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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. Why is it nearly impossible for a dictionary to keep pace with the English language?

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

3. What else is difficult to determine about the English language?

4. Which two languages have found some purpose in international communications?

5. What country attempts to control language by its academic system instead of following social forces?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the role of immigrants to North America on the evolution of the English language.

2. Why are English speakers becoming a minority of single-language users globally?

3. What considerations must businesses take into account when naming companies to go to market internationally?

4. How is the pronunciation of place names indicative of how English speakers have changed over time?

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

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

7. What is the origin of the crossword puzzle?

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

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

10. What is the background of Webster's Dictionary and the Oxford English Dictionary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the benefits that the English language offers its users? Take into account its significantly larger vocabulary and grammar complexities.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of censorship in America today. What are U.S. citizens' rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the differences between pictographic languages and phonetic languages and give examples of each.

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This section contains 870 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample