Test on The Changing World of English

Question 1: English is rarely used as a lingua franca in academic conferences around the world.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that English is often a lingua franca of conferences, indicating its widespread use, not rare use, in academic discourse.

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following factors contributed to English becoming a lingua franca, particularly in its earlier stages of global spread?

A. The deliberate decision by European governments to adopt English as the primary language for all international trade agreements.

B. The widespread use of English in popular culture, such as Hollywood films and pop music, starting in the early 19th century.

C. The colonial history of English-speaking nations, where the language was brought to and imposed on new territories.

D. The dominance of the United States as a world economic power, which ensured the survival and growth of English through global commerce.

Explanation: The study materials state, 'A colonial history: when the Pilgrim Fathers landed on the Massachusetts coast in 1620...they brought with them...their language' and 'In other parts of the British Empire, English rapidly became a unifying/dominating means of control. For example, it became something a little like a lingua franca in India'. It also mentions 'Economics: military prowess may account for the initial establishment of a language...but it is economic power that ensures its survival and growth. A major factor in the growth of English has been the spread of global commerce, pushed on by the dominance of the United States as a world economic power.' Option 0 is incorrect as no such deliberate decision by European governments is mentioned. Option 1 mentions popular culture, which is a factor, but its influence specifically 'starting in the early 19th century' is not stated; the text attributes this to the advent of film and recording technology, which is later than the early 19th century.

Question 3: A consensus has emerged that instead of talking about inner, outer, and expanding circle Englishes, 'World Englishes' should be recognized.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state: "As a result, a consensus has emerged that instead of talking about inner, outer and expanding circle Englishes, we need to recognise 'World Englishes' (Jenkins 2006a: 159) or 'Global English' (Graddol 2006:106)."

Question 4: According to the study materials, at what level of education does English typically first appear in the curriculum in many countries?

A. Kindergarten

B. Primary curriculum

C. Secondary school

D. University

Explanation: The study materials state, 'In many countries it first appears in the primary curriculum, but many universities in those and other countries'.

Question 5: Vicky Kuo argues that a native-speaker variety is an appropriate pedagogical model for learning English.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Vicky Kuo defends a native-speaker variety as an 'appropriate pedagogical model', stating that while some inaccuracy may be tolerated in communication, it is not suitable as a learning model, particularly in a competitive world where accuracy and linguistic creativity are vital.