Part 3 READING PASSAGE 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27-40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.

THE HISTORY OF LANGUAGE

A. The evolution of language has been a central concern of philosophers, psychologists, and linguists for centuries. The question of how language evolved is intrinsically linked to the question of why humans are the only species to have evolved language. The answer to this question is not straightforward, and there are several competing theories.

B. One possible theory is that the evolution of language was linked to the evolution of the human brain. The human brain is proportionally larger than that of other species, and it has a larger neocortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking. The human brain also has a larger Broca’s area, which is responsible for speech production, and a larger Wernicke’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension. These areas of the brain are also present in other primates, but they are not as developed as they are in humans. This suggests that the evolution of language may have been linked to the evolution of the human brain.

C. Another possible theory is that the evolution of language was linked to the evolution of social structures. Humans are social animals, and language is a tool that allows us to communicate with one another. It is possible that the evolution of language was driven by the need for humans to communicate with one another in order to cooperate and form social groups. This theory is supported by the fact that other social animals, such as dolphins and elephants, also have complex communication systems.

D. A third possible theory is that the evolution of language was linked to the evolution of tool use. Humans are unique among animals in their use of tools, and it is possible that the evolution of language was driven by the need for humans to communicate with one another in order to share information about tool use. This theory is supported by the fact that other tool-using animals, such as chimpanzees and crows, also have complex communication systems.

E. Regardless of the specific theory, it is clear that the evolution of language was a complex process that was influenced by a variety of factors. The evolution of language was likely driven by a combination of biological, social, and environmental factors.

F. The evolution of language can be divided into several stages. The first stage is the evolution of vocalizations. All animals produce vocalizations, and it is likely that the first stage in the evolution of language was the evolution of vocalizations that were used to communicate with other members of the same species. These vocalizations would have been simple and would have been used to communicate basic information, such as the presence of a predator or the location of food.

G. The second stage in the evolution of language is the evolution of syntax. Syntax is the set of rules that govern the structure of sentences, and it is what allows us to combine words into sentences that convey complex meanings. The evolution of syntax was likely driven by the need for humans to communicate more complex information. For example, the ability to communicate about the past or the future would have been an important advantage for early humans.

H. The third stage in the evolution of language is the evolution of semantics. Semantics is the study of meaning, and it is what allows us to understand the meaning of words and sentences. The evolution of semantics was likely driven by the need for humans to communicate more abstract information. For example, the ability to communicate about abstract concepts, such as justice or love, would have been an important advantage for early humans.

I. The fourth stage in the evolution of language is the evolution of pragmatics. Pragmatics is the study of how language is used in context, and it is what allows us to understand the meaning of a sentence based on the context in which it is used. The evolution of pragmatics was likely driven by the need for humans to communicate more effectively in social situations. For example, the ability to understand sarcasm or irony would have been an important advantage for early humans.

J. The evolution of language was a complex process that was influenced by a variety of factors. The evolution of language was likely driven by a combination of biological, social, and environmental factors. The evolution of language was a gradual process that took place over millions of years, and it is likely that the evolution of language was influenced by a variety of factors, including the evolution of the human brain, the evolution of social structures, and the evolution of tool use.

Questions 27-33

Reading Passage 3 has seven paragraphs, A-G.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 27-33 on your answer sheet.

27.ABCDEFG . The emergence of syntax allowed humans to communicate more complex ideas.

28.ABCDEFG . A biological explanation for language evolution is linked to the development of certain brain areas.

29.ABCDEFG . Understanding how language is used in different situations helped humans communicate effectively.

30.ABCDEFG . The first stage of language development involved simple vocalizations for basic communication.

31.ABCDEFG . A possible connection exists between language development and tool usage among humans.

32.ABCDEFG . The reason humans are the only species to have developed language is still debated.

33.ABCDEFG . Language may have evolved due to the necessity of social interactions and cooperation.

Questions 34-36

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 34-36 on your answer sheet.

THE EVOLUTION OF LANGUAGE

The evolution of language was probably the result of a combination of factors, including biological, social and 34____________ ones. It is likely that the first stage involved the development of 35____________which were used to convey simple messages. In the second stage, it became possible to construct 36____________ , allowing more complex meanings to be expressed.

Questions 37-40

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3?

In boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE.	if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE.	if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN.	If there is no information on this