Reading Test 1: The Creators of Grammar

In paragraph 1, why does the writer include information about the Cherokee language?

• To show how simple, traditional cultures can have complicated grammar structures

• To show how English grammar differs from Cherokee grammar

• To prove that complex grammar structures were invented by the Cherokees.

• To demonstrate how difficult it is to learn the Cherokee language

What can be inferred about the slaves' pidgin language?

• It contained complex grammar.

• It was based on many different languages.

• It was difficult to understand, even among slaves.

• It was created by the land-owners.

All the following sentences about Nicaraguan sign language are true EXCEPT:

• The language has been created since 1979.

• The language is based on speech and lip reading.

• The language incorporates signs which children used at home.

• The language was perfected by younger children.

In paragraph 3, where can the following sentence be placed?

"It included standardised word orders and grammatical markers that existed in neither the pidgin language, nor the language of the colonizers."

• A

• B

• C

• D

'From scratch' in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:

• from the very beginning

• in simple cultures

• by copying something else

• by using written information

'Make-shift' in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:

• complicated and expressive

• simple and temporary

• extensive and diverse

• private and personal

Which sentence is closest in meaning to the highlighted sentence?

"Grammar is universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how widespread it is."

• All languages, whether they are spoken by a few people or a lot of people, contain grammar.

• Some languages include a lot of grammar, whereas other languages contain a little.

• Languages which contain a lot of grammar are more common that languages that contain a little.

• The grammar of all languages is the same, no matter where the languages evolved.

All of the following are features of the new Nicaraguan sign language EXCEPT:

• All children used the same gestures to show meaning.

• The meaning was clearer than the previous sign language.

• The hand movements were smoother and smaller.

• New gestures were created for everyday objects and activities.

Which idea is presented in the final paragraph?

• English was probably once a creole.

• The English past tense system is inaccurate.

• Linguists have proven that English was created by children.

• Children say English past tenses differently from adults.

Look at the word 'consistent' in paragraph 4. This word could best be replaced by which of the following?

• natural

• predictable

• imaginable

• uniform