Question

    Language learning apps are very popular now and offer opportunities to learn vocabulary and practice grammar. But there has been a discussion about just how effective such apps can be.

Among the most popular apps are Duolingo and Busuu. A previous research found positive results on the use of them. But it mainly concentrated on studies with learners who had signed up to language courses and these apps worked as an after-class support, so the results were not always reliable. A recent study of 4,095 Busuu users has been carried out aimed to find out if users can actually learn a language with an app.

Busuu provides learning materials for 12 different languages. It offers special model where some content is available for free while some content is not. We find that its users are an even mix of men and women. More than half consider themselves to be at the beginner level as there is a decrease in users as their language levels go up. Most people use the app because of personal interest, or because they want to study or live abroad. Female users tend to use it less often but for longer periods of time than male users.

Getting any feedback on Busuu depends on whether your answer is correct or not. While it is helpful, this is not the sort of feedback language teachers prefer, as it does not explain why the answer is right or wrong. In spite of this, feedback in the app is very highly rated.

More than 92% of respondents state that the app has met their expectations and 86% rate the app as very good or good. In fact, more than 80% of the users surveyed strongly agree that using the app has helped them improve their knowledge of the language they are learning.

Besides, language learning apps also create an environment where mistakes are only known to the users, and this can address the performance anxiety that many learners suffer from when asked to speak a foreign language. So language teachers should encourage their students to use them to do the grammar work, leaving precious class time for more language communication.

1.The results of the former research weren’t always dependable because _________.

A. it was only carried out before class

B. it didn’t consider users in class

C. it just focused on positive results

D. it used out-of-date methods

2.What can we learn about the app Busuu from the text?

A. All the contents are free to use.

B. Most users consider it satisfying.

C. It’s used by more advanced learners.

D. It’s more popular with female learners.

3.Which of the following can probably replace the underlined word “address”?

A. deal with B. write down

C. turn to D. speak of

4.What is the main idea of the text?

A. Students won’t suffer anxiety in learning languages by using Busuu.

B. Language learning apps are effective and satisfactory to language learners.

C. Language learning apps are very popular with most language teachers.

D. Students should be required to use apps for homework after class.

Answer

1.B

2.B

3.A

4.B

【解析】

本文属于新闻，主要讲述语言学习软件很受语言学习者的欢迎，以及其特点和优点，绝大部分用户对软件感到满意。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段But it mainly concentrated on studies with learners who had signed up to language courses and these apps worked as an after-class support, so the results were not always reliable.可知，由于软件只关注注册语言学习的学习者，并且只是作为课后的一种辅助，因此结果并不都可靠，故选B。

2.推理判断题。根据倒数第二段More than 92% of respondents state that the app has met their expectations and 86% rate the app as very good or good. In fact, more than 80% of the users surveyed strongly agree that using the app has helped them improve their knowledge of the language they are learning.可知，绝大部分 用户对这款软件感到满意，故选B。

3.词义猜测题。根据前一句Besides, language learning apps also create an environment where mistakes are only known to the users可知，语言学习软件创造了一个只有用户知道自己错误的环境，因而避免了外语学习中遇到的难题，由于宾语为performance anxiety，所以可以推测出address为处理，故选A.

4.主旨大意题。本文主要讲述语言学习软件很受语言学习者的欢迎，以及其特点和优点，绝大部分用户对软件感到满意，故选B。