Reading Comprehension
Read the following two texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D.
“Laws” of Language
We are now in a position to set down some of the “l(fā)aws” of language—statements that are valid not merely for one language, as are grammatical rules, but which are applicable to all languages.
1.
Language is primarily a social phenomenon.
Although the aspects of language relating to the physical sciences and humanities are important, the functions and uses of language are most important to society and to the individual in his contacts with other human beings.
2.
Language is all pervasive.
Language accompanies every human activity and is the indispensable means by which that activity is coordinated and made successful.
3.
Language is primarily an oral means of communication.
Notwithstanding the importance of the written language—particularly in modern civilization—and of symbolic and gestural systems of meaning transfer, the primary of language is speech.
4.
Language is normally a reflex action.
once it is painfully acquired by processes that can be imitative, intellective, or a combination of both, spoken language becomes as much of a reflex, action as driving a car.
5.
Language is geographically localized.
However great or small the differences may be, language varies from area to area. The geographical differences can be recorded, and when enough of them accumulate, we speak of separate dialects or languages.
6.
Language is socially stratified.
Class differences are bound to arise in language. They may be based on educational, economic, social, or occupational factors and may have considerable range. The divergences appear most in vocabulary, to a far lesser degree in grammar, least of all in sounds.
7.
Language is subject to change.
This principle applies at all times and in all places, though to varying degrees. The only language that remains completely insert is a wholly dead and forgotten language. Change appears in all segments of a language—in its scheme of meanings.
1.The most important application of language lies in its usefulness____.
A. to the physical sciences and humanities.
B. in helping the individual adjust to society.
C. in society and in the interaction among human beings.
D. none of these.
2. The primary form of language is ____.
A. writing
B. gestures
C. ideographs
D. speech
3. According to the article, changes occur in a language in ____.
A. all phases of writing
B. some phases of speech
C. the meanings of words
D. all its phases
4.As evidence that language geographically localized the author cites ____.
A. variations in pronunciations
B. variations in grammar
C. the appearance of separate dialects
D. both A&B
5. Social differences in language are most apparent in ____.
A. grammar
B. sounds
C. writing
D. vocabulary
Read the following two texts. Answer the questions below each text by choosing A, B, C or D.
“Laws” of Language
We are now in a position to set down some of the “l(fā)aws” of language—statements that are valid not merely for one language, as are grammatical rules, but which are applicable to all languages.
1.
Language is primarily a social phenomenon.
Although the aspects of language relating to the physical sciences and humanities are important, the functions and uses of language are most important to society and to the individual in his contacts with other human beings.
2.
Language is all pervasive.
Language accompanies every human activity and is the indispensable means by which that activity is coordinated and made successful.
3.
Language is primarily an oral means of communication.
Notwithstanding the importance of the written language—particularly in modern civilization—and of symbolic and gestural systems of meaning transfer, the primary of language is speech.
4.
Language is normally a reflex action.
once it is painfully acquired by processes that can be imitative, intellective, or a combination of both, spoken language becomes as much of a reflex, action as driving a car.
5.
Language is geographically localized.
However great or small the differences may be, language varies from area to area. The geographical differences can be recorded, and when enough of them accumulate, we speak of separate dialects or languages.
6.
Language is socially stratified.
Class differences are bound to arise in language. They may be based on educational, economic, social, or occupational factors and may have considerable range. The divergences appear most in vocabulary, to a far lesser degree in grammar, least of all in sounds.
7.
Language is subject to change.
This principle applies at all times and in all places, though to varying degrees. The only language that remains completely insert is a wholly dead and forgotten language. Change appears in all segments of a language—in its scheme of meanings.
1.The most important application of language lies in its usefulness____.
A. to the physical sciences and humanities.
B. in helping the individual adjust to society.
C. in society and in the interaction among human beings.
D. none of these.
2. The primary form of language is ____.
A. writing
B. gestures
C. ideographs
D. speech
3. According to the article, changes occur in a language in ____.
A. all phases of writing
B. some phases of speech
C. the meanings of words
D. all its phases
4.As evidence that language geographically localized the author cites ____.
A. variations in pronunciations
B. variations in grammar
C. the appearance of separate dialects
D. both A&B
5. Social differences in language are most apparent in ____.
A. grammar
B. sounds
C. writing
D. vocabulary