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Unit 5 Languages around the world阅读精练
目录
基础篇
Passage 1 -----------------------------------------------------------1
Passage 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- 4
Passage 3 ---------------------------------------------------------- 7
Passage 4 ----------------------------------------------------------10
拔高篇
Passage 5 ---------------------------------------------------------13
Passage 6 -------------------------------------------------------- 16
Passage 7 -------------------------------------------------------- 19
Passage 8 -------------------------------------------------------- 22
基础篇
Passage 1
难度
English is a global language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide. It is the official language of more than 50 countries and is widely used in international business, science, and education.
One reason for its popularity is its flexibility. English has borrowed words from many other languages, such as "piano" from Italian, "kimono" from Japanese, and "croissant" from French. This makes it rich and diverse.
Another reason is the influence of British and American culture. Hollywood movies, American music, and British literature have spread English around the world. Many people learn English to enjoy these cultural products.
Learning English can open many doors. It can help you get better jobs, communicate with people from other countries, and access a wealth of information online. As the saying goes, "One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."
1.How many people speak English worldwide
A. Over 1 billion.
B. Over 1.5 billion.
C. Over 2 billion.
D. Over 2.5 billion.
2.Why is English flexible
A. It has strict grammar rules.
B. It is spoken in many countries.
C. It has borrowed words from other languages.
D. It is used in international business.
3.What has helped spread English around the world
A. British and American culture.
B. The Internet.
C. International travel.
D. School education.
4.What is the benefit of learning English mentioned in the passage
A. It helps you learn more about your own culture.
B. It allows you to get better jobs.
C. It makes you more popular.
D. It helps you understand other languages easily.
答案解析
1.答案：B
解析：文章开篇明确提到 “English is a global language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.”，直接给出全球说英语的人数超过 15 亿，所以选 B。
关键信息：“spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide”
2.答案：C
解析：文中指出 “One reason for its popularity is its flexibility. English has borrowed words from many other languages”，说明英语的灵活性在于它从其他语言中借用了词汇，所以选 C。
关键信息：“has borrowed words from many other languages”
3.答案：A
解析：根据 “Another reason is the influence of British and American culture. Hollywood movies, American music, and British literature have spread English around the world.” 可知，英美文化助力英语在全球传播，所以选 A。
关键信息：“the influence of British and American culture... spread English around the world”
4.答案：B
解析：文中提到 “Learning English can open many doors. It can help you get better jobs”，明确指出学习英语的好处之一是有助于获得更好的工作，所以选 B。
关键信息：“It can help you get better jobs”
重点词组及句式总结：
global language（全球语言）；
official language（官方语言）；
international business（国际商务）；
borrow words（借用词汇）；
cultural products（文化产品）；
open many doors（带来很多机会）
“... is a global language, spoken by... worldwide.”（…… 是一门全球语言，全球有…… 人使用。）：
例句：English is a global language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
“One reason for... is... Another reason is...”（…… 的一个原因是…… 另一个原因是……）：
例句：One reason for its popularity is its flexibility. Another reason is the influence of British and American culture.
Passage 2
难度
Chinese characters, also known as hanzi, have a long history. They date back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, when people carved symbols on turtle shells and animal bones. These early symbols are called oracle bone inscriptions.
Over time, Chinese characters have evolved. They started as simple pictures and gradually developed into more complex forms. For example, the character for "sun" was originally a circle with a dot in the center, representing the sun. Now it is written as "日".
One interesting feature of Chinese characters is that many are pictographs, which means they look like the things they represent. The character for "mountain" (山) looks like three peaks, and the character for "water" (水) looks like a flowing river.
Today, there are over 80,000 Chinese characters, but most people only need to know about 3,000 to read a newspaper. Chinese characters are not only a writing system but also an important part of Chinese culture. Many people enjoy practicing Chinese calligraphy, which is the art of writing characters beautifully with a brush.
