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Practice Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #2869 England
Instructions ›
Read the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.
Until the 1600s, English was, for the most part, spoken only in England. However, during the course of the next two centuries, English began to spread around the globe as a result of exploration, trade, colonisation, and missionary work. English gradually became the primary language of international business, banking, and diplomacy.

Currently, more than 80 percent of the information stored on computer systems worldwide is in English. Two-thirds of the world’s science writing is in English, and English is the main language of technology, advertising, media, international airports, and air traffic controllers. Today there are more than 700 million English users in the world, and over half of these are non-native speakers, constituting the largest number of non-native users of any language in the world.

Which of the following most accurately summarises the opinion of the author in the text?

* Click on the correct answer

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 3: "English has become the dominant language of international communication."

Explanation: This option accurately summarizes the author's opinion as the text states that English is the primary language of international business, banking, and diplomacy. The phrase 'dominant language of international communication' aligns with the author's assertion about English's global significance and widespread use.

Option 1: "Small enclaves of English speakers have grown in various parts of the world."

Explanation: This option suggests that only small groups of English speakers exist globally. However, the text emphasizes the widespread use of English, stating that there are over 700 million English users, which contradicts the idea of 'small enclaves.' Thus, this option does not accurately reflect the author's opinion.

Option 2: "Over the past 500 years, small English communities have proliferated all over the world."

Explanation: While the text mentions the spread of English over the past two centuries, it does not focus on 'small communities.' Instead, it highlights English as a dominant language in various sectors globally. Therefore, this option misrepresents the author's main point.

Option 4: "English is the native language of more than half a billion people of the world."

Explanation: This option incorrectly states that English is the native language of over half a billion people. The text indicates that over half of the 700 million English users are non-native speakers, which means the number of native speakers is less than half a billion. Thus, this option does not reflect the author's opinion accurately.

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