The benefits of being bilingual - Module 5

C2 Proficiency · Word Formation · Expert Proficiency Resource Book, Pearson Education

For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning.

DIPLOMAT

RELUCTANT

RESPECT

COGNITION

SIGNIFY

SHARP

SET

MOAN

The (0) ___ of English as a global language may be something of a 'mixed blessing' for mother-tongue speakers of the language. Because English is the lingua franca of science, technology, business and (1) ___ across the world, there is a marked (2) ___ amongst English speakers to learn a second language. Amongst European countries, the UK and Ireland have the lowest rates of bilingualism, with around 30 percent of people unable to hold a simple conversation in another language. In Australia and the USA, the figure is even lower. Yet research has shown that bilingualism is good for the brain. (3) ___ of whether you are raised bilingual, or learn a second language at school, the process can improve (4) ___ function across the board, from concentration and memory to multi-tasking. Even more (5) ___ , bilingualism can (6) ___ the ageing mind. For example, amongst people susceptible to dementia, the (7) ___ can be delayed by years. Clearly it is high time that those who (8) ___ the neglect of language teaching in English-speaking countries were given more of a hearing.

The benefits of being bilingual

DOMINATE

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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