Reading comprehension: read the passage carefully and then answer the question that follows. To know language is to be able to speak it; even a child who does not yet attend school can speak his or her language. In order to speak a language it is important to listen to it and to read a few pages in it every day. A child picks up language and learns to talk just as (s)he learns to walk. Walking and talking come naturally to a child as it grows. In our country, a child may grow up speaking more than one language, if these languages are spoken in the home and in the neighbourhood. We call this multilingualism. A child speaks a language or languages much before (s)he starts going to school. To know a language then is first of all to be able to speak it as easily and naturally as a three year old child does. Later on the child will learn to read and write in that language. In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. But it is possible to speak a language but not be able to read or write in it. A baby does not speak until it is nine months old but it understands a few words at six months of age. It has been listening ever since it was born, and even a little before that. So the first strategy in speaking a language is to listen. Question: It is necessary for one to __________ the language before (s)he writes in that language.

Introduction / Context:
This question is another detail based item from the same passage on language learning. It checks whether you can identify the correct condition that must be fulfilled before someone can read and write a language, according to the author.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage explains how children first learn to speak and later learn to read and write.
• It clearly describes the order: speaking comes before reading and writing.
• A key line states that in order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it.
• The question asks what one must do in the language before writing in it.
• Options are sing, spell, speak, and none of the above.

Concept / Approach:
In comprehension questions, you must match the words in the question with the exact line in the passage. The phrase in order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it tells you directly that speaking is the required ability. The answer is not based on general knowledge but on this specific statement.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Locate the part of the passage that talks about reading and writing. Step 2: Identify the sentence: In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. Step 3: Compare the verbs in the options with the verb in the sentence. Step 4: Select speak because it exactly matches the requirement described by the author.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can double check by asking whether the passage anywhere mentions singing or spelling as a condition for writing. It does not. Singing may use language, and spelling is a part of writing, but the passage specifically emphasises speaking first. This confirms that speak is the only accurate answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• sing: The passage never mentions singing as a necessary step before writing.
• spell: Spelling is part of writing, not a prior condition to begin writing according to the passage.
• none of the above: Incorrect because speak is explicitly mentioned as the requirement.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overthink and choose none of the above when they do not trust a simple answer. Others may think of skills like spelling and feel they are closer to writing. In comprehension questions, always follow the exact words of the passage, not your own assumptions about learning order.

Final Answer:
Correct option: speak.