УСТНАЯ ЧАСТЬ ОГЭ
материал для подготовки к егэ (гиа) по английскому языку (9 класс)

Learning the English Language in the XXI century

       To know at least one foreign language today is absolutely necessary for every educated person. The more languages you know, the better, because it’s your chance to be successful in the world.

        More and more people learn English nowadays. English is a world language. It is the language of science and technology, trade and cultural relations, commerce and business. It is the universal language of international aviation, shipping and sports. It is also the major language of diplomacy.

       Hundreds and hundreds of books, magazines and newspapers are printed in English and read over the world. 75 % of the world’s mail and 60 % of the world’s telephone calls are in English. Half of the world’s scientific literature is written in English.

       English is spoken by more than 350 million people. Geographically it is the most wide-spread language on earth, second only to Chinese in the number of people who speak it.

It is the official language of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island, of the United States of America, of Australia and New Zealand. English is used as one of the official languages in Canada, the Republic of South Africa and the Irish Republic. It is also spoken as a second language in many parts of India and Africa. The number of second- language speakers may soon exceed the number of native speakers.

       Besides, millions of people study and use English as a foreign language. In our country English is very popular: it is learnt at schools (sometimes even in nursery schools), colleges and universities.

       I want to know foreign languages because I have always been interested in foreign countries, their culture and people. I’m absolutely sure that language learning helps you understand other cultures and your own culture better. If you know a language of a particular country you are able to communicate with native speakers and learn about their lifestyles and way of thinking as if from inside. Also you can easily read literature in the original. It’s always much more interesting!

      Learning a foreign language is not an easy thing. It is a long and slow process that takes a lot of time, effort and patience. I do a lot of necessary things to learn English. First of all I do English well at school. Besides I have individual lessons with a tutor three days a week. I’m crazy about translating songs in English and then singing them. I have already read some English books in the original. Moreover, when I’m abroad I don’t miss a chance to speak English with foreigners.    

Remember to say:

1. Why more and more people learn foreign languages nowadays?
2. How many languages a successful professional should know? Why?
3. If language learning helps you understand other cultures and your own culture better?