Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 19 to 24.

English Around the World

Today, more than 1.5 billion people speak English. However, it is not the same everywhere. The idea of “World Englishes” shows us that English has many different forms. Each place makes English its own by adding local words, sounds, and styles. This makes the language colourful and interesting.

English began in Britain. When British people travelled and built colonies, they took their language with them. In the USA, Australia, and Canada, English changed slowly and became the first language for most people. Americans say “cookie” instead of “biscuit”. Australians use words like “barbie” for barbecue and “arvo” for afternoon.

In many Asian and African countries, English is an important second language. In India, people created Indian English. In Indian English, they may use “ji” at the end of names to show respect. In Singapore, people speak Singlish (that is Singaporean+English). A Singaporean might say, “You go where ah?” meaning “Where are you going?” These local varieties help people express their culture and identity.

Even in countries where English is a foreign language, people are making new forms. Young people in Japan mix English with Japanese in songs and social media. In the Middle East, business people use English but add Arabic words and expressions.

World Englishes remind us that no single country owns English anymore. All speakers can be proud of their own way of using it. The language is like a big family with many different voices, but they can still understand each other. This variety makes English stronger and more useful in our connected world.

(Adapted from English Reading comprehension MCQs)