Because deaf people cannot hear, they have special ways of communicating. For example, they can learn to understand what someone is saying by looking at the mouth of the speaker. This is called lip-reading. Also, speaking is very difficult for the deaf, because they cannot hear their own voices. However, it is possible with special training. According to many deaf people all around the world, the most practical and popular way of communicating is with sign language.

In many ways, sign language is similar to spoken language. The words of sign language are made with signs, which are formed with movements of the hands, face, and body. As with words, each sign has a different meaning and can be combined to form sentences. Sign languages also have their own grammar. The alphabet of sign language is special hand signs that stand for letters; they make spelling possible. The signs combine to form a rich language that can express the same thoughts, feelings, and ideas as any spoken language. And just as people from different countries speak different languages, most countries have their own variety of sign language.

In addition to knowing sign language, it is also helpful to know something about how deaf people communicate. Since they rely so much on actions, deaf people are generally not very formal when they “talk”, and may touch your arm or shoulder a lot to make sure you know what they’re saying. It is not seen as rude in among deaf people to lightly touch someone you do not know to get their attention. It’s also okay to wave your hands or hit the table or floor. Also, lots of eye contact is necessary.

There are many ways to learn a few signs. Community colleges often teach introductory classes. For self-learners, bookstores and libraries have books for learning sign language. There are also instructional videos on the Internet, with 30 actors demonstrating signs and performing interesting stories and conversations for you to see. With practice, you’ll soon get the hang of this useful method of communicating!

Question 31: What is the passage mainly about?

A. Sign language training

B. Deaf people’s ways of communicating

C. Comparison between sign language and spoken language

D. Ways to learn sign language

Question 32: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to _______.

     A. sign languages’        B. spoken languages’   C. deaf people’s           D. hand signs’

Question 33: The word “rich” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _______.

     A. full-of-variety                                                B. having a lot of money

     C. native                                                             D. limited

Question 34: Why are deaf people considered not very formal when they “talk”?

A. Because they don’t make eye contact when “talking”

B. Because they often touch their conversation partner

C. Because they look at their partner’s lips

D. Because they don’t listen to their conversation partner

Question 35: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of sign language?

A. There’s lots of eye contact.

B. Sign language relies a lot on actions.

C. There are hand signs for letters.

D. Deaf people cannot express feelings with sign language.

Question 36: According to the passage, how can a person study sign language by himself?

A. by attending introductory classes

B. by “talking” with deaf people

C. by watching instructional videos on the Internet

D. by watching deaf people who are actors

Question 37: The phrase “get the hang of” is closest in meaning to _______.

A. speak                             B. understand               C. carry                         D. invent

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your