Multiple choice

Integral

Directions: Some words in the passage below have been highlighted. Select the best meaning for the corresponding word.

The learning of a foreign language should be an integral part of every university student's education. As a discipline, it affords the mind excellent training. It utilizes skills needed in so many other subjects: the concentration required for memorizing music (not to mention developing the ear for tone and pitch); the logical thinking for resolving mathematical problems, even the deductive reasoning capabilities needed to comprehend philosophical concepts. The mind is stretched through the simple act of teaming the gram­matical patterns, vocabulary and phonological system of a language. At the same time, the student of a for­eign language is acquiring a useful tool. This tool has a double advantage, for a whole most people (especially teachers) expound on the rewards of being able to communicate in a second, third or fourth language. Perhaps the more promising of the two, is being able to understand and hopefully appreciate another cul­tural group through their literature, their music and customs all of which are best assimilated through the medium of their language

  1. Connected

  2. Essential

  3. Entire

  4. Numerical

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'integral' means essential or fundamental - a necessary and important part of something. The author argues that learning a foreign language should be an essential component of university education. 'Essential' is correct because it captures the idea of something necessary or fundamental. 'Connected' and 'Entire' are incorrect interpretations, while 'Numerical' is completely unrelated.