1. What does R.K. Narayan propose for Indian English?
A. Using only formal language
B. Adopting American English
C. Mingling of English with another language
D. Giving Indian English its own distinctive stamp
Answer: Giving Indian English its own distinctive stamp (D)
R.K. Narayan wants Indian English to have its own unique identity.
2. Why does the author like American English?
A. It is more straightforward, conversational, and informal
B. It uses only passive voice
C. It is more complex and formal
D. It is identical to British English
Answer: It is more straightforward, conversational, and informal (A)
American English is more direct and easy to understand, according to the author.
3. What does the author mean by ‘toasting’ of English in America?
A. Making English more difficult to understand
B. Making English more formal and complex
C. Adapting English to suit American preferences and way of life
D. Getting rid of English grammar rules
Answer: Adapting English to suit American preferences and way of life (C)
The author suggests that Americans have adapted English to fit their needs and way of life.
4. Why does the author oppose the ‘mingling’ of English?
A. Because it loses the integrity of grammar and rules
B. Because it is not used in India
C. Because it is too difficult to understand
D. Because it is only used in America
Answer: Because it loses the integrity of grammar and rules (A)
The author believes that mingling English with other languages compromises its grammatical integrity.
5. What is the significance of the phrase ‘the American National Expression’?
A. It refers to the way British people speak English
B. It refers to distinct keywords used by Americans anywhere in the world
C. It refers to the way English is taught in schools
D. It refers to the way Indians speak English
Answer: It refers to distinct keywords used by Americans anywhere in the world (B)
The author uses this phrase to describe Americans’ unique way of expressing themselves in English.
6. What is the tone of the essay ‘Toasted English’?
A. Comical yet serious
B. Analytical and critical
C. Informal and casual
D. Serious and formal
Answer: Comical yet serious (A)
The essay is written in a way that is both humorous and serious, highlighting the differences between American and British English.
7. What is an example of American English leaving no room for speculation?
A. A signboard saying ‘Maybe Park Here’
B. A signboard saying ‘Parking Optional’
C. A signboard saying ‘Absolutely Little Parking’
D. A signboard saying ‘No Parking’
Answer: A signboard saying ‘Absolutely Little Parking’ (C)
The author provides an example of a clear and direct instruction on a signboard.
8. What is the process of changing English referred to as?
A. Toasting
B. Informalization
C. Anglicization
D. Americanization
Answer: Toasting (A)
The author uses the term ‘Toasting’ to describe the process of changing English, making it more informal and practical.
9. What does the author want Indian English to be free from?
A. The need for grammatical rules
B. The use of formal language
C. The oppressive tyranny of the passive voice
D. The influence of American English
Answer: The oppressive tyranny of the passive voice (C)
The author wants Indian English to be freed from the complexity of passive voice.
10. What is the significance of the word ‘check’ in American English?
A. It is only used in formal writing
B. It is a national expression in the United States
C. It is only used in British English
D. It is an obsolete word
Answer: It is a national expression in the United States (B)
The author uses the word ‘check’ as an example of an Americanism that has become a national expression in the United States.
11. What does R.K. Narayan suggest should be the basis for Indian English?
A. British English
B. Formal language only
C. Indian requirements and circumstances
D. American English
Answer: Indian requirements and circumstances (C)
R.K. Narayan advocates for Indian English to be shaped by Indian needs and context.
12. What is the author’s attitude towards the ‘toasting’ of English in America?
A. He is unaware of it
B. He disapproves of it
C. He approves of it
D. He is neutral about it
Answer: He disapproves of it (B)
The author criticizes the ‘toasting’ of English in America for compromising grammatical integrity.
13. How do Londoners employ English?
A. Formally
B. Informally
C. Rudely
D. Politely
Answer: Politely (D)
Londoners employ English in a polite manner, as illustrated by the example of a conductor on a London bus saying ‘Thank you’ when taking the fare.
