Multiple Choice Practice--quiz 1
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Questions 1-14. Read the passage carefully before you choose your answers. The passage is from a contemporary British book about the English language. There is only one right answer.
- 1.
In the passage as a whole, a major shift in the development of the argument occurs at which of the following points?
- A.
"More than five hundred years ago" (line 13)
- B.
"Take a straightforward example" (line 20)
- C.
"so what's really going on" (line 40)
- D.
"Language often becomes" (line 54)
- E.
"Compare the reactions of many Australians" (lines 64-65)
Correct Answer
C. "so what's really going on" (line 40)Explanation
The correct answer is "so what's really going on" (line 40). This point marks a shift in the development of the argument because it introduces the idea of language being a reflection of power dynamics and social hierarchies. Prior to this point, the passage discusses the history and evolution of language, but it is at this point that the argument takes a deeper dive into the implications and underlying reasons behind language changes.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The author presents John Wallis (line 6), Samuel Johnson (lines 7-8), and Johnathan Swift (line 55) as hostile to
- A.
Faulty studies of word origins
- B.
Tedious debates about grammar
- C.
Local misunderstandings of historical events
- D.
Snobbish rejections of modern vocabulary
- E.
Unnecessary changes in word usage in their eras
Correct Answer
E. Unnecessary changes in word usage in their erasExplanation
The author presents John Wallis, Samuel Johnson, and Johnathan Swift as hostile to unnecessary changes in word usage in their eras. This can be inferred from the fact that the author mentions these individuals in relation to their criticism or opposition towards certain language-related issues. The mention of these individuals suggests that they were against making unnecessary changes to the way words were used during their respective time periods.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The chief effect of the word "hygienists" (line 16) is to
- A.
Lend a tone of mock humor to the discussion
- B.
Expand the argument to a subject other than language
- C.
Establish a deferential attitude about the subject
- D.
Provide an objective approach to the argument
- E.
Set up a contrast between Roman and modern English standards of usage
Correct Answer
A. Lend a tone of mock humor to the discussionExplanation
The word "hygienists" in line 16 is used to add a touch of mock humor to the discussion. This implies that the author is not taking the subject matter too seriously and is using sarcasm or irony to lighten the tone. The word choice of "hygienists" in this context is unexpected and playful, creating a humorous effect.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What the author refers to as "weeds" (line 34) are
- A.
Usage changes
- B.
Obsolete terms
- C.
Diction errors
- D.
Cliches
- E.
Metaphors
Correct Answer
A. Usage changesExplanation
The author refers to "weeds" as usage changes. This suggests that the author is referring to words or phrases that have evolved or changed in meaning over time. The term "weeds" implies that these changes are undesirable or unwanted, similar to how weeds are unwanted plants in a garden.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The word "chopsticked" (line 38)is used as an examples of
- A.
A new usage that is unlikely to persist
- B.
A verb form created from a noun
- C.
a verb in the past tense used as an adjective
- D.
Fashionable slang used by international travelers
- E.
foreign-language words becoming part of English
Correct Answer
B. A verb form created from a nounExplanation
The word "chopsticked" is an example of a verb form created from a noun. In this case, the noun "chopstick" has been transformed into a verb by adding the suffix "-ed" to indicate past tense. This usage is not a common or widely accepted verb form, and it is unlikely to persist in the English language.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Paragraph three (lines 40-53) implies that those who would strictly follow rules of the English language feel
- A.
Timid whenever they must correct others' lingusitic errors
- B.
Admiring of others linguistic creativity
- C.
Free to break rules of social etiquette
- D.
Satisfied that the flexibility of the English languageis superior to that of all others
- E.
Anxious about how their use of language affects others' perception of them
Correct Answer
E. Anxious about how their use of language affects others' perception of themExplanation
The correct answer is "anxious about how their use of language affects others' perception of them." This is implied in paragraph three (lines 40-53) where it is mentioned that those who strictly follow rules of the English language feel uneasy when they have to correct others' linguistic errors. This suggests that they are concerned about how their use of language may be perceived by others.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In paragraphs three and four (lines 40-74), the author's discussion of reaction to changes in language developes by
- A.
Accumulating evidence of changes in language that occur unintentionally and changes that are intended to manipulate situations
- B.
Broadening from people's immediate circle of contacts to their own larger society and then to international perspective
- C.
intensifying as it moves from spelling variations that annoy to word choices that express bias to larger communications that antagonize
- D.
Contrasting examples of changes that reflect social concord and examples of changes that reflect social discord
- E.
Drawing a parallel between examples from the world of business and examples from the world of internation relations
Correct Answer
B. Broadening from people's immediate circle of contacts to their own larger society and then to international perspectiveExplanation
The author's discussion of reaction to changes in language develops by broadening from people's immediate circle of contacts to their own larger society and then to an international perspective. This means that the author starts by discussing how language changes affect individuals in their immediate social circle, then expands the discussion to how these changes impact society as a whole, and finally considers the global implications of language changes. The author is showing how the scope of the discussion widens as they explore different levels of language change and its effects.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Examples in paragarph 4 (lines 54-74) provide evidence that
- A.
