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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. Who is Noam Chomsky?

2. For years, concern for spelling has been neglected over imposing what?

3. Languages around the world contain common ______________________.

4. English speakers then to think their language is ___________________.

5. What is often cited as an equalizing force in English?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the author think varieties of English are influenced by social reasons?

2. What is another method of explaining where words come from?

3. Explain the theories that languages are based in sound.

4. Explain how the language of one people can can change over time.

5. What does the author say is the reason some English words are created?

6. Finally, what is the fourth method of explaining where words come from?

7. What was the Great Vowel Shift?

8. What are the merits of using the English language?

9. What is Noam Chomsky's position on how children learn language?

10. What is the proof of the power of the English language in the modern world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many cases, languages go beyond national borders. Explain some of the situations where languages overlap geographically and can cause social and political divisions.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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