English.Thanks to McDonald's,we all know about "burgers","fries" and "milkshakes".Songs by Madonna,Britney Spears and Celine Dion are in English.We can sing along,even if we do not understand what we are singing!

　　English is a messy(杂乱的)language.Every year,dictionaries include new words that talk about popular culture,for example,computer-related words such as "blogging","download" and "chatroom".Also included are words that teenagers use.Who does not know "cool","OK" and "hello"?

　　Other languages also influence English.Many English words come from French.Words like "cafe" and expressions like "c'est la vie"(that is life)are all part of the English language.On the other hand,the French language includes English words like "le weekend" and "le camping".German words are also part of English.Words like "kindergarten" come from the German language.

　　Recently,British people have become interested in "yoga".But the word comes from an ancient Hindu language in India.

1.The English language has a history of 　　　.

A.over 2000 years B.over 500 years

C.over 1500 years D.over 1000 years

答案 C

解析 细节理解题。根据第二段第一句可知,英语开始于5世纪,故距今已有1500多年。故选C项。

2.Which statement is true about the language of English?

A.It has been changing all the time.

B.It has borrowed words from all the other languages.

C.French words are used by the English because dictionaries have French words.

D.Singers and film stars have the greatest influence on language.

答案 A

解析 推理判断题。由第四到六段的内容可知,英语这门语言一直在不断发展变化。故选A项。

3.How many people in the world are using English now?

A.One billion people.

B.340 million.

C.Almost all the people in the world.

D.Not mentioned above,but the number is growing rapidly.

答案 B

解析 细节理解题。由第一段第一句可知答案为B项。

4.Many countries and regions use English for politics and business except　　　.

A.the USA B.Nigeria

C.the Philippines D.Norway

答案 D

解析 细节理解题。由第三段可知,只有挪威没有被提及,故选D项。

五、七选五阅读理解

Richard's father died when he was five.Later on he lost his mother.An old woman felt sorry for the poor boy and often helped him.Of course he had no money to go to school.He had to