5.When did Chinese characters first appear
A. Over 2,000 years ago.
B. Over 3,000 years ago.
C. During the Qin Dynasty.
D. During the Han Dynasty.
6.What were the early Chinese symbols carved on
A. Paper.
B. Stone.
C. Turtle shells and animal bones.
D. Bamboo strips.
7.What is a pictograph
A. A character that sounds like the thing it represents.
B. A character that looks like the thing it represents.
C. A complex character made up of simple ones.
D. An ancient character no longer used.
8.How many Chinese characters do most people need to know to read a newspaper
A. About 1,000.
B. About 2,000.
C. About 3,000.
D. About 80,000.
答案解析
5.答案：B
解析：文章开头说 “Chinese characters... date back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty”，可知汉字最早出现在 3000 多年前，所以选 B。
关键信息：“date back over 3,000 years”
6.答案：C
解析：文中明确提到 “when people carved symbols on turtle shells and animal bones. These early symbols are called oracle bone inscriptions.”，即早期汉字符号刻在龟甲和兽骨上，所以选 C。
关键信息：“carved symbols on turtle shells and animal bones”
7.答案：B
解析：根据 “many are pictographs, which means they look like the things they represent” 可知，象形文字是看起来像其所代表事物的文字，所以选 B。
关键信息：“look like the things they represent”
8.答案：C
解析：文中指出 “most people only need to know about 3,000 to read a newspaper”，说明大多数人读懂报纸需要认识约 3000 个汉字，所以选 C。
关键信息：“need to know about 3,000 to read a newspaper”
重点词组及句式总结：
Chinese characters（汉字）；
oracle bone inscriptions（甲骨文）；
over time（随着时间的推移）；
pictograph（象形文字）；
Chinese calligraphy（中国书法）
“... have a long history. They date back over... to... when...”（…… 有悠久的历史。它们可以追溯到…… 年前的…… 时期，当时……）：Chinese characters... have a long history. They date back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, when people carved symbols on turtle shells.
“One interesting feature of... is that... which means...”（…… 的一个有趣特征是…… 意思是……）：One interesting feature of Chinese characters is that many are pictographs, which means they look like the things they represent.
Passage 3
难度
Learning new words is an important part of mastering a language. But how can we remember them effectively Here are some simple methods that work for many language learners.
One useful way is to use the words in context. Instead of just memorizing lists of words, try to learn them through sentences or short stories. For example, if you're learning the English word "delicious", you could remember it with the sentence "The delicious cake made everyone happy." This helps you understand how the word is used.
Another method is to connect words to your own life. If you're learning the Spanish word "casa" (house), you can think of your own house and say "Mi casa is big" (My house is big). Making personal connections makes it easier to recall words later.
Reviewing regularly is also key. Our memories fade quickly, so it's important to go over new words after one day, one week, and one month. You can use flashcards—write the word on one side and its meaning on the other—and test yourself whenever you have free time.
Finally, don't be afraid to use new words when speaking or writing. Even if you make mistakes, practicing helps you remember them better. As the saying goes, "Use it or lose it."
9.What is the main idea of the passage
A. How to speak a language fluently.
B. Effective ways to remember new words.
C. The importance of learning a language.
D. How to write short stories in a new language.
10. What does "in context" mean in the passage
A. In a list of words.
B. In sentences or stories.
C. In a dictionary.
D. In a foreign country.
11. Why is it helpful to connect words to your own life
A. It makes learning more fun.
B. It helps you recall words more easily.
C. It allows you to make more mistakes.
D. It teaches you grammar rules.
12. How often should you review new words according to the passage
A. Only once when you first learn them.
B. After one day, one week, and one month.
C. Every hour.
D. Once a year.
答案解析
9.答案：B
解析：文章开头提出 “Learning new words... But how can we remember them effectively Here are some simple methods”，随后围绕记忆新单词的有效方法展开，所以选 B。
关键信息：“how can we remember them effectively Here are some simple methods”
10.答案：B
解析：根据 “Instead of just memorizing lists of words, try to learn them through sentences or short stories.” 可知，“in context” 指在句子或故事中，所以选 B。
关键信息：“learn them through sentences or short stories”
11.答案：B
解析：文中提到 “Making personal connections makes it easier to recall words later.”，说明将单词与自身生活联系有助于更容易回忆单词，所以选 B。
关键信息：“makes it easier to recall words later”
12.答案：B
解析：文中明确指出 “it's important to go over new words after one day, one week, and one month.”，所以选 B。
关键信息：“after one day, one week, and one month”
重点词组及句式总结：
master a language（掌握一门语言）；
in context（在语境中）；
make personal connections（建立个人联系）；
review regularly（定期复习）；
flashcards（抽认卡）；
use it or lose it（不用就会忘）
“One useful way is to... Instead of just..., try to...”（一种有用的方法是…… 不要只是……，试着去……）：
例句：One useful way is to use the words in context. Instead of just memorizing lists of words, try to learn them through sentences.
“... is also key. Our... fade quickly, so it's important to...”（…… 也是关键。我们的…… 很快会消退，所以…… 很重要）：
例句：Reviewing regularly is also key. Our memories fade quickly, so it's important to go over new words.
Passage 4
难度
There are more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world today. However, many of these languages are in danger of disappearing. It is estimated that one language dies every two weeks.
Languages disappear for many reasons. One reason is globalization. As people move to new countries, they often adopt the local language and forget their mother tongue. Another reason is the influence of dominant languages like English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Many parents choose to teach their children these dominant languages instead of their traditional ones, thinking it will give them better opportunities.
The loss of a language is a loss for the world. Each language carries unique knowledge, culture, and history. For example, some indigenous languages have words for plants and animals that are not found in any other language. When a language dies, this knowledge is lost forever.
