English is the third most widely spoken language in the world and is taught in over 118 countries. It is commonly used as a trade and diplomatic language. English is the language of science, aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism. It is also the language of international communication, media, and the internet. Although English is not the most spoken language globally, it is the official language in 53 countries and is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people worldwide. It is also the most common second language in the world. According to the British Council, by 2020, about two billion people worldwide were studying English.
Learning English gives access to more entertainment and the internet. Many films, TV shows, books, and music are produced in English. By understanding English, you can enjoy these media without relying on translations and subtitles. This exposure will continuously improve your listening and reading skills. Additionally, English is the language of the internet. An estimated 565 million people use the internet daily, and about 52% of the world's most visited websites are displayed in English. Therefore, learning English gives access to over half the content on the internet, which might not be available otherwise. Whether for fun or work, understanding English allows you to exchange information with more people online and use many more materials.
English also makes it easier to travel. Since English is spoken as a first language in 53 countries and as a second language in over 118 countries, learning the language makes it much easier to travel anywhere. Airport announcements, train timetables, emergency information, and street signs are often available in English, even in countries where the native language uses a different alphabet. When traveling to a country where you don't speak the language, you are practically guaranteed to find someone who understands at least some English.
Moreover, learning a foreign language enhances cognitive and analytical abilities. Research shows that learning a new language changes brain structures, impacting the parts responsible for memory and conscious thought, and can make you more creative. In the long term, bilingualism can keep the brain strong and healthy into old age and supports concentration and memory skills. On an individual level, it improves personality and increases self-worth. In simple words, learning a foreign language makes the brain stronger and more versatile.
(Adapted from: https://www.etsglobal.org)
Question 1: What is the passage mainly about?
A. The benefits and global significance of the English language.
B. The difficulties of learning English with teachers at schools.
C. The interesting history of how English became a global language.
D. Some significant differences between English and other languages.
Question 2: According to the passage, how does learning English help with entertainment and the internet?
A. It allows access to more movies, TV shows, books, and songs.
B. It makes translating content into other languages unnecessary.
C. It helps people create websites in different languages.
D. It increases the number of people using the internet daily.
Question 3: The phrase “first language” means “the language that ____”.
A. you learn from birth B. is taught in high schools
C. comes from other nations D. is first spoken by teachers
Question 4: The word which in the 2nd paragraph refers to ________.
A. the internet B. English C. content D. learning
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of learning English?
A. Helping travelers to navigate in foreign countries.
B. Improving people’s cognitive and analytical abilities.
C. Providing access to global entertainment and media.
D. Making English the official language in all countries.
