Liceum – Poziom rozszerzony

© Pearson Central Europe, June 2013 PHOTOCOPIABLE

Warm-up

1. Which languages might these English words come from?

1 tomato rodeo embargo
2 yacht iceberg tulip
3 karaoke origami tsunami
4 massage terror limousine

Reading

2. Read the texts (A–C) and match them to the descriptions (1-4). There is one

extra description which you do not need to use.

Text A 

1 offers an explanation that is generally accepted.

Text B 

2 criticises linguists for their wrong predictions.

Text C 

3 summarises the beliefs of a prominent figure.

4 uses an anecdote to illustrate an opinion.

A.

Why is English spelling difficult?
Most linguists agree that the main reason is that it is inconsistent. On the one hand, the same sound
can be spelt in different ways (e.g. fear and steer). On the other hand, the same sequence of letters
can be pronounced in different ways (e.g. thought, through and tough). It is also worth pointing out
that many English words come from other languages. And, in many cases, their original spelling is
preserved in English (e.g. bureaucracy). The good news is that many words are relatively short
and, thus, easier to remember. Learners of German have to learn such long words as
Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung (speed limit).

B.

C.

What is the future of English spelling?

World-renowned linguist David Crystal has
attended the Telegraph Hay Festival 2013
where he has expressed his predictions
concerning the English spelling system.
Professor Crystal has said that he believes
that the spelling will change considerably
in 50 years' time. For example, he
predicts that receipt will be spelt as receit.

Such a change is possible as people prefer
simpler and shorter forms, especially on the
internet. We are likely to drop not only silent
letters but also double letters, as in
accommodation. Crystal doesn't judge these
changes as good or bad. In his opinion, they
are part of natural language evolution.

Liceum – Poziom rozszerzony

© Pearson Central Europe, June 2013 PHOTOCOPIABLE

Vocabulary

3. Read the texts in Exercise 2 again. Find words which match these definitions.

1 something that changes too often or doesn't behave in a regular way
2 kept, not changed in any way
3 learning something difficult so that you find it easy to use
4 of exceptional standard or quality
5 stop using something
6 the process of slow, gradual change over time

4. Find and correct all spelling mistakes in the sentences below.

1 I am writing to you ask about the cost of renting a limosine in Los Angeles.
2 Most business owners argue for the reduction of unnecesary burocracy.
3 This can't be write. Isn't the train much qicker and cheaper?
4 Here is your receit. Please keep it in a safe place.
5 When he was in his early twentys, he though that he would be a photographer.
6 We don't need accomodation in Athens – we're staying at a friend's place.

Use of English

5. Use the words in brackets to complete the sentences. You can change their

forms but do not change their order. Use between 2 and 5 words.

1. Very long words (can / difficult / pronounce) _______________ by many non-native

speakers.

2. (worth / mention) _______________ that secondary students are expected to read one

novel by Joseph Conrad.

3. Her poems (not / consider / be) _______________ particularly good by experts today.
4. This is (long / word) _______________ that I can't remember it.
5. If people (not / likely / make) _______________ spelling mistakes, word processors

wouldn't have a spell check.

Speaking

6. Work in pairs. Take turns to ask and answer the

questions below.

1. In your opinion, is Polish spelling difficult for native speakers of
Polish? Why/Why not?
2. Do you think that the spelling rules in English should be
simplified? Why/Why not?
3. Some people say that you can never express your feelings or
emotions in a foreign language. Do you agree? Why/Why not?
4. In what ways could we promote Polish culture abroad?

Writing

7. Read the exam task. Working in pairs, write down

three advantages and disadvantages. Then write your essay.

Co jakiś czas w Wielkiej Brytanii powraca pomysł przeprowadzenia reformy ortografii w celu
jej uproszczenia i ujednolicenia. Napisz rozprawkę, przedstawiającą zalety i wady
wprowadzenia takich zmian.

Wypowiedź powinna zawierać od 200 do 250 słów.