English is spoken as a first language by most people in the USA，Britain，Australia，New Zealand，Ireland and Canada. However，English is spoken all over the world. It is the main language in over 60 countries，including India，Singapore and many of the Caribbean and Pacific islands. In these places English is often a second language.

English is also an international language in many other countries，like China and Japan. People in these countries use it for business，and travelers to these countries use English when they get there to communicate. Other people may learn English because they enjoy reading books in English，listening to British or American music or watching American films.

English has changed a lot over the years and still goes on changing. It is no longer right to talk about British English or American English if the speakers come or don’t come from those countries. People in Japan and Korea，for example，may use the American spelling but may not sound like Americans.

English will probably be the most widely used language in the world by the end of the 21st century. This language no longer belongs to British，American or Australian speakers. It belongs to anyone in the world. So，as a middle school student of English today, think about how you can use this language. After you leave school, you will almost certainly need it.

1.In how many countries is English spoken as a first language in the passage?

A. Five.                       B. Four.                                C. Three.                    D. Six.

2.In which other countries is English spoken as a main language?

A. Britain, the USA and Australia.

B. India, Singapore and many of the Caribbean and Pacific islands.

C. China and Japan.

D. New Zealand and Canada.

3. People from other countries learn English for ________.

A. passing exams                                            

B. business and traveling

C. reading English books, enjoying English music or films

D. both B and C

4.Even if people in Japan and Korea use American spelling they ________.

A. will speak the same as Americans                   

B. may not sound like Americans

C. will speak British English                                    

D. will speak English much better

5. Which is the best title for the passage?

A. A First Language in the World                           B. A Second Language in the World

C. English around the World                                  D. A Useful Language

English is spoken as a first language by most people in the USA，Britain，Australia，New Zealand，Ireland and Canada. However，English is spoken all over the world. It is the main language in over 60 countries，including India，Singapore and many of the Caribbean and Pacific islands. In these places English is often a second language.
English is also an international language in many other countries，like China and Japan. People in these countries use it for business，and travelers to these countries use English when they get there to communicate. Other people may learn English because they enjoy reading books in English，listening to British or American music or watching American films.
English has changed a lot over the years and still goes on changing. It is no longer right to talk about British English or American English if the speakers come or don’t come from those countries. People in Japan and Korea，for example，may use the American spelling but may not sound like Americans.
English will probably be the most widely used language in the world by the end of the 21st century. This language no longer belongs to British，American or Australian speakers. It belongs to anyone in the world. So，as a middle school student of English today, think about how you can use this language. After you leave school, you will almost certainly need it.
【小题1】In how many countries is English spoken as a first language in the passage?