Countries With the Best (and Worst) English Skills

Vocabulary
1. region (n)
/ˈriːdʒən/; part of a country or continent; an area
Ex: He has a pain in the lower region of his back

2.rank (verb)
/ræŋk/ :to be or put someone or something on a list that shows how good, important, etc. they are
Ex: He is ranked #1 in the world in diving

3. moderate (adj)
/ˈmɑːdɛrət/ :average in size, quality, degree, etc.
Ex: A moderate amount of sugar isn't too bad for your health

4. score (verb)
/skoʊr/: to gain a point in a game, competition, test, etc.
Ex: They went wild when their team scored.

5. wealthy (adj)
/ˈwɛlθiː/: having a lot of money or valuable possessions
Ex: He grew up in a relatively wealthy family.

6. remote (adj)
rɪˈmoʊt/: far from places where many people live; done, happening, etc. from a distance
Ex: She is alone in this remote forest.

Reading

English is the most studied language in the world. However, of the world's more than 1.1 billion non-native English speakers, some speak it better than others. According to Education First (EF), here are the regions with the best – and worst – English skills.

Europe

Twenty-two European countries where English isn't the official language were ranked "high" or "very high" by EF – more than any other region.

Europeans had an average score of about 57, or "moderate." The countries with the best English skills were the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, with "very high" scores over 65; while Turkey and Azerbaijan scored about 46, or "very low."

Asia

Asia had an average score of 53. Only Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia received "high" or "very high" scores above 58. China and South Korea ranked "moderate" with scores of about 53 and 55, while Japan scored "low" at just above 51.

Latin America

Latin America saw the most improvement in English skills, thanks to improving education. Argentina ranked highest at over 58, while Venezuela and Ecuador scored lowest at about 47.

Africa

The wealthiest African countries – Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa – all had "high" or "very high" English skills, while 10 of the 13 African countries on the list scored "low" or "very low."

Women scored higher than men in every African country except Egypt and South Africa.

Middle East

The Middle East had the lowest average score at about 45, or "very low." In many Middle Eastern countries, men and people who live in cities have better English skills than women or those who live in more remote areas.

1. How many non-native English speakers are there worldwide?

2.

Which Asian countries have the best English skills, according to Education First?

3.

Which Latin American country was ranked highest by EF?

Discussion

1. What are your thoughts on Education First's findings?


2. Do you find it surprising that Europe has the best English skills of any region? Why? Why not?


3. Do many of the people you know speak English? Please explain your answer.


4. Are there any major benefits to learning English for people from your country? Why do you think so?


5. Do you think English will remain the most studied language for decades to come? Why? Why not?