Question 1
ComprehensionJAMB 1979 Passage A: Foreign Language Learning
The learning of a foreign language should be an integral part of every university student's education. As a discipline, it affords the mind excellent training. It utilizes skills needed in so many other subjects; the concentration required for memorizing music (not to mention developing the ear for tone and pitch), the logical thinking for resolving mathematical problems, even the deductive reasoning capabilities needed to comprehend philosophical concepts. The mind is stretched through the simple act of learning the grammatical patterns, vocabulary and phonological system of a language. At the same time, the student of a foreign language is acquiring a useful tool. This tool has a double advantage, for while most people (especially teachers) expound on the rewards of being able to communicate in a second, third, or fourth language. Perhaps the more promising of the two, is being able to understand and hopefully appreciate another cultural group through their literature, their music and customs — all of which are best assimilated through the medium of their language.
An appropriate title for the article from which this passage is taken could be:
- A.The need for foreign language learning in universities
- B.An apology for the study of foreign languages in Nigerian universities
- C.The need for studying French and Kiswahili in our colleges and universities
- D.Why a foreign language should be studied by all who study music, mathematics or philosophy
- E.The pros and cons of foreign language learning in Nigerian universities.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A (The need for foreign language learning in universities)
Explanation
The passage opens by saying a foreign language should be part of every university student's education and then gives the reasons, so it argues for the need for foreign language learning in universities.