TEST 39 Questions 1-7. Match the following headings (A-H) to the texts (Q1-Q7). Note: There is one extra heading which you do not need to use. HEADINGS: A) A matter for dispute B) Be careful crossing the street C) Two languages in a tiny country D) The head of state E) Transit point F) The underground city G) Spreading the language H) The guards of the British property Q1.
During the 17
th
and 18
th
centuries, British navigators sailed across the seas with the aim of extending
Britain’s power and prosperity. They colonised new territories around the world, bringing their language
with them. English was enforced as the official language of the new colonies, but often words from the
local languages started to trickle into the English of the colonisers. This occurred most frequently where an
equivalent word did not exist in English.
Q2.
Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock, (or simply Gib), is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom
sitting at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. The very small country is less than 7 square kilometres. It
is bordered by Spain to the north, so the people of Gibraltar, who are British citizens, are naturally
bilingual in English and Spanish. However, Gibraltar’s only official language is English.
Q3.
The Gibraltar is of great strategic importance as it lies on the narrow stretch of water between Europe and
Africa right at the point where the Mediterranean joins the Atlantic Ocean. The British recognised this and
made Gibraltar a colony in 1713. Today, it is the only British possession in the Mediterranean. British
possession of Gibraltar is a sore point with Spain, which borders it. But, as the Spanish say, “Whenever we
talk about Gibraltar, the British talk about the weather or tea.”
Q4.
The Strait of Gibraltar is the narrowest crossing point for birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa.
The Rock offers favourable bird watching opportunities. In autumn, thousands of migrating birds stop off
on their way between their breeding grounds in northern Europe and their wintering areas in Africa. In
spring, they stop there again to feed before continuing their journeys to Western Europe, journeys that may
take them as far as Greenland or Russia.