rtunities. If Australians want to trade with Asian countries, it is very important for them to learn the language that will help them to get closer to the culture.
But students have different opinions about Asian language learning. Pippa McCowage, a 22-year-old Australian student, says many young Australians have a half-hearted approach to foreign languages, and the language curriculum is often weak. "While we're encouraged in high school to learn another language, it's not really apparent to me as a realistic expectation that you will have to speak it," said McCowage. "For example, I learned Japanese in high school, when I went on an exchange in Year 10, I found that the Japanese students of my age had a much greater proficiency in English than I did in Japanese. So in that sense, it almost discourages you."
At present, about 70 percent of Australia's major exports go to Asia and the Australian government has been keen on developing closer economic and diplomatic ties with Asia. Academics say that, as Asia becomes one of the world's economic powerhouses, Australia needs to improve its language skills if it is to take full advantage of the business opportunities on its doorstep.
36. How much percent of high school graduates were proficient in foreign languages forty years ago?
A. 70. B. 13. C. 40. D. 6.5.
37. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?
A. Australia has rich deposits of minerals.
B. Australia is essentially a self-sufficient country.
C. Australia has no intention to trade with Asian countries.
D. Australian students are not required to learn a foreign language.
38. What does Dilip Dutta think language skills can do?
A. Improve your relation with your partner. B. Help to settle international conflicts.
C. Remove barriers in negotiations. D. Increase trading opportunities.
39. Why has the Australian government been keenly interested in strengthening ties
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