How English Developed In the 16th century the people who lived in Europe didn't know Eng-
lish. They couldn't understand English words. Only those who lived on
the British Isles spoke English. In those years Latin, French, German
and Italian were popular on the continent.
Four hundred years later the speakers of English travelled to different
places on the planet and carried their language and culture with them.
Today English is more important than any other language has ever been.
It has become the language of the planet, the first truly global language.
Of all the world's languages it is probably the richest in its vocabulary.
It has borrowed a lot of words from French and Latin, from Greek,
Spanish, Italian, and even Russian. Now English is the language of sci-
ence, business, and sport. People use English as the first language or
mother tongue in the English-speaking countries. It has become the sec-
ond language in countries like India, Nigeria [nai'drəriə], and Singapore
[, siŋə'pɔ:). Then there is English as a foreign language. People teach and
learn English as a foreign language in Europe and Asia, in Africa and
South America, in other words, all over the world.
tall – taller – the tallest
long – longer – the longest
easy – easier – the easiest
hot – hotter – the hottest
big – bigger – the biggest
cold – colder – the coldest
nice – nicer – the nicest
bad – worse – the worst
strong – stronger – the strongest
short – shorter – the shortest
wide – wider – the widest
good – better – the best
happy – happier – the happiest
high – higher – the highest
low – lower – the lowest
busy – busier – the busiest
well – better – the best
little – less – the least
many – more – the most
far – farther / further – the farthest /the furthest
wonderful – more wonderful – the most wonderful
necessary – more necessary – the most necessary
quickly – more quickly – the most quickly
interesting – more interesting – the most interesting
comfortable – more comfortable – the most comfortable
popular – more popular – the most popular
active – more active – the most active
famous – more famous – the most famous
pleasant – more pleasant – the most pleasant
beautiful – more beautiful – the most beautiful
slowly – more slowly – the most slowly
clearly – more clearly – the most clearly
Thanks for your letter. You want me to tell you about my best friend. Well, Alex is my best friend. We spend a lot of time together and he is very helpful. He never boasts and he doesn't gossip about anybody. You can trust him. He is good at math. He is brave. Just imagine! Once when we were at the camp he saved a small boy in the river. We attend the same tennis club with him and on Sundays we together go to the swimming pool.I am glad to have such a cool friend.
Now, what are your plans for winter holidays? Are you staying at home?
Where are you going to see the New Year in?
Write back soon.
Best wishes,
Andrew