CAE - Use of english

Exercise 4 - Part 1

For questions 1-8, think of the best word to complete each sentence.

The Evolution of Language

Languages are dynamic systems that continuously evolve over time, adapting to the needs of their speakers. For generations, the precise origin of grammatical structures has (1) historical linguists. While some argue that certain patterns are hardwired into the human brain, others maintain that social interaction plays the dominant role. In recent years, digital databases of ancient texts have (2) light on how dialects gradually transform into distinct languages. (3) of which theory you support, it is undeniable that globalization is accelerating this process. Experts are under no (4) about the threat this poses to linguistic diversity, as minor languages disappear at an alarming rate. To prevent this loss, activists are working hard to (5) endangered dialects before they vanish completely. This urgent preservation work (6) future generations with a record of cultural heritage. If communities do not (7) active steps to teach these languages to children, the cultural damage will quickly (8) across entire regions.

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