Read the passage below and answer the questions 14.

Statistics show that about 350 million people speak English as a first language and another 300 million
people use it as a second language. It is the official or semi-official language in more than 60 countries
and many of international organisations. The International Olympic Committee, for example, always holds
meetings in English. English helps the international community and the business world to communicate
across national borders. Today, more than 80% of all the information in the world's computer is in
English. So organisations frequently need employees who speak and write a standard form of English. In
fact some companies provide English language training for their staff. It is therefore little wonder that job
advertisements nowadays often ask for a 'good working knowledge' of English. Many believe now that
English usually helps them to get good jobs and better salaries.
1. Choose the right word to complete each sentence. 15=5
(a) First language means the important/main/natural language.
(b) A second language is one that is taught and learnt regarding it as next in importance to mother
tongue/a foreign language/a dead language.
(c) The number of people who use English as a second language is about 300/350/250 million.
(d) The International Olympic Committee always holds meetings in French/ English/ Spanish.
(e) English is used as official or semi-official language in more than 60/50/70 countries.
2. True/false? If false, give the correct information. 15=5
(a) Nowadays more than eighty percent of all the information in the world's computer is in English.
(b) Many now get good jobs because they know English.
(c) Many international organizations often use different languages.
(d) A good knowledge of English is necessary for a good job.
(e) No companies arrange training for their staff to make them able to use English well.
3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the words in brackets. Add any prepositions if
necessary. 15=5
(a) Statistics show that English is (speak) ——as a first language by 350 million people.
(b) The International Olympic Committee (use) ——English in its meetings.
(c) English (help) ——communication across national borders.
(d) More than 80% of all the information in the world's computer (be) ——in English.
(e) Employers nowadays want applicants (have) ——a good working knowledge in English.
4. Make a list of five reasons why English is so important. 15=5