I. Read the text and choose the correct answer A (True) or B (False), NS (Not Stated). Languages If you're reading this, then you're probably studying English. Maybe you speak a couple of other languages too. What are the British like when it comes to learning languages? Statistics Brits are famous for not speaking foreign languages. According to a survey published by the European Commission, this bad reputation is totally justified. The results of the survey state that the British are officially the worst language learners in Europe! School Learning a foreign language is not a popular option at school in Britain. In UK schools it is common for children to start studying a foreign language at the age of 11 and many students give up languages completely at 14. So why don't young people continue with languages at school? Research suggests that students think that it is more difficult to get good grades in languages than in other subjects such as science or history. The British government is now looking at different ways to improve language learning at school. One idea is to start much younger; there are plans to introduce foreign languages from the age of five. Which languages? Another plan is to give school children more choice. The languages traditionally studied in British schools have been Spanish and German. Now the government is encouraging teachers to expand the range of languages taught to include Arabic, Mandarin Chinese and Urdu. Scientists predict Mandarin to become the second most popular foreign language learned in UK schools. It is already studied by more children than German or Russian. Only French and Spanish are more popular. Gareth from Wales says 'I am learning Chinese, and find it fun'. 1. The British are good at learning languages. 2. A lot of British schoolchildren stop learning languages when they are 14. 3. The British government wants children to start learning a foreign language at the age of five. 4. British children only study French at school. 5. There are plans to offer more languages at school. Il. Ask questions to the underlined parts of the sentences. 1. Students think that it is more difficult to get good grades in languages than in other subjects. 2, Yes, it is common for children to start studying a foreign language at the age of 11. 3. Scientists predict Mandarin to become the second most popular foreign language learned in UK schools. III. Choose the best answer or fill in the gaps. 2. a famous person in his life? (Paul ever meet) 2. I am planning my granny next week. A) visi! B) vishting C) to visit 3. English in Australia A) bpoke B) Is spoken C) are spoken 4, Fred snid "Thave invented a new computer progrem" Fred sard (that) 5. I1 poople dice't drive to work they i lorol petrol