Read the text below and think of one word which best fits each space

III. Read the text below and think of one word which best fits each space. (20 points)
The English language is the most (1)_______ spoken language in the world. It is used
as either the first or second language in many countries.
During the sixteenth century, fewer than 2 million people spoke English. All of (2)______
lived in what is now the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, as a result of various historical
events, English (3)______ throughout the world. Today, about 400 million people speak
English as their (4)_______ language. Most of them live in Australia, Canada, the United
Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, (5)_____ the United States.
Another 100 million people, chiefly (6)_____ in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and in many
African (7)_____, speak English in addition to their own language. An additional 200 million
people probably know (8)_______ least some English.
Today, English is the (9)______ language of science and technology. In addition, the
English language is used (10)______ the world in business and diplomacy.