americans view British pronunciation and vocabulary?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author state as one of the oldest English language dictionaries?

2. What is the challenge of determining the actual number of words in the English language?

3. What has been the naming process for places in England and America?

4. What is the source of many swear words throughout history?

5. Describe the evolution of swear words.

6. What is the basis for the argument of making English an international language?

7. What is the author's position on many spelling and grammar rules?

8. What is the origin of the crossword puzzle?

9. What is the correlation between tracing swear words and tracing the history of language overall?

10. What English language issue does the author consider to be ironic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain at least three of the ways that new words are created in the English language. Be sure to take into account historic creations as well as modern methods.

Essay Topic 2

Explain noted linguist Noam Chomsky's argument that children have inherent "ground rules" that help them learn their language. What other theories exist to explain how children learn to speak?

Essay Topic 3

Who was Venerable Bede? What notable book did he write? What is the impact of his work on the English language?

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