Important Questions For All Chapters – English Class 11
Short Questions with Answers
1. Which language has the most speakers in the world?
Answer : Mandarin Chinese has the highest number of speakers in the world, with approximately 873 million people speaking it.
2. How old is English?
Answer : English is about 1,500 years old, and the version we are familiar with today is less than five centuries old.
3. What are the three main periods of English?
Answer : The three main periods of English are Old English, Middle English, and Modern English.
4. When was Modern English introduced?
Answer : Modern English began around AD 1500 and continues to be used to this day.
5. What is the present period of English called?
Answer : The present period of English is called the era of “New Englishes,” reflecting its adaptation in different parts of the world.
6. What period is marked by inflections?
Answer : The Old English period is marked by the use of inflections in the language.
7. When was the printing press invented?
Answer : The printing press was invented in 1476, which greatly influenced the development of the English language.
8. What was a major development during the Middle English period?
Answer : A major development during the Middle English period was the Great Vowel Shift, which changed English pronunciation significantly.
9. What languages enriched Middle English?
Answer : French and Latin enriched Middle English by contributing many words and phrases to its vocabulary.
10. Why is English an international language?
Answer : English is considered an international language because it is widely spoken and used for global communication in fields like trade, technology, and education.
11. What role did globalization play for English?
Answer : Globalization helped English become the main language for international communication and business across the world.
12. Which famous writers contributed to English literature?
Answer : Famous writers like William Shakespeare, John Milton, and William Wordsworth made significant contributions to English literature.
13. What helped the rise of literacy in the Middle English period?
Answer : The invention of the printing press helped increase literacy during the Middle English period by making books more accessible.
14. When did English become a global language?
Answer : English became a global language during the territorial expansion of the British Empire, which spread it to many parts of the world.
15. What is English often called in the modern world?
Answer : English is often called the language of the Cyber Age because it is widely used on the internet and in technology.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. Why is English considered important globally?
Answer : English is spoken worldwide and is used for communication in trade, technology, and education. Although it has fewer speakers than Mandarin, its influence is far greater. This makes it the preferred international language.
2. What were the characteristics of Old English?
Answer : Old English was spoken from AD 449 to AD 1066 and was full of inflections. It was mainly a spoken language, and its literature was not significant due to a lack of court support. This period is often called the Dark Age.
3. What changes happened during the Middle English period?
Answer : Middle English borrowed heavily from French and Latin. The invention of the printing press and the rise of literacy also boosted its development. These changes made English more suitable for both written and spoken communication.
4. What is the Great Vowel Shift?
Answer : The Great Vowel Shift was a major change in English pronunciation. It occurred during the Middle English period. This shift helped shape the sounds of Modern English.
5. How did English expand during the Modern period?
Answer : English expanded through the British Empire’s growth, science, industry, and literature. It also absorbed words from the countries Britain colonized. This made English a global language.
6. What are “New Englishes”?
Answer : “New Englishes” are the varieties of English spoken in former British colonies. Examples include Indian English and American English. These forms reflect local influences but retain their global utility.
7. How does English reflect globalization?
Answer : English has adapted to the globalized world as the main language for communication. It is used in trade, technology, and international relations. Its flexibility and reach make it essential today.
8. Why was Middle English significant for literature?
Answer : Middle English marked the start of English as a literary language. With the rise of literacy and the printing press, English gained popularity. It also saw the creation of famous works like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
9. How did territorial expansion influence English?
Answer : British colonization spread English across continents. It absorbed words from other cultures and languages. This made English richer and more versatile.
10. What is the future of English?
Answer : English will likely remain a global language. It continues to adapt to technology and cultural changes. Its role as the main language of the internet and communication ensures its growth.
Long Questions with Answers
1. Explain the significance of Old English.
Answer : Old English, spoken from AD 449 to AD 1066, was the earliest form of the language. It had inflections and was mainly used for everyday speech. Literature from this time was limited because it lacked court support. This period is called the Dark Age due to minimal cultural achievements. However, it laid the foundation for the English language.
2. What were the major features of the Middle English period?
Answer : Middle English, from AD 1150 to AD 1500, became enriched by French and Latin influences. Two key developments were the invention of the printing press in 1476 and the Great Vowel Shift. Literacy rates rose significantly, and English gained importance as a literary language. Works like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales emerged. This period marked a turning point for written English.
3. What defines Modern English?
Answer : Modern English began around AD 1500 and continues today. It grew during the British Empire’s expansion, absorbing words from different languages. It became the language of science, literature, and global communication. Recently, it has split into “New Englishes,” such as Indian and American English. Modern English is versatile and widely used.
4. How did the printing press impact English?
Answer : The printing press, invented in 1476, revolutionized the English language. It made books cheaper and accessible to more people, increasing literacy. This boosted the popularity of English as a written language. Famous works began to be published, spreading ideas and standardizing the language. It marked the start of widespread use of English.
5. What is the importance of the British Empire in spreading English?
Answer : The British Empire spread English to many parts of the world. Colonized countries adopted English for administration, trade, and education. Even after gaining independence, many countries retained English. This made English a global language. Its influence grew with the expansion of science, technology, and literature.
6. How has English evolved over the years?
Answer : English started as a simple Germanic language brought by Anglo-Saxons. It changed in the Middle English period with French and Latin influences. The printing press, literacy, and the Great Vowel Shift further shaped it. During Modern English, it absorbed words from colonized countries. Today, it continues to adapt as “New Englishes” emerge.
7. Why is English called the language of the Cyber Age?
Answer : English is widely used on the internet, making it the language of the Cyber Age. It is the primary language for websites, programming, and online communication. Its global reach helps people from different countries connect. This role ensures its importance in modern technology.
8. What makes English suitable for globalization?
Answer : English is flexible, absorbing words from different cultures. It is the language of trade, science, and technology, making it essential worldwide. Its use in former British colonies helped it become widespread. Today, it connects people globally and adapts to changing needs.
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