Efforts are being made to protect endangered languages. Some communities are teaching their traditional languages in schools, and others are creating dictionaries and recording stories. Technology is also helping—apps and websites make it easier to learn and preserve rare languages.
13.How many languages are spoken in the world today
A. More than 5,000.
B. More than 6,000.
C. More than 7,000.
D. More than 8,000.
14. Why do many parents teach their children dominant languages
A. They think it will give their children better opportunities.
B. They don't know their traditional languages.
C. Dominant languages are easier to learn.
D. Schools only teach dominant languages.
15. What is lost when a language dies
A. Unique knowledge, culture, and history.
B. Opportunities for globalization.
C. Dominant languages.
D. Traditional stories.
16. How are people trying to protect endangered languages
A. By forcing people to speak them.
B. By teaching them in schools and creating dictionaries.
C. By making them the official languages of countries.
D. By replacing dominant languages with them.
答案解析
答案：C
解析：文章开头明确提到 “There are more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world today.”，所以选 C。
关键信息：“more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world today”
答案：A
解析：根据 “Many parents choose to teach their children these dominant languages instead of their traditional ones, thinking it will give them better opportunities.” 可知，父母教孩子主流语言是认为这会给孩子更好的机会，所以选 A。
关键信息：“thinking it will give them better opportunities”
答案：A
解析：文中指出 “Each language carries unique knowledge, culture, and history... When a language dies, this knowledge is lost forever.”，说明语言消失会带走独特的知识、文化和历史，所以选 A。
关键信息：“carries unique knowledge, culture, and history”
答案：B
解析：根据 “Efforts are being made to protect endangered languages. Some communities are teaching their traditional languages in schools, and others are creating dictionaries and recording stories.” 可知，人们通过在学校教授传统语言、编字典等方式保护濒危语言，所以选 B。
关键信息：“teaching their traditional languages in schools, and others are creating dictionaries”
重点词组及句式总结：
in danger of disappearing（面临消失的危险）；
mother tongue（母语）；
dominant languages（主流语言）；
indigenous languages（土著语言）；
endangered languages（濒危语言）；
preserve rare languages（保护稀有语言）
“However, many of these... are in danger of... It is estimated that...”（然而，许多这些…… 面临…… 的危险。据估计……）：
例句：However, many of these languages are in danger of disappearing. It is estimated that one language dies every two weeks.
“Efforts are being made to... Some... are... and others are...”（人们正在努力…… 一些…… 正在…… 另一些正在……）：
例句：Efforts are being made to protect endangered languages. Some communities are teaching their traditional languages... and others are creating dictionaries.
拔高篇
Passage 5
难度
Learning a second language has many benefits, both for the brain and for personal growth. Studies have shown that bilingual people—those who speak two languages—have better memory and problem-solving skills than those who speak only one.
One reason for this is that bilinguals are constantly switching between two languages. This mental exercise makes their brains more flexible and efficient. It also helps them focus better, as they learn to ignore irrelevant information.
Learning a second language also opens up new cultural experiences. It allows you to communicate with people from different backgrounds and understand their perspectives. For example, learning Spanish can help you appreciate the literature, music, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries.
Additionally, knowing a second language can boost your career. In today's global economy, many employers value employees who can speak more than one language. It can also increase your chances of working abroad or in international business.
However, learning a second language is not always easy. It requires time, practice, and patience. The key is to find a method that works for you—whether it's taking classes, using apps, or practicing with native speakers.
1.What skills do bilingual people have better than those who speak only one language
A. Reading and writing skills.
B. Memory and problem-solving skills.
C. Speaking and listening skills.
D. Drawing and singing skills.
2.Why are bilinguals' brains more flexible
A. They learn languages at a young age.
B. They practice speaking every day.
C. They constantly switch between two languages.
D. They know more vocabulary.
3.How can learning a second language help with your career
A. It can make you more creative.
B. It can help you get better grades.
C. Many employers value employees who can speak more than one language.
D. It can help you find a job faster.
4.What is the key to learning a second language according to the passage
A. Taking expensive classes.
B. Finding a method that works for you.
C. Learning it when you're young.
D. Speaking it every day with friends.
答案解析
答案：B
解析：文中提到 “Studies have shown that bilingual people... have better memory and problem-solving skills than those who speak only one language.”，所以选 B。
关键信息：“better memory and problem-solving skills”
答案：C
解析：根据 “One reason for this is that bilinguals are constantly switching between two languages. This mental exercise makes their brains more flexible and efficient.” 可知，双语者大脑更灵活是因为他们不断在两种语言间切换，所以选 C。
关键信息：“constantly switching between two languages”
答案：C
解析：文中指出 “many employers value employees who can speak more than one language.”，说明学习第二语言对职业的帮助是许多雇主重视会多语言的员工，所以选 C。
关键信息：“many employers value employees who can speak more than one language”
答案：B
解析：根据 “The key is to find a method that works for you” 可知，学习第二语言的关键是找到适合自己的方法，所以选 B。
关键信息：“The key is to find a method that works for you”
重点词组及句式总结：
second language（第二语言）；
bilingual people（双语者）；
problem-solving skills（解决问题的能力）；
mental exercise（脑力锻炼）；
cultural experiences（文化体验）；
boost your career（促进职业发展）
“Learning... has many benefits, both for... and for...”（学习…… 有很多好处，对…… 和…… 都有好处）：
例句：Learning a second language has many benefits, both for the brain and for personal growth.
