Question

A student is learning to speak British English. He wonders: Can I communicate with Americans? Can they understand me? Learners of English often ask: What are the differences between British and American English? How important are these differences?

Certainly! there are some differences between British and American English. ‘There are a few differences in grammar. For example, speakers of British English say “in hospital” and “Have you a pen?” Americans say “in the hospital!” and “Do you have a pen?”. Pronunciation is sometimes different. Americans usually sound theirs in words like “bird” and “hurt”. Speakers of British English do not sound theirs in these words. There are differences between British and American English in spelling and vocabulary. For example, “color” and “honor” are British, “color” and honor” are American.

These differences in grammar, pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary are not important, however. For the most part, British and American English are the same language.

1.According to this passage, a student who is learning to speak American English might be afraid that_______.

A. British people cannot understand him

B. American people cannot understand him

C. the grammar is too hard for him

D. the spelling is too hard for him

2.American English and British English are different in ________.

A. spelling    B. pronunciation

C. grammar    D. all of the above

3.Most ________ say “Do you have a watch?”

A. British people    B. Americans

C. children    D. teachers

4.According to this passage, British people and Americans have _________ difficulty in understanding each other.

A. little    B. much

C. some    D. great

Answer

1.A

2.D

3.B

4.A

【解析】文章讲述了美国英语和英国英语之间的差别主要在四个方面，并说明了他们属于同一种语言，这两国人在相互理解方面没有说明困难。

1.推理判断题。根据文章第一段2,3行He wonders (想知道): Can I communicate with Americans? Can they understand me? 说明学英国英语的人会担心美国人能否听懂，而学美国英语的人也担心英国人是否能听懂。故A正确。

2.细节理解题。根据第二段There are a few differences in grammar 。There are differences between British and American English in spelling and vocabulary. Pronunciation is sometimes different.这三句说明美国英语和英国英语在语法，拼写，词汇和发音方面都有差异，故D正确。

3.细节理解题。根据第二段三、四行Americans say “in the hospital!” and “Do you have a pen?”说明Do you have a watch?是讲美国英语的人所说。故B正确。

4.推理判断题。根据文章最后一句For the most part, British and American English are the same language.说明这是一种语言，那么这两国人在理解对方的语言方面没有说明困难。故A正确。