The study of a foreign language affects academic areas as well.

Research has shown that children who have studied a foreign language in

elementary school achieve lower scores on standardized tests in reading, 【M1】________

language arts, and mathematics than those who have not. The results of

the Louisiana Report on foreign language and basic skills show that

regardless their race, sex, or academic level, students in foreign 【M2】_________

language classes outperformed those who were not learning a foreign

language. Foreign language study has also been shown to enhance

listening skills and memory, and the development of second language

skills can attribute a significant additional dimension to the concept of 【M3】_________

communication. Furthermore, students who have studied a foreign

language develop greater cognitive skills in such areas as in mental 【M4】_________

flexibility, creativity, and higher order thinking skills.

Data from the Admissions Testing Program of the College Board

show a negative correlation between SAT scores and the study of a 【M5】_________

foreign language. Verbal scores of students increased with each

additional year of language study.Interesting,the verbal scores of 【M6】_________

students who had completed four or five years of foreign language study

were higher than the verbal scores of students who had taken four or

five years of any other subjects.

As noted earlier, the knowledge of other languages will be a

valuable asset in the workplace of tomorrow. Workers will be called

upon to cooperate with colleagues in other countries, crossed time zones, 【M7】_________

languages, and cultures. One must not assume that language learning is

quick and painlessly. To truly learn a language,one must have the 【M8】_________

opportunity to learn earlier. Neurobiologist Carla Shatz believes that 【M9】_________

there are windows of opportunity for learning that open and

close throughout a person’s life. The implication is that if you miss

the window of opportunity for learning a particular skill or concept,

you are playing with handicap. 【M10】________

【M2】