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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. How many words did Noah Webster's dictionary contain to surpass the one mentioned in #113?

2. Many modern swear words come from _________________________.

3. The English language is left to ___________ and public figures.

4. Original names from _______________ or Native American times have slowly shifted in spelling and pronunciation.

5. It is difficult to determine the _______________________ in the English language.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the author's opinion on who actually controls the English language?

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

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

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

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

8. Name some less common word games.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the influence of Native American, French and Spanish words on the English language as it moved to North America. Give ten examples of these influences from your own family, town, state, etc.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the challenges of publishing a dictionary. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to hard copy and digital versions. Can you offer any alternative solutions?

Essay Topic 3

What was the impact of American immigrants to the English language? Take into account surnames, place names, and words assimilated into the American lexicography.

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This section contains 884 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample