Speed Reading — English Vocabulary - Level 3 — 300 wpm

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.


This is the text (if you need help).

Italy's ruling party may introduce a new law to stop people using English words in Italian. People could get fined for using English and other non-Italian words in official communications. The idea is from government member Fabio Rampelli. He is worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is unhappy with the word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our battle for the use of Italian instead of English. We can't understand why we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said English is damaging the Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they use English words. The fines could be between €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).

English has been increasing around the world for over a century. The Internet and social media have increased its use. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned that English is harming their native language. However, not all Italians agree with having fines for the use of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it totally disagreed with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other people support the fines. They are worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. They say that since the year 2000, the number of English words in use in the Italian language has increased by an amazing 773 per cent. There are no signs that this will stop.

Comprehension questions
  1. What organization wants to introduce a new law?
  2. Where might people not be able to use English and non-Italian words?
  3. What did Fabio Rampelli call the Italian love of English words?
  4. What word did Fabio Rampelli say we was unhappy with?
  5. What's the highest fine Italians could get for using English words?
  6. For how long has English been increasing around the world?
  7. What did many people say English is harming?
  8. What kind of society is the Accademia della Crusca?
  9. What did the Accademia della Crusca think of Mr Rampelli's idea?
  10. By how much has the number of English words in Italian increased?

Back to the Anglomania lesson.

More Activities