Sample Quiz On History Of The English Language
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Good Luck on the quiz. This is just a sample quiz on the history of language arts.
- 1.
What did William Caxton contribute to language?
- A.
He translated the Bible from Latin to English
- B.
He wrote Canterbury Tales
- C.
He made England's first printer
- D.
He wrote the first grammar book
Correct Answer
C. He made England's first printerExplanation
William Caxton contributed to language by making England's first printer. This invention revolutionized the production of books and allowed for the mass printing and distribution of texts. It played a crucial role in the standardization and dissemination of the English language, making literature and knowledge more accessible to a wider audience. Caxton's printing press was instrumental in shaping the development and spread of the English language during the Renaissance period.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How did the America help influence the English Language?
- A.
American culture helped spread new meanings to words.
- B.
American entertainment influenced British audience
- C.
Both a & b.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. Both a & b.Explanation
Both a and b are correct because American culture and entertainment have had a significant impact on the English language. American culture, through its global influence, has introduced new meanings and expressions to words. Additionally, American entertainment, such as movies, music, and TV shows, has influenced the British audience and contributed to the adoption of American slang, phrases, and pronunciations in the English language.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How many languages have arisen from Mother Tongue?
- A.
8000
- B.
10,000
- C.
5,000
- D.
2.000
Correct Answer
C. 5,000 -
- 4.
What does the go-go theory believe?
- A.
Language began with sudden cries
- B.
Language came from sudden cries
- C.
Language evolved when people sat down at decided words.
- D.
Language began with commands
Correct Answer
D. Language began with commandsExplanation
The go-go theory believes that language began with commands. This theory suggests that early humans used simple commands to communicate with each other, such as pointing or gesturing, before developing more complex forms of language. This explanation aligns with the idea that language originated as a way to convey instructions or requests.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why are the names of the theories so ridiculous?
- A.
Scientists could not think of any other names.
- B.
Scientists know that these theories cannot be correct or proven in any way.
- C.
Scientists felt like being silly.
- D.
Scientists used what they believed to be the first words spoken to name the theories.
Correct Answer
B. Scientists know that these theories cannot be correct or proven in any way. -
- 6.
Who of the following announced that many languages came from one old base language?
- A.
Sir William Jones
- B.
Sassetti
- C.
Jacob Grimm
- D.
Joseph Greenberg
Correct Answer
A. Sir William JonesExplanation
Sir William Jones announced that many languages came from one old base language.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The "eve" hypothesis says that....
- A.
Humans just appeared on the earth from nowhere.
- B.
Humans are descendants of God.
- C.
Humans came from a tiny population in Europe.
- D.
Humans came from a tiny population in Africa.
Correct Answer
D. Humans came from a tiny population in Africa.Explanation
The "eve" hypothesis suggests that all modern humans can trace their ancestry back to a single woman who lived in Africa around 200,000 years ago. This hypothesis is based on genetic evidence that shows a high degree of genetic diversity in African populations compared to non-African populations. It suggests that all humans today are descendants of this small population in Africa, and that humans did not just appear on Earth from nowhere or descend from God.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What was the second earliest form of language seen on earth?
- A.
Cave Drawings
- B.
Cuneiform
- C.
English
- D.
Indo-European
Correct Answer
B. CuneiformExplanation
Cuneiform is considered the second earliest form of language seen on earth. It was a system of writing developed by the ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE. Cuneiform was written on clay tablets using wedge-shaped marks made by a stylus. It was used for various purposes such as recording economic transactions, religious texts, and administrative records. The discovery of cuneiform has provided valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient civilizations, making it an important milestone in the development of human language.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How did King James I contribute to Language?
- A.
He ruled England and forced everyone to speak a specific language.
- B.
He translated the Bible.
- C.
He published the King James Bible.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. He published the King James Bible.Explanation
King James I contributed to language by publishing the King James Bible. This translation of the Bible into English had a significant impact on the development and standardization of the English language. It became a widely read and influential text, shaping the language and vocabulary used by English speakers.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is another phrase that essentially means the same as "migration of languages"?
- A.
Adoption of Languages in Foreign Spaces
- B.
Moving Languages
- C.
Transporting Languages from one place to another
- D.
Languages eventually moving by themselves.
Correct Answer
A. Adoption of Languages in Foreign SpacesExplanation
The phrase "Adoption of Languages in Foreign Spaces" essentially means the same as "migration of languages." It implies that languages are being taken or accepted into new or unfamiliar environments or territories. This suggests a process of languages being introduced and integrated into different cultural and geographical contexts, similar to how migration involves movement and settlement in new locations.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following words might be of Viking Descent?
- A.
Skate
- B.
Crabby
- C.
Rate
- D.
A and B.
Correct Answer
D. A and B.Explanation
The words "Skate" and "Crabby" might be of Viking descent. The Vikings were known for their seafaring skills, and "Skate" could be related to their activities on the water. "Crabby" could be related to the Viking word "krabbi," which means crab in Old Norse. "Rate" does not have any apparent connection to Viking descent.Rate this question:
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- 12.
