4. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given at the end.
In 1807 Noah Webster began his greatest work, An American Dictionary of the English Language. In preparing the manuscript, he devoted ten years to the study of English and its relationship to other languages and seven more years to the writing itself. Published in two volumes in 1828. An American Dictionary of the English Language has become the recognized authority for usage in the United States. Webster’s purpose in writing it was to demonstrate that the American language was developing distinct meanings, pronunciation and spellings from those of British English. 1-le is responsible for advancing simplified spelling forms: develop instead of the British form develope; theater and center instead of theatre and center; color and honor ins of colour and honour.
Questions Passage 4
1. When was An American Dictionary of the English Language published?
(a) 1817
(b) 1828
(c) 1807
(d) 1824
2. According to this passage, which one of the following spellings would Webster have approved in this dictionaries?
(a) develope
(b) theatre
(c) color
(d) honour
3. According to the author, Webster’s purpose in writing An American Dictionary of the English Language was to
(a) respond to the need for new schoolbooks
(b) demonstrate the distinct development of the English language in America
(c) promote spelling forms based upon British models
(d) influence the pronunciation of the English language
4. In how many volumes was An American dictionary of the English Language published?
(a) one volume
(b) two volumes
(c) three volumes
(d) four volumes
Answers Passage 4
1. b 2 c 3. b 4. b