“However, learning... is not always easy. It requires...”（然而，学习…… 并不总是容易的。它需要……）：
例句：However, learning a second language is not always easy. It requires time, practice, and patience.
Passage 6
难度
The history of the English language is a story of change and adaptation. English belongs to the Germanic family of languages, which includes German and Dutch. It began to develop in Britain around the 5th century CE, when Germanic tribes called the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded the island.
Over the centuries, English has been influenced by many other languages. In 1066, the Normans from France conquered England, and French became the language of the ruling class. This is why English has many French words related to government, law, and culture—words like "government", "justice", and "art".
Later, during the Renaissance, English borrowed many words from Latin and Greek, especially in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy. Words such as "biology", "chemistry", and "democracy" come from these languages.
In more recent times, English has continued to borrow words from around the world. Words like "sushi" from Japanese, "taco" from Spanish, and "yoga" from Sanskrit have become part of everyday English.
Today, English is spoken by more people as a second language than as a native language. It continues to evolve, with new words and expressions being added all the time—many of them related to technology, like "app" and "social media".
5.Which family of languages does English belong to
A. The Romance family.
B. The Germanic family.
C. The Slavic family.
D. The Sino-Tibetan family.
6.Why does English have many French words
A. The French invaded England in 1066.
B. English people traveled to France a lot.
C. French is easier to learn than other languages.
D. The French taught English in schools.
7.What fields did many Latin and Greek words borrowed during the Renaissance relate to
A. Sports and entertainment.
B. Science, medicine, and philosophy.
C. Food and cooking.
D. Music and art.
8.What are many new words added to English related to today
A. Technology.
B. Farming.
C. Politics.
D. History.
答案解析
答案：B
解析：文中明确提到 “English belongs to the Germanic family of languages”，所以选 B。
关键信息：“belongs to the Germanic family of languages”
答案：A
解析：根据 “In 1066, the Normans from France conquered England, and French became the language of the ruling class. This is why English has many French words” 可知，英语有很多法语词汇是因为 1066 年法国人入侵英格兰，所以选 A。
关键信息：“the Normans from France conquered England... This is why English has many French words”
答案：B
解析：文中指出 “during the Renaissance, English borrowed many words from Latin and Greek, especially in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy.”，所以选 B。
关键信息：“especially in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy”
答案：A
解析：根据 “new words and expressions being added all the time—many of them related to technology, like 'app' and'social media'.” 可知，现在英语新增词汇多与科技相关，所以选 A。
关键信息：“many of them related to technology”
重点词组及句式总结：
Germanic family of languages（日耳曼语系）；
Renaissance（文艺复兴）；
everyday English（日常英语）；
continue to evolve（继续演变）
“The history of... is a story of... ... belongs to... which includes...”（…… 的历史是一个…… 的故事。…… 属于……，其中包括……）：The history of the English language is a story of change and adaptation. English belongs to the Germanic family of languages, which includes German and Dutch.
“Over the centuries, ... has been influenced by...”（几个世纪以来，…… 一直受到…… 的影响）：
例句：Over the centuries, English has been influenced by many other languages.
Passage 7
难度
Sign language is a unique form of communication used by deaf people around the world. Unlike spoken languages, which use sounds, sign languages use hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.
There are many different sign languages—just as there are many different spoken languages. American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Chinese Sign Language (CSL) are all distinct, with their own grammar and vocabulary. This means that a person who knows ASL may not understand BSL, even though both are used by English-speaking countries.
Sign language is not just a way to communicate—it is also an important part of deaf culture. It allows deaf people to connect with each other and express themselves fully. It also helps them participate in society, from school to work to social events.
In recent years, there has been more recognition of the importance of sign language. Many countries have made it an official language, and more schools are offering sign language classes. This helps to break down barriers between deaf and hearing people.
However, there are still challenges. Many hearing people do not know sign language, which can make it difficult for deaf people to communicate in everyday situations. There is also a lack of sign language interpreters in many places, which can limit access to services like healthcare and education.