William the Conquerer was of ______________ nobility...
- A.
English
- B.
Anglo-Saxon
- C.
Norman
- D.
Roman
Correct Answer
C. NormanExplanation
William the Conqueror was of Norman nobility because he was the Duke of Normandy before he became the King of England. He was born in Normandy and inherited the title of Duke from his father. After conquering England in 1066, he established Norman rule in the country, bringing with him a Norman aristocracy and influencing the English language and culture.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Around how many words did Shakespeare invent?
- A.
20,000
- B.
9,000
- C.
10,000
- D.
8,000
Correct Answer
A. 20,000Explanation
Shakespeare is known for his extensive vocabulary and use of language in his plays and sonnets. It is believed that he invented around 20,000 words, many of which are still used in English today. This includes words like "eyeball," "swagger," and "bedroom." His creativity and linguistic contributions have had a lasting impact on the English language.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Noah Webster published the first....
- A.
Cookbook
- B.
American spelling book?
- C.
Dictionary
- D.
Textbook
Correct Answer
B. American spelling book?Explanation
Noah Webster published the first American spelling book. This book was significant because it standardized the spelling of words in American English and helped to promote a distinct American identity.Rate this question:
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- 15.
According to Colin Renfrew, __________ spread the Indo-European language into Europe.
- A.
Farmers
- B.
Warriors
- C.
Anglo Saxons
- D.
Indo Europeans
Correct Answer
A. FarmersExplanation
According to Colin Renfrew, farmers spread the Indo-European language into Europe. This suggests that as farmers migrated and settled in different regions, they brought their language with them, leading to the spread of the Indo-European language across Europe. This explanation aligns with Renfrew's theory of language diffusion through migration and settlement patterns.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which event marked the beginning of the Middle English period?
- A.
The Norman Conquest of 1066
- B.
The publication of the King James Bible
- C.
The Roman Invasion of Britain
- D.
The signing of the Magna Carta
Correct Answer
C. The Roman Invasion of BritainExplanation
The Norman Conquest of 1066 is widely recognized as the event that marked the beginning of the Middle English period. This pivotal moment in history followed the invasion and subsequent takeover of England by the Normans, led by William the Conqueror. This event significantly influenced the English language, introducing a vast number of Norman French words into the vocabulary and altering the linguistic structure, which gradually transitioned Old English into Middle English. This period saw significant linguistic evolution influenced by these French linguistic elements.Rate this question:
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- 17.
"Most of us take for granted the things enjoy or need most. Water is one example. Language is another. If you don't believe that language is all important, try to imagine yourself without words. A storm comes up. Lightning shatters the darkness, and thunder deafens you. Yet your parents can't explain to you the cause of the thunderstorm or tell you that it will pass..." Based on the passage above, which of these reasons is the best in describing our need for language?
- A.
Words will help you understand more things.
- B.
Language is the best way to calm down.
- C.
Without language, there would be no other easy way to communicate with eachother.
- D.
Language will save you during thunderstorms.
Correct Answer
C. Without language, there would be no other easy way to communicate with eachother.Explanation
The passage suggests that the best reason for our need for language is that without it, there would be no other easy way to communicate with each other. This implies that language is essential for effective communication and without it, it would be difficult to convey thoughts, ideas, and information to others.Rate this question:
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- 18.
"Most of us take for granted the things enjoy or need most. Water is one example. Language is another. If you don't believe that language is all important, try to imagine yourself without words. A storm comes up. Lightning shatters the darkness, and thunder deafens you. Yet your parents can't explain to you the cause of the thunderstorm or tell you that it will pass..." Why is the comparison of water to language made?
- A.
Water has a hydrating sense, as does language.
- B.
Water is necessary, just like language is.
- C.
Water is taken for granted, just like language is.
- D.
Both B and C.
Correct Answer
D. Both B and C.Explanation
The comparison of water to language is made because both B and C are true. Water is necessary for survival, just like language is necessary for communication and understanding. Additionally, both water and language are often taken for granted, with people not fully appreciating their importance until they are lacking.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What is a virtue?
- A.
Something to be proud of.
- B.
A good characteristic.
- C.
Passion
- D.
A Goal
Correct Answer
B. A good characteristic.Explanation
A virtue is defined as a good characteristic or quality that someone possesses. It is something to be proud of and is often seen as a positive trait. Virtues can include qualities such as honesty, kindness, and integrity. They are considered to be moral and ethical standards that guide a person's behavior and actions.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Ben Franklin achieved Moral Perfection.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "Ben Franklin achieved Moral Perfection" is false. While Ben Franklin did strive for moral perfection and created a plan for it, he acknowledged that he was not able to achieve it completely. He wrote about his failures and shortcomings in his autobiography, which shows that he did not achieve moral perfection.Rate this question:
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Apr 22, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Sep 12, 2011Quiz Created by
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