Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.
English has become a global language with many different varieties spoken around the world. While the language originated in England, it has evolved differently in various regions, creating unique dialects and accents.
American English developed its own characteristics after the United States gained independence. Over time, Americans simplified some spellings (changing "colour" to "color") and adopted different vocabulary (using "elevator" instead of "lift"). Similarly, Australian English has distinctive features, including unique slang terms and a recognizable accent.
Today, English is an official language in over 50 countries, each with its own version. Even within countries, regional accents and expressions vary greatly. For example, someone from Texas sounds quite different from someone from New York, though both speak American English.
Despite these variations, the core grammar and vocabulary remain similar enough that English speakers from different regions can generally understand each other, making it truly a world language.