9.How does sign language convey meaning
A. By using sounds.
B. By using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
C. By using written words.
D. By using pictures.
10.What is true about different sign languages
A. They are all the same.
B. They have the same grammar but different vocabulary.
C. They are all distinct, with their own grammar and vocabulary.
D. They are easier to learn than spoken languages.
11.Why is sign language important for deaf culture
A. It is the only way deaf people can communicate.
B. It allows deaf people to connect with each other and express themselves fully.
C. It is required in all schools for deaf children.
D. It is the same in all countries.
12.What is a challenge for deaf people regarding sign language
A. There are too many sign languages to learn.
B. Sign language is difficult to learn.
C. Many hearing people do not know sign language.
D. Sign language is not recognized by any countries.
答案解析
答案：B
解析：文中提到 “sign languages use hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.”，所以选 B。
关键信息：“use hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning”
答案：C
解析：根据 “American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Chinese Sign Language (CSL) are all distinct, with their own grammar and vocabulary.” 可知，不同手语各有独特的语法和词汇，所以选 C。
关键信息：“all distinct, with their own grammar and vocabulary”
答案：B
解析：文中指出 “Sign language... allows deaf people to connect with each other and express themselves fully.”，所以选 B。
关键信息：“allows deaf people to connect with each other and express themselves fully”
答案：C
解析：根据 “many hearing people do not know sign language, which can make it difficult for deaf people to communicate in everyday situations.” 可知，聋人面临的挑战是许多听力正常的人不懂手语，所以选 C。
关键信息：“many hearing people do not know sign language”
重点词组及句式总结：
sign language（手语）；
hand gestures（手势）；
facial expressions（面部表情）；
deaf culture（聋人文化）；
official language（官方语言）；
sign language interpreters（手语翻译）
“Unlike..., which..., ... use... to...”（与…… 不同，…… 使用…… 来……）：
例句：Unlike spoken languages, which use sounds, sign languages use hand gestures... to convey meaning.
“In recent years, there has been more recognition of... Many... have... and more... are...”（近年来，人们对…… 有了更多的认识。许多…… 已经…… 更多…… 正在……）：
例句：In recent years, there has been more recognition of the importance of sign language. Many countries have made it an official language... and more schools are offering sign language classes.
Passage 8
难度
Language and technology have always influenced each other. Today, digital tools are changing how we learn, use, and even think about language.
One major change is the rise of translation apps. Tools like Google Translate and DeepL can translate between hundreds of languages in seconds. This makes it easier to communicate with people from different countries, but it also has drawbacks. Some worry that relying too much on translation apps will make us lazy and reduce our ability to learn foreign languages.
Social media is another technology that's shaping language. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have created new words and expressions, such as "viral" (spreading quickly online) and "stan" (a big fan). These words often spread globally, crossing language barriers. They also change how we write—many people use short forms and emojis to communicate quickly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is having an even bigger impact. AI chatbots can not only translate languages but also have conversations, correct grammar, and even write poems. Some language learning apps use AI to create personalized lessons, adapting to a learner's strengths and weaknesses.
However, there are concerns. Some linguists argue that technology is making language more uniform, reducing the diversity of dialects and local expressions. Others worry about privacy—many language apps collect data on how we speak and write.
As technology continues to evolve, it will surely bring more changes to language. The challenge is to use these tools wisely—letting them help us communicate better without losing the richness and diversity of human language.
13.What is a drawback of translation apps
A. They can only translate a few languages.
B. They are very expensive to use.
C. Relying on them may reduce our language learning ability.
D. They take a long time to translate.
14.How has social media shaped language
A. It has stopped the creation of new words.
B. It has created new words and changed writing styles.
C. It has made people use more formal language.
D. It has eliminated dialects.
15.What can AI chatbots do according to the passage
A. Only translate languages.
B. Have conversations and correct grammar.
C. Teach language without any mistakes.
D. Replace human language teachers.
16.What is a concern about technology and language
A. Technology makes language too difficult to learn.
B. It is reducing the diversity of dialects and local expressions.
C. There are not enough language apps available.
D. AI cannot understand human emotions in language.
答案解析
答案：C
解析：文章第二段明确提到 “Some worry that relying too much on translation apps will make us lazy and reduce our ability to learn foreign languages.”，说明翻译软件的一个缺点是过度依赖会降低我们的外语学习能力，所以选 C。
关键信息：“relying too much on translation apps... reduce our ability to learn foreign languages”
答案：B
解析：第三段指出 “Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have created new words and expressions... They also change how we write—many people use short forms and emojis to communicate quickly.”，说明社交媒体创造了新词汇，改变了写作风格，所以选 B。
关键信息：“created new words and expressions... change how we write”
答案：B
解析：第四段提到 “AI chatbots can not only translate languages but also have conversations, correct grammar, and even write poems.”，直接说明 AI 聊天机器人能对话和纠正语法，所以选 B。
关键信息：“have conversations, correct grammar”
答案：B
解析：第五段明确指出 “Some linguists argue that technology is making language more uniform, reducing the diversity of dialects and local expressions.”，即技术带来的担忧之一是减少方言和地方表达的多样性，所以选 B。
关键信息：“reducing the diversity of dialects and local expressions”
重点词组总结
1.digital tools（数字工具）
2.translation apps（翻译软件）
3.have drawbacks（存在缺点）
4.rely on（依赖）
5.foreign languages（外语）
6.social media（社交媒体）
7.create new words（创造新词汇）
8.cross language barriers（跨越语言障碍）
9.artificial intelligence (AI)（人工智能）
10.chatbots（聊天机器人）
11.personalized lessons（个性化课程）
12.adapt to（适应）
13.linguists（语言学家）
14.language diversity（语言多样性）
15.dialects and local expressions（方言和地方表达）
16.continue to evolve（持续发展）
重点句式总结
1.“... and... have always influenced each other. Today, ... are changing how we...”（…… 和…… 一直相互影响。如今，…… 正在改变我们…… 的方式）
例句：Language and technology have always influenced each other. Today, digital tools are changing how we learn, use, and even think about language.
