Passage Two
About a century ago more people would not have appreciated the study of a foreign language as they do today. Gone are those days when patriotism towards one’s own language was a major obstacle to learning foreign languages, a time when most nations were trying to throw their alien rulers out of their countries in their freedom struggles.
Gone are those days when people were proud of their mother or father tongues and considered that their native languages alone will suffice the need to survive. Language skills today have become as important as other business and career skills like IT, vocational or professional skills. Thus learning a foreign language today has become essential for an individual whether it is for careers, growing a business, or even to make an impression.
All that one needs to possess these days is a drive to learn a foreign language and there are all kinds of institutes and courses that teach various foreign languages like French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Today’s world economy has bridged the barriers of race, sex, color and religion and the world had become a smaller place. Today’s businesses also demand language skills to expand and grow in other countries. Tens and hundreds of businesses world wide are expanding and growing their business by promoting them in countries other than their countries of origin. The tremendous growth of the Internet has further increased the demand for language skills. In Canada an official rule also says that all commercial establishments must have their websites created both in English and French, the official languages of the country.
Language can also ease race and border barriers. You are more welcome in an alien nation if you know the language of the people there and can converse in their tongue. People in these countries immediately respect you and think you care about their culture as much as they do because in any culture language is the key identity.

7. One of the reasons for not studying a foreign language in the past is _____.
A. it was too difficult B. it was not allowed
C. it was seen as disloyalty D. it was taught by foreign rulers
8. According to the article, which of the following is true?
A. People’s language skills are better than in the past.
B. Foreign language skills are of vital importance.
C. It’s easier nowadays to learn a foreign language.
D. People today are not proud of their native language.
9. What does “to make an impression” (Paragraph 1) probably mean?
A. To remember things. B. To express ideas.
C. To show respect. D. To be liked by others.
10. The world has become smaller because of _____.
A. business expansion B. the growth of the Internet
C. a globalized economy D. the learning of foreign languages
11. According to the article, the growth of the Internet requires_____.
A. more foreign language skills
B. more bilingual websites
C. better command of English
D. more commercial establishments
12. People in a foreign country will treat you with more respect if you speak their language because _____.
A. they think you love their country
B. they think you understand their culture
C. it’s easier for them to communicate with you
D. they believe you are a good language learner

参考答案：CBDCAB