Language usage can survive political turmoil
- B.
Nationalism influence reactions to linguistic changes
- C.
Generalizations about language usage or usual inaccurate
- D.
Linguistic changes occur frequently now than in the past
- E.
Dominant nations undergo more linguistic changes than less powerful nations
Correct Answer
B. Nationalism influence reactions to linguistic changesExplanation
The examples in paragraph 4 demonstrate how nationalism can influence reactions to linguistic changes. The author provides examples of countries like France and Japan, where language policies and attitudes towards linguistic changes are shaped by nationalist sentiments. In France, there is a strong emphasis on preserving the French language as a symbol of national identity, leading to resistance against foreign loanwords. Similarly, in Japan, there is a push to promote the use of the Japanese language and limit the influence of English. These examples illustrate how nationalism can play a significant role in shaping language attitudes and policies.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The example of Alfred the Great (lines 75-80) serves to
- A.
Build on the point made in lines 1-5
- B.
Underscore the example of Australians' reaction to American spellings (lines 64-72)
- C.
Contrast views of past leaders with those of contemporary leaders
- D.
Document the earliest changes to the English language
- E.
Point out the parallel views of Noah Webster (lines 60-64)
Correct Answer
A. Build on the point made in lines 1-5Explanation
The example of Alfred the Great serves to build on the point made in lines 1-5. This suggests that the information about Alfred the Great further supports or enhances the argument or idea presented in the earlier lines.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The author indicates that international reactions to Americanized spellings of words can reflect
- A.
A desire to return to simpler times
- B.
Anxiety about pleasing American tourists
- C.
Contempt for inaccuracies in the American usage
- D.
Resentment of America's cultural and economic status
- E.
Confident that local usage will ultimately prevail
Correct Answer
D. Resentment of America's cultural and economic statusExplanation
The author suggests that international reactions to Americanized spellings of words can reflect resentment of America's cultural and economic status. This implies that some people may view American influence as imposing and dominating, leading to negative feelings towards American spellings.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The attitude of the author toward the English language is one of
- A.
High regard for the early scholars of English grammar
- B.
Acceptance of the changes in English despite a strong sense of loss
- C.
Disdain for those condoning the linguistic flexibility of English
- D.
Interest in the past of and optimism for the future of English
- E.
Preoccupation with the accuracy of expression of English
Correct Answer
D. Interest in the past of and optimism for the future of EnglishExplanation
The author's attitude toward the English language is one of interest in its past and optimism for its future. This can be inferred from the mention of "regard for the early scholars of English grammar" which suggests an appreciation for the language's history, and the mention of "optimism for the future of English" which indicates a positive outlook for the language's development.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The tone of the passage is best described as
- A.
Dramatic
- B.
Confidential
- C.
Impressionistic
- D.
Thoughtful yet playful
- E.
Moralistic and rigid
Correct Answer
D. Thoughtful yet playfulExplanation
The passage is best described as thoughtful yet playful because it presents ideas and thoughts in a reflective and contemplative manner, while also incorporating elements of humor and light-heartedness. The tone is not dramatic, as there is no sense of intense emotion or tension. It is not confidential, as the passage is not sharing private or secret information. It is not impressionistic, as it does not rely on subjective impressions or vague descriptions. It is not moralistic and rigid, as it does not impose a strict moral code or judgment.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The author employs which of the following in developing the arguments in the passage? I. Rhetorical Questions II. References to grammatical terms III. Quotations from famous writers IV. Examples from diverse eras
- A.
III only
- B.
I and II only
- C.
II and IV only
- D.
I, III, and IV only
- E.
I, II, III, and IV
Correct Answer
E. I, II, III, and IVExplanation
The author employs rhetorical questions to engage the reader and provoke thought. The author also references grammatical terms to support their arguments and provide clarity. Quotations from famous writers are used to lend credibility and authority to the author's claims. Additionally, examples from diverse eras are used to illustrate the universality and timelessness of the author's arguments.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The author's relation to the reader is best described as that of
- A.
An informed commentator
- B.
A sympathetic allay
- C.
An angry critic
- D.
An amused colleague
- E.
An aloof judge
Correct Answer
A. An informed commentatorExplanation
The author's relation to the reader is best described as that of an informed commentator because they provide information and analysis on a particular subject. They are knowledgeable and well-informed, offering insights and opinions without being emotionally involved or biased. The author is not necessarily sympathetic, angry, amused, or aloof, but rather takes on a neutral and objective stance, presenting their views in a professional and informative manner.Rate this question:
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Dec 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 29, 2011Quiz Created by
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