2.“One major change is the rise of... Tools like... can... This makes it easier to..., but it also has drawbacks.”（一个主要变化是…… 的兴起。像…… 这样的工具能…… 这使得…… 更容易，但也存在缺点）
例句：One major change is the rise of translation apps. Tools like Google Translate and DeepL can translate between hundreds of languages in seconds. This makes it easier to communicate... but it also has drawbacks.
3.“... is another technology that's shaping...”（…… 是另一种正在塑造…… 的技术）
例句：Social media is another technology that's shaping language.
4.“... is having an even bigger impact. ... can not only... but also...”（…… 正产生更大的影响。…… 不仅能…… 还能……）
例句：Artificial intelligence (AI) is having an even bigger impact. AI chatbots can not only translate languages but also have conversations.
5.“However, there are concerns. Some... argue that...”（然而，存在一些担忧。一些…… 认为……）
例句：However, there are concerns. Some linguists argue that technology is making language more uniform.
6.“As... continues to evolve, it will surely bring more changes to... The challenge is to...”（随着…… 持续发展，它必将给…… 带来更多变化。挑战在于……）
例句：As technology continues to evolve, it will surely bring more changes to language. The challenge is to use these tools wisely./ 让教学更有效 高效备考 | 英语学科
Unit 5 Languages around the world阅读精练
目录
基础篇
Passage 1 -----------------------------------------------------------1
Passage 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- 2
Passage 3 ---------------------------------------------------------- 4
Passage 4 ---------------------------------------------------------- 5
拔高篇
Passage 5 --------------------------------------------------------- 7
Passage 6 -------------------------------------------------------- 8
Passage 7 --------------------------------------------------------10
Passage 8 --------------------------------------------------------11
基础篇
Passage 1
难度
English is a global language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide. It is the official language of more than 50 countries and is widely used in international business, science, and education.
One reason for its popularity is its flexibility. English has borrowed words from many other languages, such as "piano" from Italian, "kimono" from Japanese, and "croissant" from French. This makes it rich and diverse.
Another reason is the influence of British and American culture. Hollywood movies, American music, and British literature have spread English around the world. Many people learn English to enjoy these cultural products.
Learning English can open many doors. It can help you get better jobs, communicate with people from other countries, and access a wealth of information online. As the saying goes, "One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."
How many people speak English worldwide
A. Over 1 billion.
B. Over 1.5 billion.
C. Over 2 billion.
D. Over 2.5 billion.
Why is English flexible
A. It has strict grammar rules.
B. It is spoken in many countries.
C. It has borrowed words from other languages.
D. It is used in international business.
What has helped spread English around the world
A. British and American culture.
B. The Internet.
C. International travel.
D. School education.
What is the benefit of learning English mentioned in the passage
A. It helps you learn more about your own culture.
B. It allows you to get better jobs.
C. It makes you more popular.
D. It helps you understand other languages easily.
Passage 2
难度
Chinese characters, also known as hanzi, have a long history. They date back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, when people carved symbols on turtle shells and animal bones. These early symbols are called oracle bone inscriptions.
Over time, Chinese characters have evolved. They started as simple pictures and gradually developed into more complex forms. For example, the character for "sun" was originally a circle with a dot in the center, representing the sun. Now it is written as "日".
One interesting feature of Chinese characters is that many are pictographs, which means they look like the things they represent. The character for "mountain" (山) looks like three peaks, and the character for "water" (水) looks like a flowing river.
Today, there are over 80,000 Chinese characters, but most people only need to know about 3,000 to read a newspaper. Chinese characters are not only a writing system but also an important part of Chinese culture. Many people enjoy practicing Chinese calligraphy, which is the art of writing characters beautifully with a brush.
