Language learning apps are very popular in app stores worldwide – and are said to be revolutionizing language learning. These apps offer opportunities to practice grammar and can be a very rewarding way to learn vocabulary. But there has been a discussion about just how effective such apps can be – particularly when it comes to other skills such as writing and speaking.Among the most popular language learning apps are Duolingo and Busuu. Research has mainly found positive results on the use of both Duolingo and Busuu. But most of this research concentrates on studies with learners who sign up for language courses – learners are using the apps for extra practice – so the results don’t provide a good snapshot (简况) of language learning through apps.My recently published research study of 4,095 Busuu users aimed to find out more about who uses these apps, how they use them, and what they think of app-based learning. Ultimately, I wanted to find out if users can actually learn a language with an app.Busuu provides learning materials for 12 different languages and has more than 60 million registered users. It offers a “freemium” model where some content is available for free and some is available behind a subscription paywall.The research found that there was an almost even split between male and female users, and more than half of the respondents were between 18 and 25. More than half consider themselves to be at the beginner level and the proportion of users decreases as their language levels go up. Most people use the app because of personal interest, holiday travel, career goals or personal aspirations, or because they want to study or live abroad. We also found that female users tend to use it less often but for longer periods of time than male users.1. According to Para.1, language learning apps________.A) are going to replace traditional learning methodsB) provide a good way to learn vocabulary C) are effective in improving writing skillsD) make grammar learning more efficient2. Why does the author think the present research fails to offer a good snapshot of language learning through apps?A) The research was mainly based on the use of Duolingo and Busuu.B) The results that the research has found were all much too positive.C) The learners the research studied have taken other language courses. D) The research focused only on learners’ writing and speaking skills.3. In his / her recently published research study, the author ________.A) tried to uncover whether users can actually learn a language with an app B) worked to find out who benefits the most from language learning appsC) followed and interviewed more than 4,000 Duolingo and Busuu usersD) aimed to discover which language learning app is the most effective4. What do we know about Busuu?A) It is a very popular language-learning center.B) It provides good learning materials for free.C) It has more than 60 million registered users. D) It offers classes only after your subscription.5. What does the author find out in his / her research?A) Female users tend to use for longer periods of time. B) Most of the users are women who are aged 18 to 25.C) Most people choose the app only out of personal interest.D) Most of the users think they are at a medium level.

Language learning apps are very popular in app stores worldwide – and are said to be revolutionizing language learning. These apps offer opportunities to practice grammar and can be a very rewarding way to learn vocabulary. But there has been a discussion about just how effective such apps can be – particularly when it comes to other skills such as writing and speaking. Among the most popular language learning apps are Duolingo and Busuu. Research has mainly found positive results on the use of both Duolingo and Busuu. But most of this research concentrates on studies with learners who sign up for language courses – learners are using the apps for extra practice – so the results don’t provide a good snapshot (简况) of language learning through apps. My recently published research study of 4,095 Busuu users aimed to find out more about who uses these apps, how they use them, and what they think of app-based learning. Ultimately, I wanted to find out if users can actually learn a language with an app. Busuu provides learning materials for 12 different languages and has more than 60 million registered users. It offers a “freemium” model where some content is available for free and some is available behind a subscription paywall. The research found that there was an almost even split between male and female users, and more than half of the respondents were between 18 and 25. More than half consider themselves to be at the beginner level and the proportion of users decreases as their language levels go up. Most people use the app because of personal interest, holiday travel, career goals or personal aspirations, or because they want to study or live abroad. We also found that female users tend to use it less often but for longer periods of time than male users.1. According to Para.1, language learning apps________.A)  are going to replace traditional learning methodsB)  provide a good way to learn vocabulary C)  are effective in improving writing skillsD)  make grammar learning more efficient2. Why does the author think the present research fails to offer a good snapshot of language learning through apps?A)  The research was mainly based on the use of Duolingo and Busuu.B)  The results that the research has found were all much too positive.C)  The learners the research studied have taken other language courses. D)  The research focused only on learners’ writing and speaking skills.3. In his / her recently published research study, the author ________.A)  tried to uncover whether users can actually learn a language with an app B)  worked to find out who benefits the most from language learning appsC)  followed and interviewed more than 4,000 Duolingo and Busuu usersD)  aimed to discover which language learning app is the most effective4. What do we know about Busuu?A)  It is a very popular language-learning center.B)  It provides good learning materials for free.C)  It has more than 60 million registered users. D)  It offers classes only after your subscription.5. What does the author find out in his / her research?A)  Female users tend to use for longer periods of time. B)  Most of the users are women who are aged 18 to 25.C)  Most people choose the app only out of personal interest.D)  Most of the users think they are at a medium level.