Identifying where to find information. · Step 2. Read the questions and statements to identify the idea, the topic, and the purpose, underline the key words in the question

· Step 1. Survey the text

· Step 2. Read the questions and statements to identify the idea, the topic, and the purpose, underline the key words in the question, read one question or statement at a time.

a/ The main idea is what the author has in mind when s/he is writing a text. Which one of the sentences given below most closely renders the main idea of the text?

1. Demographic change is one of the most important factors affecting languages – and to a much greater extent than other key trends affecting English – they can be predicted.

2. Analysis of international travel movements suggests that three-quarters of all travel is between non-English speaking countries.

3. The future of languages in the world depends on people.

4. There is a large demand for either foreign language learning or the increasing use of English as a lingua franca.

5. Languages differ remarkably in the age structure of the population speaking them, which will affect the future destiny of languages in the world but also the nature of educational services.

b/ The topic is the subject area the author chooses to bring her/his idea to the reader. Identify the main topic of the text.

1. Complex international, economic, technological and cultural changes that could start to diminish the leading position of English as the language of the world market.

2. The agrarian revolution, which allowed greater food production with fewer workers, and the industrial revolution, which created new employment opportunities in towns, and improvements in healthcare, which reduced mortality rates.

3. The future of languages in the world.

4. International travel movements between non-English speaking countries.

5.Demographic factors affecting language spread, language shift, and language change.

c/ The purpose of the text is what the author wants the reader to believe in. Does the writer want you to believe that:

1. Demographic changes can affect the English language to a much greater extent but they can be predicted?

2. Though English is ‘demographically challenged’ in developing countries it is rapidly acquiring new speakers in developed countries?

3. Large numbers of migrant workers support the economy without changing the ethnic and linguistic profile of developed countries?

4. Current demographic changes are harming the English language?

5. The relative size of the world’s languages depends on the age profile of population?