题目

阅读理解 From linguists' point of view, grammar is a set of patterns for how words are put together to form phrases or clauses, whether in spoken or written. Different languages have different patterns. Some scholars have tried to identify patterns common to all languages. But apart from some basic features, few of these so called linguistic universals have been found. The study of these patterns opens up "an ongoing debate" between two positions, known as prescriptivism and descriptivism. Prescriptivism thinks a given language should follow consistent rules, while descriptivism sees variation and adaptation as a natural and necessary part of language. Language purists(纯化论者) worked to establish and promote this standard by detailing a set of rules that reflected the established grammar of their times. And rules for written grammar were applied to spoken language as well. Speech patterns that deviated from the written rules were considered signs of low social status. And many people who are grown­ups speaking in these ways were forced to adopt the standardized form. More recently, however, linguists have understood that speech is a separate phenomenon from writing with its own regularities and patterns. We form our spoken skills through unconscious habits, not memorized rules. And because speech also uses mood and intonation for meaning, its structure is often more flexible, adapting to the needs of speakers and listeners. This could mean avoiding complex clauses that are hard to understand in real time, making changes to avoid awkward pronunciation or removing sounds to make speech faster. But while the debate between prescriptivism and descriptivism continues, the two are not mutually exclusive. Like language itself, it's a wonderful and complex fabric woven through the contributions of speakers and listeners, writers and readers, prescriptivists and descriptivists from both near and far. （1） What does the underlined word "deviated" in Paragraph 3 probably mean? A . copied B . updated C . differed D . originated （2） According to the passage, prescriptivism        . A . focuses on established language patterns B . accepts the differences between languages C . follows the innovations in language patterns D . attaches more importance to written language （3） What is Paragraph 4 mainly about? A . The beliefs held by prescriptivists. B . A new understanding of language. C . The impact of grammar on language. D . The ongoing debate between linguists. （4） Which of the following would be the best title for the passage? A . The History of Grammar B . The Importance of Grammar C . Grammar: Writing Rules D . Grammar: Rules or Habits 答案： C A B D

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