GK 138: World English Language Day-23rd APRIL

World English Language Day is celebrated on April 23 every year at the United Nations. It is celebrated on this day because it is both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare, who was not only the most famous playwright but also had a huge impact on modern-day English. Today, every one in four people in the world uses English. The day is observed to promote multilingualism, create awareness, and celebrate the success of the largest speaking language in the world.

1. When is English Language Day celebrated?
   A. April 23
   B. March 21
   C. February 21
   D. May 1
   Answer: A
2. Which international organization established English Language Day?
   A. United Nations
   B. International English Language Testing System
   C. Cambridge English Language Assessment
   D. British Council
   Answer: A
3. English is the official language of how many countries?
   A. 67
   B. 53
   C. 39
   D. 25
   Answer: B
4. Who is considered the father of English literature?
   A. William Shakespeare
   B. Charles Dickens
   C. Geoffrey Chaucer
   D. Jane Austen
   Answer: C
5. In what century did the English language begin to take on its modern form?
   A. 14th century
   B. 16th century
   C. 18th century
   D. 20th century
   Answer: B
6. How many letters are in the English alphabet?
   A. 24
   B. 25
   C. 26
   D. 27
   Answer: C
7. Which English word has the most definitions in the Oxford English Dictionary?
   A. Run
   B. Set
   C. Play
   D. Do
   Answer: B
8. Which country has the most English speakers?
   A. United Kingdom
   B. United States
   C. India
   D. China
   Answer: C
9. Which Shakespearean play includes the phrase “To be or not to be”?
   A. Romeo and Juliet
   B. Macbeth
   C. Julius Caesar
   D. Hamlet
   Answer: D
10. What is the name of the official dictionary of the English language?
    A. Oxford Dictionary
    B. Cambridge Dictionary
    C. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
    D. Collins Dictionary
    Answer: A
11. How many English words have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2021?
    A. 2,000
    B. 3,000
    C. 4,000
    D. 5,000
    Answer: C
12. Which English word originally comes from the Greek word “aristos”, meaning best?
    A. Democracy
    B. Aristocrat
    C. Anarchy
    D. Metaphor
    Answer: B
13. Which English word used to mean “one who makes arrows”?
    A. Architect
    B. Carpenter
    C. Bowyer
    D. Miner
    Answer: C
14. Which English word used to mean “to communicate using birds”?
    A. Tweet
    B. Facebook
    C. Text
    D. Email
    Answer: A
15. In what year was the first English language Bible printed?
    A. 1455
    B. 1504
    C. 1535
    D. 1611
    Answer: C
16. Which language contributed the most words to the English language?
    A. French
    B. Latin
    C. German
    D. Chinese
    Answer: A
17. What is the name of the symbol used to represent the conjunction “and”?
    A. Ampersand
    B. Asterisk
    C. Tilde
    D. Dagger
    Answer: A
18. Which English word is used to describe a fear of long words?
    A. Arachnophobia
    B. Acrophobia
    C. Ablutophobia
    D. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
    Answer: D
19. Which Shakespearean play features the famous line “All the world’s a stage”?
    A. Macbeth
    B. Hamlet
    C. Julius Caesar
    D. As You Like It
    Answer: D
20. Which English word comes from the Old English “bridfÆst”, meaning to break your fast?
    A. Lunch
    B. Dinner
    C. Breakfast
    D. Supper
    Answer: C