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TOEFL Reading Practice: The Evolution of Language

drimnotes
Oct 13, 2025, 02:01 AM
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Reading Passage

Language, a complex and dynamic system of communication, has evolved over millennia, shaping and reflecting the cultures and societies that use it. Linguists study the development of languages to understand how they change and adapt to the needs and influences of their speakers. One fascinating aspect of language evolution is the process of language extinction, where languages cease to be spoken as younger generations adopt dominant languages. This phenomenon highlights the interconnectedness between language, culture, and identity. For example, in the case of indigenous languages, the loss of language can also mean the loss of traditional knowledge and heritage. Language preservation efforts aim to document and revitalize endangered languages to maintain linguistic diversity and cultural richness.

Questions:

1. According to the passage, what do linguists study regarding languages?
A) The popularity of languages
B) The evolution and adaptation of languages
C) The decline of global languages
D) The origin of languages
2. What does language extinction signify?
A) Progress in language development
B) The dominance of new languages
C) The loss of traditional knowledge and heritage
D) The increase in linguistic diversity
3. Based on the passage, why is language preservation important?
A) To enforce language dominance
B) To promote cultural diversity
C) To accelerate language extinction
D) To discourage linguistic research
4. In the context of the passage, what does 'interconnectedness' mean?
A) Isolation
B) Connection
C) Competition
D) Uniqueness
5. Which statement best summarizes the main idea of the passage?
A) Language extinction benefits global communication.
B) Linguists study the impact of languages on society.
C) The evolution of language reflects cultural changes.
D) Language preservation efforts are ineffective.

Answer Key:

1. (B) The evolution and adaptation of languages

2. (C) The loss of traditional knowledge and heritage

3. (B) To promote cultural diversity

4. (B) Connection

5. (C) The evolution of language reflects cultural changes

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