The term lingua franca refers to a language which

Question

Option 1: is widely spoken in France.

Option 2: humans cannot learn or understand.

Option 3: is the common one for people with different native languages.

Option 4: is used by all birds and animals to communicate within their species.

AfterBoards · Accepted Answer

From passage: "Yet there is another language, a sort of animal lingua franca, which is common to all."

Thought Process Breakdown: The question asks the meaning of "lingua franca". -> The passage says each animal species has its own dialect. -> Then it says there is another language common to all. -> So, "lingua franca" means a common language understood by different groups. -> In normal usage also, it means a common language used by people with different native languages. Option 1 is a trap because "franca" sounds like France. Option 2 is not the meaning. Option 4 is close but wrong because it says "within their species"; the passage means across species. Option 3 gives the correct general meaning.

Option Analysis: 🔴 Option 1 -> Word Trap -> "Lingua franca" does not mean a language spoken in France. 🔴 Option 2 -> Unstated Meaning -> It does not mean a language humans cannot understand. 🟢 Option 3 -> Correct -> It means a common language used among groups with different native languages. 🟠 Option 4 -> Subtle Inaccuracy -> The passage talks about communication common to all species, not just within one species.

IPMAT Indore (VA) PYQs

Keyboard Shortcuts