Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

A question is often asked these days by those keen to improve their English: which English to learn? Earlier, British English was the only English one needed to acquaint oneself with. It was proudly declared to be Oxford English. Things, with the arrival of computers, have radically altered. American English (some would frown at the very expression) has made a strong impact on our knowledge or non-knowledge of English. A case of no love lost between British and American English is well made out by Oscar Wilde who described Britain and America as “two great countries divided by a common language”. Americans regard British English as effete and the English regard American English as uncouth, foul and slangy. In spite of these hostilities, English language commands respect of the world.

What is the author's purpose in writing the passage?

  1. To project American English as uncouth

  2. To paint British English as effete

  3. To show the difference between British English and American English

  4. To give expression to the predicament of those keen to learn English
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage begins on this key note of the predicament a student of English faces in having to decide which English to learn.

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