English as the EU language
Lesson 1
Tasks
I. Answer the questions below.
1. How many official languages are spoken in the EU (European Union)?
2. How many of them can you name?
II. Read the articles and find the answers to the questions below.
1. Who is Joachim Gauck?
2. What percentage of people in Portugal and Hungary speak no English?
3. What language are EU policy documents planned in?
4. Which company has published a book about language and creativity?
5. Which German words are regularly used in English?
6. Who recently published a report titled 'Language Rich Europe’?
III. Match each of these multi-word expressions in the left-hand column to the best definition in the right-hand column.
to get by a.to use something for a particular purpose
to elbow someone / something out b. you can’t dispute that something is true
at all costs c.to have just enough of something
no denying the fact (that...) d.to make something go away
to make use of e. to use something for a particular purpose
IV. Match the key words to their meanings and find them in the article to read them in context.
Article A
the fact that very different people or things exist within a group or place
political control or influence, especially by one country over other countries.
a mixture of different things or styles
the activities of buying and selling goods or services
a high degree of ability or skill in something
ideas, behaviour or statements that are not true or sensible
people in general
to write something such as a legal document, speech or letter that may have changes made to it before it is finished
the condition of being able to speak, write or use just one language
introducing something and forcing people to accept it
Article B
| asset | encourage | evolve | fundamental | legacy |
| plurilingualism | prestigious | prosperity | slipping on | whiff1 |
something such as a tradition or problem that exists as a result of something that happened in the past
a slight (possibly bad) smell
the situation of being successful and having a lot of money
to gradually change and develop over a period of time
to suggest that someone does something that you believe would be good, and to help them do it
speaking more than one language and able to switch between languages according to circumstances
essential to the existence, development or success of something
admired and respected
a major benefit
to put clothes on (without fuss or effort)
V. Complete the table below with the authors’ arguments.
| Article A | Article B |
VI. Complete the table below with the right word.
| Verb | Noun | Adjective+opposite | Adverb+opposite |
| draft | |||
| dominance | |||
| unifying | |||
| internationally | |||
| impose | |||
| proficiency | |||
| fundamental |
VII. Answer the following questions.
1. Whose opinion do you support? Give the reasons.
2. Can you think of any other reasons why English should or should not be the language of the EU?
VIII.
1. In Article B, John Whitehead says that '... speaking English is rather like slipping on a new coat: some may come to feel completely comfortable wearing it, while others won't.' Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
2. Complete the sentence below with your own ideas. (250 words)
 |
Speaking English is like ………………….
Lesson 2
Tasks
I. Answer the following questions.
1. What is the world’s largest English-speaking country?
2. How many people worldwide are trying to learn English?
