Question

Which best summarizes one central idea of the passage from "Mother Tongue"?
All forms of the English language are meaningful and purposeful.
Some forms of the English language do not translate well into writing.
The English language would be more efficient with a Chinese structure.
English language proficiency can only be determined through testing.

Answer 1

All forms of the English language are meaningful and purposeful.

Tan’s essay shows that her mother's “broken” English communicates effectively, shapes identity and experience, and deserves respect—so nonstandard varieties are valid. The other choices misstate the main point.