Supporting Biliteracy

There are many good reasons to learn a second language. A second language can improve your understanding of your native language, open the door to new job opportunities, and help you learn about other cultures. Yet American students are less likely than European students to study foreign languages in school. To address this gap, several states have begun doing more to encourage biliteracy—the ability to read and write in two languages. California, New York, and Illinois are among the states that have passed laws establishing a state "Seal of Biliteracy." A Seal of Biliteracy shows that a student has achieved proficiency in a second language. Supporters of the seals say that they honor the importance of second-language learning. The seals also provide colleges and future employers with evidence of students' abilities.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Although second-language learning is important, students in the United States are less likely than those in Europe to learn a second language.

Fewer American students than European students learn a second language, so some states are promoting the study of foreign languages.

Read the passage from sugar changed the world. but it is in india, where it was used as an offering in religious and magical ceremonies, that we have the first written record of sugar. long before the first pyramids were built in egypt, the ancient sumerians traded with the people of harappa and mohenjo daro, who lived along the indus river. unfortunately, we are still not able to read the writings left behind from those ancient cities. so the first documents telling us about life in that region come from a much later period. these hindu sacred teachings were probably first gathered together sometime between 1500 and 900 b.c., and were carefully memorized. only hundreds of years later were they finally written down. the hindu writings tell us of a religion in which fire was extremely important. people believed that the gods gave fire to human beings. yet fire was also a way for humans to reach the gods. by placing offerings in a special fire, a priest could turn them into smoke and send them on to the gods. five ingredients were selected for this special burning: milk, cheese, butter, honey, and sugar cane. which details would best fit in a summary of this passage? select two options. "in india . . it was used as an offering in religious and magical ceremonies" "the first written record of sugar" "long before the first pyramids were built in egypt" "gods gave fire to human beings" "a priest could turn them into smoke and send them on to the gods"