When did Chinese characters first appear
A. Over 2,000 years ago.
B. Over 3,000 years ago.
C. During the Qin Dynasty.
D. During the Han Dynasty.
What were the early Chinese symbols carved on
A. Paper.
B. Stone.
C. Turtle shells and animal bones.
D. Bamboo strips.
What is a pictograph
A. A character that sounds like the thing it represents.
B. A character that looks like the thing it represents.
C. A complex character made up of simple ones.
D. An ancient character no longer used.
How many Chinese characters do most people need to know to read a newspaper
A. About 1,000.
B. About 2,000.
C. About 3,000.
D. About 80,000.
Passage 3
难度
Learning new words is an important part of mastering a language. But how can we remember them effectively Here are some simple methods that work for many language learners.
One useful way is to use the words in context. Instead of just memorizing lists of words, try to learn them through sentences or short stories. For example, if you're learning the English word "delicious", you could remember it with the sentence "The delicious cake made everyone happy." This helps you understand how the word is used.
Another method is to connect words to your own life. If you're learning the Spanish word "casa" (house), you can think of your own house and say "Mi casa is big" (My house is big). Making personal connections makes it easier to recall words later.
Reviewing regularly is also key. Our memories fade quickly, so it's important to go over new words after one day, one week, and one month. You can use flashcards—write the word on one side and its meaning on the other—and test yourself whenever you have free time.
Finally, don't be afraid to use new words when speaking or writing. Even if you make mistakes, practicing helps you remember them better. As the saying goes, "Use it or lose it."
What is the main idea of the passage
A. How to speak a language fluently.
B. Effective ways to remember new words.
C. The importance of learning a language.
D. How to write short stories in a new language.
What does "in context" mean in the passage
A. In a list of words.
B. In sentences or stories.
C. In a dictionary.
D. In a foreign country.
Why is it helpful to connect words to your own life
A. It makes learning more fun.
B. It helps you recall words more easily.
C. It allows you to make more mistakes.
D. It teaches you grammar rules.
How often should you review new words according to the passage
A. Only once when you first learn them.
B. After one day, one week, and one month.
C. Every hour.
D. Once a year.
Passage 4
难度
There are more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world today. However, many of these languages are in danger of disappearing. It is estimated that one language dies every two weeks.
Languages disappear for many reasons. One reason is globalization. As people move to new countries, they often adopt the local language and forget their mother tongue. Another reason is the influence of dominant languages like English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Many parents choose to teach their children these dominant languages instead of their traditional ones, thinking it will give them better opportunities.
The loss of a language is a loss for the world. Each language carries unique knowledge, culture, and history. For example, some indigenous languages have words for plants and animals that are not found in any other language. When a language dies, this knowledge is lost forever.
Efforts are being made to protect endangered languages. Some communities are teaching their traditional languages in schools, and others are creating dictionaries and recording stories. Technology is also helping—apps and websites make it easier to learn and preserve rare languages.
How many languages are spoken in the world today
A. More than 5,000.
B. More than 6,000.
C. More than 7,000.
D. More than 8,000.
Why do many parents teach their children dominant languages
A. They think it will give their children better opportunities.
B. They don't know their traditional languages.
C. Dominant languages are easier to learn.
D. Schools only teach dominant languages.
What is lost when a language dies
A. Unique knowledge, culture, and history.
B. Opportunities for globalization.
C. Dominant languages.
D. Traditional stories.
How are people trying to protect endangered languages
A. By forcing people to speak them.
B. By teaching them in schools and creating dictionaries.
C. By making them the official languages of countries.
D. By replacing dominant languages with them.
拔高篇
Passage 5
难度
Learning a second language has many benefits, both for the brain and for personal growth. Studies have shown that bilingual people—those who speak two languages—have better memory and problem-solving skills than those who speak only one.
One reason for this is that bilinguals are constantly switching between two languages. This mental exercise makes their brains more flexible and efficient. It also helps them focus better, as they learn to ignore irrelevant information.
Learning a second language also opens up new cultural experiences. It allows you to communicate with people from different backgrounds and understand their perspectives. For example, learning Spanish can help you appreciate the literature, music, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries.
Additionally, knowing a second language can boost your career. In today's global economy, many employers value employees who can speak more than one language. It can also increase your chances of working abroad or in international business.
However, learning a second language is not always easy. It requires time, practice, and patience. The key is to find a method that works for you—whether it's taking classes, using apps, or practicing with native speakers.
What skills do bilingual people have better than those who speak only one language
A. Reading and writing skills.
B. Memory and problem-solving skills.
C. Speaking and listening skills.
D. Drawing and singing skills.
Why are bilinguals' brains more flexible
A. They learn languages at a young age.
B. They practice speaking every day.
C. They constantly switch between two languages.
D. They know more vocabulary.
How can learning a second language help with your career
A. It can make you more creative.
B. It can help you get better grades.
C. Many employers value employees who can speak more than one language.
D. It can help you find a job faster.
What is the key to learning a second language according to the passage
A. Taking expensive classes.
B. Finding a method that works for you.
C. Learning it when you're young.
D. Speaking it every day with friends.
Passage 6
难度
The history of the English language is a story of change and adaptation. English belongs to the Germanic family of languages, which includes German and Dutch. It began to develop in Britain around the 5th century CE, when Germanic tribes called the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded the island.
