The English language is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is usedas either first or second language in many countries. During the 16th century, only about two million people spoke English. All of them lived in what is now the United Kingdom. Over the centuries,as a result of various historical events, English has spread throughout the world. Today, about 400 million people speak English as their native language Most of THEM live in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, NewZealand, South Africa, and the Unites States. Another 100 million people, CHIEFLY living in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and inmany African countries, speak English in addition to their own language. Anadditional 200 million people in the world probably know at least some English. English is the international language of science and technology. In addition, the English language is used throughout the world in business and diplomacy. 1. what is the passage about? A. The importance of English in business and diplomacy B. The history of English C. English - The international language of science and teachnology D. The widespread use of English 2. English is spoken as native language in the following countries EXPECT _____ A. Ireland B. Australia C. Canada D. Thailand 3. how many people spoke English during the 1510s? A. fewer than 2 million B. exactly 2 million C. more than 2 million D. fewer than 2 billion 4. the word "them" in paragraph 2 refers to _____ A. various historical events B. people whose native language is English C. The English native D. people whose second language is English 5. The word "chiefly" in paragraph 3 in closest in meaning to _____ A. recently B. mainly C. briefly D. hardly