The Vieira family moved to the United States in 1981. At that time, they decided to stop speaking Spanish at home and only communicate in English. This was because they were now living in an English-speaking country.

     Now the Vieira children are adults, and they sometimes travel to Spain to visit their family and friends. But they cannot communicate with them. Unfortunately this is common. When people move to new countries, they often leave their own customs and mother language behind. This is a mistake because there are many benefits to knowing more than one language.

     One advantage of speaking more than one language is that you can communicate directly with more people around the world. You do not have to depend on others to talk for you, so you’re more independent. People who know only one language must use others to help them communicate.

     Furthermore, speaking a second language also allows people to experience other cultures and customs more effectively. Local expressions, vocabulary, and even jokes can have a powerful effect on a person’s understanding of another culture. So, knowing more than one language increases your knowledge of other cultures.

     Finally, having more multi-language speakers improves relationships between countries. If people from different countries can communicate well, the world can become closer. Countries will then have more respect for each other and better understand each other’s problems.

     The benefits of knowing more than one language are clear. In fact, there are no disadvantages. It is very sad that many people don’t try to learn another language. It is even worse when people let themselves forget their mother language and become silenced.

1.What is the passage mainly about?

A. The benefits of learning other languages.

B. The reasons why people come to America.

C. The importance of learning English.

D. How to learn another language.

2.The passage begins with the experience of the Vieira family in order to_______.

A. discuss the need for teaching a new language

B. introduce the passage’s main characters to the readers

C. describe the advantages of moving to another country

D. show the problems of speaking only one language

3.The underlined phrase “multi-language speakers” (Paragraph 5) means “people who know ______.”

A. their mother language          B. a new language

C. more than one language        D. body language

4.According to the passage, if you can speak more than one language, you can____.

A. find a better job

B. make more friends

C. better understand history

D. communicate more independently

5.Based on the last paragraph, which of the following is the worst?

A. Not knowing another language.

B. Forgetting one’s mother language.

C. Refusing to learn another language.

D. Failing to communicate with others.

Every year, thousands of students choose to study in another country for a term, or a year. Studying overseas can be an exciting experience for many people.

Why do it

Living in another country can help you to learn another language, and

about another culture. You will see the world in a new way, and learn more

about yourself. Overseas study may also look good on your future resume

(求职简历). Many companies today want employees who speak a second language, or have experiences living or working in another country.

Making the right choice

Once you decided to study overseas, you have to make some choices. To choose the right

country or school, ask yourself: Where do I want to go and why? How much do I want to pay? How

long do I want to study abroad? Do I want to live with roommates, alone or somewhere else?

Getting ready to go

Get your passport and visa early! Before you go, learn some of the language, and read about

some common customs in the country that you are going to. Learn about the money. Bring some of it and a credit card with you.

Once you are there

After the first few weeks overseas, many students will feel a little homesick. They may miss their family, friends, and familiar ways of doing things. Remember that it takes time to get used to a new place, school and culture. When you feel sad or homesick, try to talk to others, or write your feelings in a notebook.

1.Studying overseas can bring many people an exciting experience.

2.The experiences of living or working in another country can help you find a good job.

3.If you decide to study abroad, you should make the right choice first.

4.You have to get a passport and visa after you go abroad and learn English well.

5. Try to talk to your parents or return home when you feel sad or homesick.

The Vieira family moved to the United States in 1981. At that time, they decided to stop speaking Spanish at home and only communicate in English. This was because they were now living in an English-speaking country.
Now the Vieira children are adults, and they sometimes travel to Spain to visit their family and friends. But they cannot communicate with them. Unfortunately this is common. When people move to new countries, they often leave their own customs and mother language behind. This is a mistake because there are many benefits（益处）of knowing more than one language.
One advantage of speaking more than one language is that you can communicate directly with more people around the world. You do not have to depend on others to talk for you, so you’re more independent. People who know only one language must use others to help them communicate.
Furthermore, speaking a second language also allows people to experience other cultures and customs more effectively（有效地）. Local expressions, vocabulary, and even jokes can have a powerful effect on a person’s understanding of another culture. So, knowing more than one language increases your knowledge of other cultures.
Finally, having more multi-language speakers improves relationships between countries. If people from different countries can communicate well, the world can become closer. Countries will then have more respect for each other and better understand each other’s problems.
The benefits of knowing more than one language are clear. In fact, there are no disadvantages. It is very sad that many people don’t try to learn another language. It is even worse when people let themselves forget their mother language and become silenced.
【小题1】The passage begins with the experience of the Vieira family in order to______.

The Vieira family moved to the United States in 1981. At that time, they decided to stop speaking Spanish at home and only communicate in English. This was because they were now living in an English-speaking country.
Now the Vieira children are adults, and they sometimes travel to Spain to visit their family and friends. But they cannot communicate with them. Unfortunately this is common. When people move to new countries, they often leave their own customs and mother language behind. This is a mistake because there are many benefits to knowing more than one language.
One advantage of speaking more than one language is that you can communicate directly with more people around the world. You do not have to depend on others to talk for you, so you’re more independent. People who know only one language must use others to help them communicate.
Furthermore, speaking a second language also allows people to experience other cultures and customs more effectively. Local expressions, vocabulary, and even jokes can have a powerful effect on a person’s understanding of another culture. So, knowing more than one language increases your knowledge of other cultures.
Finally, having more multi-language speakers improves relationships between countries. If people from different countries can communicate well, the world can become closer. Countries will then have more respect for each other and better understand each other’s problems.
The benefits of knowing more than one language are clear. In fact, there are no disadvantages. It is very sad that many people don’t try to learn another language. It is even worse when people let themselves forget their mother language and become silenced.
【小题1】What is the passage mainly about?