The History of English
From which language does the English alphabet come?
Latin
Name three countries where English is an official language.
United Kingdom
United States
Australia
Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa (also correct)
About how many people speak English worldwide?
a) 500 million
b) 1.5 billion
c) 3 billion
b) About 1.5 billion
What currency is used in the United Kingdom?
British pound.
Name one famous American holiday.
Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Halloween
Which language had a big influence on English after the year 1066?
French (after the Norman invasion)
What is the capital of Australia?
Canberra.
Do more people speak English as a first language or as a second language?
As a second language. (1.5 billion vs 0.4 billion)
What is “tea time” in Britain?
A traditional afternoon break with tea and small food.
What is the “American Dream”?
The idea that everyone can be successful through hard work.
What is the name of the period of English used by Shakespeare?
Modern English.
Is English the only official language in the United States?
No. The USA has no official language at the federal level.
What is a “native speaker”?
A person who learns English from birth at home.
What is the name of the famous clock tower in London?
Big Ben.
What is the name of the US national flag?
The Stars and Stripes.
What is the name of the Germanic tribes who brought early English to Britain around the year 450?
The Angles, Saxons and Jutes.
Why is English spoken in countries like India?
Because India was part of the British Empire. English is still important in government, education, and business.
Which country has the largest number of English speakers (native + second language combined)?
India.
Which countries are part of the United Kingdom?
England, Scotland, Wales, Nothern Ireland.
On which date is American Independence Day?
July 4th.
Which invention in the 15th century helped standardize English spelling?
The printing press (William Caxton brought it to England in 1476).
Which English-speaking country is also known as “The Emerald Isle”?
Ireland (because of it's landscape and Celtic heritage)
In Europe, which country has the highest percentage of people who speak English as a second language?
The Netherlands (90-95%).
What is the name of the British national anthem?
“God Save the King.”
What is the name of an important document signed in 1776?
The Declaration of Independence.