What is most likely the reason that Spanish-speaking students in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina all learn a second language in school?

Spanish is a common language.

Spanish is not understood by many people.

It is important to be able to communicate in more than one language.

English provides more clarity than does Spanish

It is important to be able to communicate in more than one language.

The most likely reason that Spanish-speaking students in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina all learn a second language in school is that it is important to be able to communicate in more than one language. Learning a second language can open up opportunities for international communication, cultural understanding, and career prospects. While Spanish is a common language in these countries, learning a second language allows individuals to interact with people from other countries who may not speak Spanish. Therefore, the ability to speak another language such as English enhances their overall communication skills and expands their global reach.

The most likely reason that Spanish-speaking students in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina all learn a second language in school is that it is important to be able to communicate in more than one language.

To determine this, we can analyze the given options:

1. "Spanish is a common language": While it is true that Spanish is a common language in these countries, this alone may not be the primary reason for learning a second language. Many Spanish-speaking countries have regional dialects, so the ability to communicate with people from other countries or cultures may require knowledge of an additional language.

2. "Spanish is not understood by many people": While it is true that not everyone in the world understands Spanish, this alone may not be the primary reason for learning a second language. Learning a second language is not solely about being understood; it also opens up opportunities for cultural exchange, international business, and global communication.

3. "It is important to be able to communicate in more than one language": This option aligns with the widely accepted rationale for learning a second language. Knowing more than one language enhances cognitive abilities, cultural understanding, and career prospects. It allows individuals to connect with people from different linguistic backgrounds and facilitates communication in diverse contexts.

4. "English provides more clarity than does Spanish": While English is widely spoken and has become a global language for communication, this statement may not be universally true. The benefits of learning a second language extend beyond clarity, as every language carries its nuances, cultural richness, and unique communication styles.

Considering these points, the most reasonable explanation is that Spanish-speaking students in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina learn a second language in school because it is important to be able to communicate in more than one language.