St.

Michael’s Convent School

1st TERM EVALUATION (2020-2021)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Class: VIII Marks: 15 Publish Date: 30-09-2020

Name:

Section: G.R Number:

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Q1 Reading Comprehension
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Importance of learning a new language

According to a famous saying, ‘The limits of my language are the limits of my world’. Indeed, the ability to
speak several languages is considered one of the hallmarks of a cultured person. From this perspective, foreign
language instruction should begin as early as possible in order to achieve near-native fluency. The reasons behind
this approach are intellectual, social and professional.

Intellectually, learning a foreign language at a young age enables children to develop their brain. At this age,
children’s minds are like sponges and their capacities are limitless. They have less inhibition or biases against
learning different subjects. They can learn one, two or three languages without confusion; it would only serve
to expand their minds. Therefore, it is ideal to start teaching a foreign language in kindergarten.

Socially, learning a foreign language enables the young child to enter a wider cultural world. By learning to
speak, think and understand a different language, the child develops greater cross-cultural awareness. This
critical ability enables the child to make friends with, identify with and empathize with others who speak the
additional language

Professionally, by learning a foreign language in kindergarten, the child expands his/her future career
horizons. In today’s increasingly globalized world, bilingual and multilingual individuals are in high

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demand. The child who achieves this fluency naturally and easily at a young age already has an edge over
others in the job market.

In summary, numerous benefits flow from teaching a foreign language from kindergarten. The child will most
likely to grow up to thank those who made such a learning experience possible.

i) Match the following words with their correct meanings:

[2]

a) hallmarks above
b) intellectual develop
c) inhabitation favoritism
d) biases shyness

ii) What does this famous saying ‘The limits of my language are the limits of my world ‘mean? How
far do you agree or disagree with the statement?

[2]

iii) Enlist any two main reasons to achieve the fluency of a foreign language.
[2]

iv) If you get a chance to learn a language which language you would like to learn and why? [1]

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Q2 Writing Task /8

It is always invaluable to know more than one language. Language learning always takes patience; moreover, it
needs good strategies, motivation, and a good instructor to help students to overcome the sense of division toward
a new language or culture. Write a Narrative essay of 200 to 250 words about the time when you learnt a new
language.
While narrating include these;
(i) Which language did you learn and why?
(ii) Mention at least three main advantages of learning any language.
(iii) Suggest three ways to learn any new language faster.