English is a language that many people around the world ____ not speak perfectly but ____ at least understand.

A. may; can     B. would; might        C. will; must     D. could; might

English is a language shared by several different cultures, but each of ______ uses it somewhat differently.

A．which            B．what             C．them             D．whom

 

If English means endless new words, difficult grammar and sometimes strange pronunciation, you are wrong. Haven't you noticed that you have become smarter since you started to learn a language?

According to a new study by a British university, learning a second language can lead to an increase in your brain power. Researchers found that learning other languages changes grey matter. This is the area of the brain which processes information. It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles.

The study also found the effect is greater, the younger people learn a second language.

A team led by Dr Andrea Mechelli, from University College London, took a group of Britons who only spoke English. They were compared with a group of "early bilinguals" who had learnt a second language before the age of five, as well as a number of later learners.

Scans showed that grey matter density (密度) in the brain was greater in bilinguals than in people without a second language. But the longer a person waited before mastering a new language, the smaller the difference.

"Our findings suggest that the structure of the brain is changed by the experience of learning a second language," said the scientists.

It means that the change itself increases the ability to learn.

Professor Dylan Vaughan Jones of the University of Wales, has researched the link between bilingualism and maths skills. "Having two languages gives you two windows on the world and makes the brain more flexible (灵活的),"he said. "You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas."

The findings were matched in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of two and 34. Reading, writing, and comprehension were all tested. The results showed that the younger they started to learn, the better. "Studying a language means you get an entrance to another world," explained the scientists.

1.The main subject talked about in this passage is ______.

A．science on learning a second language

B．man’s ability of learning a second language

C．1anguage can help brain power

D．1anguage learning and maths study

2. In the second paragraph, the writer mentions “exercise” in order to ______.

A．say language is also a kind of physical labor

B．prove that one needs more practice when he (she) is learning a language

C．to show the importance of using the language when you learn the language

D．make people believe language learning helps grey matter work well

3.We may know from the scientific findings that ______.

A．the earlier you start to learn a second language, the higher the grey matter density is

B．there is no difference between a later second language learner and one who doesn't know a second language

C．the experience of learning a second language has bad effect on people's brain

D．the ability of learning a second language is changing all the time

4.The underlined word “bilingual'’ probably means ______.

A．a researcher on language learning

B．a person who is good at learning foreign languages

C．a person who can speak two languages

D．an active language learner

 

 

 

Tired of Working in Your Country?

With over 500 instructors and 20 years of experience, we are the leader in the field of teaching foreign languages. We now have positions open in Osaka starting September/October 2009 for instructors of English, German, Spanish and French.

Teach many different kinds of classes using the latest technology in small classes of up to 3 students.

Accommodation (住宿), and other necessary documents (文件) will be ready before you leave.

Applicants will teach their first language only.

Excellent teacher training programs.

If you are young with a university degree and are willing to experience different cultures, apply (申请) now. Experience in teaching is an advantage but not specially required. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not necessary but good English skills and practical computer knowledge are basic requirements.

Apply with C. V. and send letters to:

NOVA France, Mr. Sampy (IHT3/2)

34, Bd. Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Fax: 33148014804

Or visit our website: www. teadyp. com

The manager expects to meet and talk with successful applicants in Paris in June and July.

1. What is the purpose of the text?

A. To introduce a language school in Japan.

B. To hire language teachers to work in Japan.

C. To describe working conditions in Japan.

D. To make clear the requirements for Japanese teachers.

2. We know from the text that those who are going to Japan will _______.

A. teach English only in Osaka          

B. receive a degree from a university

C. have free accommodation             

D. get trained for the job

3. Before going to Japan, you need _______.

A. to see the manager of NOVA France   B. to take some computer courses

C. to write a letter to Japan              D. to find a place to live

4. If you want to work in Japan you should _______.

A. have some working experience         B. know how to use computers

C. present good teaching plans           D. speak several languages

 

Scientific researches show that to _________ a language one had better often get exposed to it.

A．acknowledge       B．access            C．acquire           D．assess