14. What is unnecessary in American English?
A. Using the word ‘yeah’ in informal conversations
B. Using the word ‘ok’ in formal writing
C. Using the word ‘yes’ with ‘Sir’ or ‘Darling’
D. Using the word ‘check’ in any context
Answer: Using the word ‘yes’ with ‘Sir’ or ‘Darling’ (C)
In American English, it is unnecessary to follow the word ‘yes’ with ‘Sir’ or ‘Darling’, as ‘yes’ is a complete sentence.
15. What is the significance of the phrase ‘Swadeshi Stamp’?
A. It refers to Indian-made products
B. It refers to the national anthem of India
C. It refers to giving Indian English its own distinctive stamp
D. It refers to the Indian flag
Answer: It refers to giving Indian English its own distinctive stamp (C)
The author uses this phrase to describe his vision for Indian English having its own unique identity.
16. What is the author’s main argument about English?
A. It is only used in formal settings
B. It is only spoken in the United States
C. It is a dying language
D. It has become a commodity
Answer: It has become a commodity (D)
The author argues that English has become something of a commodity, with different countries and cultures adopting and adapting it in their own ways.
17. What is the significance of the phrase ‘Newly Planted, Don’t Walk’?
A. It is a formal warning sign
B. It is a phrase used only in British English
C. It is a replacement for ‘Trespassing Prohibited’
D. It is an example of American English
Answer: It is a replacement for ‘Trespassing Prohibited’ (C)
The phrase ‘Newly Planted, Don’t Walk’ is given as an example of how Americans have adapted English to make it more practical and useful.
18. What is the difference between American and British usage of the word ‘check’?
A. Americans never use the word ‘check’, while British use it frequently
B. Americans use it only in definitions, while British use it in multiple contexts
C. Americans use it in multiple contexts, while British use it only in definitions
D. Americans use it only in formal writing, while British use it in informal conversations
Answer: Americans use it in multiple contexts, while British use it only in definitions (C)
The author notes that Americans use the word ‘check’ in multiple contexts, while British use it only in definitions.
19. What is a ‘check girl’?
A. A waitress
B. A bank teller
C. A ticket seller
D. A coat checker
Answer: A coat checker (D)
A ‘check girl’ is someone who takes care of your coat, umbrella or anything else you have, as explained in the essay.
20. What is the significance of the words ‘ok’, ‘yeah’, and ‘yes’ in American English?
A. They are used only in formal writing
B. They are complete sentences that don’t require any additional suffixes
C. They are used only in British English
D. They are never used in informal conversations
Answer: They are complete sentences that don’t require any additional suffixes (B)
In American English, ‘ok’, ‘yeah’, and ‘yes’ are complete sentences that don’t require any additional suffixes, such as ‘Sir’ or ‘Darling’.
21. What is the main focus of the research paper ‘Toasted English’?
A. The use of English in India
B. The use of English in different content
C. The history of the English language
D. The difference between British and American English
Answer: The use of English in different content (B)
The paper discusses the adaptation of English in various contexts.
22. What did Americans do to eliminate British influence?
A. Eliminated everything related to the British
B. Started using active voices
C. Adopted the British accent
D. Increased their vocabulary
Answer: Eliminated everything related to the British (A)
Americans wanted to break free from British influence.
23. What is the author’s suggestion for Indian English?
A. It should be based on British English
B. It should be free from American influence
C. It should have its own unique identity
D. It should follow the rules of British grammar
Answer: It should have its own unique identity (C)
The author wants Indian English to reflect Indian culture.
24. Why did Americans start using passive voices?
A. To simplify their language
B. To change their language and break free from British influence
C. To follow grammatical rules
D. To sound more polite
Answer: To change their language and break free from British influence (B)
Americans wanted to create a distinct American English.
25. What is the author’s expectation for Indian English in the future?
A. It will remain the same
B. It will merge with American English
C. It will disappear
D. It will develop its own unique identity
Answer: It will develop its own unique identity (D)
The author predicts Indian English will evolve over time.
