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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 does the author think it is difficult to trace the history of language using only written records?

2. Historians show real _______________ by piecing together a record of the human community without definitive proof.

3. The author feels that the English-only movement is more about ______________________ than preservation and advancement.

4. English is a language of constant ___________________.

5. From what industries do new words in American and Britain come?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the evolution of swear words.

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

3. What happens to the use of swear words as society becomes more cognizant of propriety?

4. How does the author explain the development of British and American surnames?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

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