Over the centuries, English has been influenced by many other languages. In 1066, the Normans from France conquered England, and French became the language of the ruling class. This is why English has many French words related to government, law, and culture—words like "government", "justice", and "art".
Later, during the Renaissance, English borrowed many words from Latin and Greek, especially in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy. Words such as "biology", "chemistry", and "democracy" come from these languages.
In more recent times, English has continued to borrow words from around the world. Words like "sushi" from Japanese, "taco" from Spanish, and "yoga" from Sanskrit have become part of everyday English.
Today, English is spoken by more people as a second language than as a native language. It continues to evolve, with new words and expressions being added all the time—many of them related to technology, like "app" and "social media".
Which family of languages does English belong to
A. The Romance family.
B. The Germanic family.
C. The Slavic family.
D. The Sino-Tibetan family.
Why does English have many French words
A. The French invaded England in 1066.
B. English people traveled to France a lot.
C. French is easier to learn than other languages.
D. The French taught English in schools.
What fields did many Latin and Greek words borrowed during the Renaissance relate to
A. Sports and entertainment.
B. Science, medicine, and philosophy.
C. Food and cooking.
D. Music and art.
What are many new words added to English related to today
A. Technology.
B. Farming.
C. Politics.
D. History.
Passage 7
难度
Sign language is a unique form of communication used by deaf people around the world. Unlike spoken languages, which use sounds, sign languages use hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.
There are many different sign languages—just as there are many different spoken languages. American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Chinese Sign Language (CSL) are all distinct, with their own grammar and vocabulary. This means that a person who knows ASL may not understand BSL, even though both are used by English-speaking countries.
Sign language is not just a way to communicate—it is also an important part of deaf culture. It allows deaf people to connect with each other and express themselves fully. It also helps them participate in society, from school to work to social events.
In recent years, there has been more recognition of the importance of sign language. Many countries have made it an official language, and more schools are offering sign language classes. This helps to break down barriers between deaf and hearing people.
However, there are still challenges. Many hearing people do not know sign language, which can make it difficult for deaf people to communicate in everyday situations. There is also a lack of sign language interpreters in many places, which can limit access to services like healthcare and education.
How does sign language convey meaning
A. By using sounds.
B. By using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
C. By using written words.
D. By using pictures.
What is true about different sign languages
A. They are all the same.
B. They have the same grammar but different vocabulary.
C. They are all distinct, with their own grammar and vocabulary.
D. They are easier to learn than spoken languages.
Why is sign language important for deaf culture
A. It is the only way deaf people can communicate.
B. It allows deaf people to connect with each other and express themselves fully.
C. It is required in all schools for deaf children.
D. It is the same in all countries.
What is a challenge for deaf people regarding sign language
A. There are too many sign languages to learn.
B. Sign language is difficult to learn.
C. Many hearing people do not know sign language.
D. Sign language is not recognized by any countries.
Passage 8
难度
Language and technology have always influenced each other. Today, digital tools are changing how we learn, use, and even think about language.
One major change is the rise of translation apps. Tools like Google Translate and DeepL can translate between hundreds of languages in seconds. This makes it easier to communicate with people from different countries, but it also has drawbacks. Some worry that relying too much on translation apps will make us lazy and reduce our ability to learn foreign languages.
Social media is another technology that's shaping language. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have created new words and expressions, such as "viral" (spreading quickly online) and "stan" (a big fan). These words often spread globally, crossing language barriers. They also change how we write—many people use short forms and emojis to communicate quickly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is having an even bigger impact. AI chatbots can not only translate languages but also have conversations, correct grammar, and even write poems. Some language learning apps use AI to create personalized lessons, adapting to a learner's strengths and weaknesses.
However, there are concerns. Some linguists argue that technology is making language more uniform, reducing the diversity of dialects and local expressions. Others worry about privacy—many language apps collect data on how we speak and write.
As technology continues to evolve, it will surely bring more changes to language. The challenge is to use these tools wisely—letting them help us communicate better without losing the richness and diversity of human language.
What is a drawback of translation apps
A. They can only translate a few languages.
B. They are very expensive to use.
C. Relying on them may reduce our language learning ability.
D. They take a long time to translate.
How has social media shaped language
A. It has stopped the creation of new words.
B. It has created new words and changed writing styles.
C. It has made people use more formal language.
D. It has eliminated dialects.
What can AI chatbots do according to the passage
A. Only translate languages.
B. Have conversations and correct grammar.
C. Teach language without any mistakes.
D. Replace human language teachers.
What is a concern about technology and language
A. Technology makes language too difficult to learn.
B. It is reducing the diversity of dialects and local expressions.
C. There are not enough language apps available.
D. AI cannot understand human emotions in language.
