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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 has been added to the British vocabulary in spite of academic protests?

2. What occurs when English speaking world leaders are forced to rely on translators?

3. What is one of the most interesting words created in North America?

4. What does the author feel there is a lack of among English native speakers?

5. What language is used to communicate across borders?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the evolution of swear words.

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

3. Why are translations between English and Japanese especially difficult?

4. In addition to English, what other languages have been proposed as international languages?

5. Explain the almost futile attempts to produce current English language dictionaries.

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

7. To what does the author attribute the misuse of English grammar?

8. One of the most interesting words created in North America was "O.K." What is the background behind this new word?

9. What is the author's final position on the future of the English language?

10. What were some of the transitions of the English language as it migrated to North America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

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?

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