C

A student is learning to speak British English. He wonders(想知道): Can I communicate with Americans? Can they understand me? Learners of English often ask: What are the differences between British and American English? How important are these differences? Certainly! There are some differences between British and American English. There are a few differences in grammar. For example, speakers of British English say “in hospital” and “Have you a pen?” Americans say “in the hospital” and “Do you have a pen?” Pronunciation is sometimes different. Americans usually sound theirs in words like “bird” and “hurt”. Speakers of British English do not sound theirs in these words. There are differences between British and American English in spelling and vocabulary. For example, “colour” and “honour” are British, “color” and “honor” are American.

These differences in grammar, pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary are not important, however. For the most part, British and American English are the same language.

54. According to this passage, a student who is learning to speak American English might

be afraid that_______.

A. the grammar is too hard for him

B. the spelling is too hard for him

C. British people cannot understand him

D. American people cannot understand him

55. What is not mentioned (提及) in the passage?

A. How the differences between British English and American English came about.

B. Whether British English and American English are one language or two.

C. Whether there are differences between British English and American English.

D. How important the differences are.

56. According to this passage, British people and Americans have _____ difficulty in

understanding each other.

A. great B. much C. some D. little