Understanding Standard and Nonstandard English

Why is it important to understand both standard and nonstandard English?

Find and write a word with apostrophe. What kind of apostrophe is used in the word?

Who said the above line to whom?

How does Antonio offer to help Bassanio after revealing his financial status?

Why does Portia express her frustration with her father's will and how does this impact her?

What do you think will happen next in the story? Write your prediction in not more than two or three sentences.

What is the main difference between standard and nonstandard English?

• Standard English follows strict rules; nonstandard English doesn't.

• Standard English is used formally; nonstandard English is used informally.

• Standard English is accepted by educated speakers; nonstandard English varies.

• Standard English uses formal words; nonstandard English uses informal words.

What role do nonstandard varieties of English play in communication?

• They hinder clear communication and should be avoided.

• They add richness and diversity to language expression.

• They are only used by certain social groups and are not important for broader communication.

• They are inferior to standard English and should be corrected whenever possible.

What do we learn about Portia’s father’s Will in Act 1 Scene 2?

• It requires her to marry the man who solves the riddle of the caskets.

• It prohibits her from marrying anyone except the prince of Morocco.

• It states that she must remain unmarried until she turns twenty-one.

• It requires her to give away her inheritance to the first suitor who comes along.

As the play opens, with whom does Antonio discuss his troubles?

• Bassanio and Gratiano

• Bassanio and Lorenzo

• Salarino and Salanio

• Salanio and Bassanio