AGE OF LANGUAGE

Which sentence should be included in this paragraph to create a complete summary of the selection?

Many people in the United States speak at least two languages. Learning a foreign language gives students new ways to communicate, but mastering an accent can be difficult. There are many ways to learn a new language, but the immersion method is especially effective. Classrooms using this method require students to use only the language they are learning. Besides the ability to communicate, children who learn a new language also improve their memory and thinking skills.

• Studies show that young people learn languages more easily than adults.

• Some people believe young children are not prepared to learn languages in the classroom.

• Toddlers can understand words from new languages before they can speak.

• Pen pal project allow young students to communicate with other students around the world.

The author most likely included the anecdote about the restaurant in paragraph 1 —

• to introduce a problem in which knowing a foreign language is useful

• to present the range of accents heard in speakers of different languages

• to show the variety of languages found in everyday life in the United Sates

• to provide data about how many people in the United States are bilingual

Read the dictionary entry.

acquire-1. to buy for oneself

2. to gain a reputation for

3. to locate and hold a desired object

4. to achieve through one’s own efforts

Which definition best matches the meaning of acquire in paragraph 9?

• definition 1

• definition 2

• definition 3

• definition 4

How does the author support the claim that learning a new language can teach students about other cultures?

• By listing results from specific studies about learning languages

• By telling personal stories about people who speak multiple languages

• By giving examples of students listening to people with different accents

• By mentioning projects such as writing letters to people around the world

Based on the information throughout the selection, the reader can conclude that —

• there are ways to learn a new language outside of school

• teaching a new language should be the main focus of schools

• children learn languages best when talking with close friends

• some languages are learned only through immersion programs

What is the main claim the author makes in the selection?

• Children should learn a language in a way that works best for them.

• Children should learn a new language when they are young.

• Learning a new language becomes more exciting as children grow older.

• The time needed for children to learn a language depends on their education.

1. What is one benefit of learning a second language, according to the selection?
   

• 1. It makes learning other subjects easier.
     

• 1. It improves memory and problem-solving skills.
     

• 1. It guarantees success in future careers.
     

• 1. It helps students make more friends at school.

1. The word "immersion" in paragraph 7 most likely means —
   

• 1. A method of teaching that involves only listening to a new language
     

• 1. The act of surrounding oneself completely with a new language
     

• 1. A slow process of memorizing grammar rules
     

• 1. A technique that only works for young children

1. What evidence does the author provide to support the idea that young children learn accents more easily?
   

• 1. A story about a young child speaking multiple languages
     

• 1. A research study showing children’s performance on a speaking test
     

• 1. An explanation of how long it takes adults to learn a new language
     

• 1. A description of how accents affect communication

1. What is the author’s main purpose for including the example of pen pal projects?
   

• 1. To show that young students enjoy making new friends
     

• 1. To explain how writing skills can improve language learning
     

• 1. To give an example of how children can learn a new language naturally
     

• 1. To emphasize the importance of international friendships