Bloque A - Texto 2 · Inglés PAU Andalucía Ordinaria Reserva 2024

TEXT 2: THE STRENGTH OF WEAK SOCIAL TIES

1 I've been working as a psychotherapist since 1988. Through the years, I've dealt with hundreds of patients who come to my

2 practice because they feel lonely. Many report finding relief in brief, casual encounters. That's the case of Alice, who lived alone

3 for years after a divorce. Her family lived away from her, and she described feeling terribly lonesome, especially during the holidays.

4 One day, I asked her what helped cheer her up. "I love going to the library and chatting with Maria, the librarian, about historical

5 novels or cozy mysteries. I always leave feeling a warm connection with her."

6 Another patient, Sherry, gets great joy from her Sunday breakfasts at a local diner: "The manager's so nice. She calls me

7 'Sweety' and brings me extra whipped cream for my pancakes. I feel uplifted."

8 As for me, when I shop for groceries, I always go to a cashier I've chatted with for years. Our shared kindness and familiarity

9 give me a sense of community. What's more, even those we meet only once can leave a lasting impression. I'll never forget

10 discussing Don Quixote on an airplane with a well-read economics professor.

11 Relationships like these, generally referred to as "weak social ties", have been proved to be just as important to life satisfaction

12 as core or strong ties. When we feel blue or lonely, we tend to turn down social engagements, usually to avoid the imagined

13 embarrassment of being the only sad person in a group. But saying yes, despite the hesitation, offers an opportunity to feel less

14 isolated. Staying mindful of our strong and weak ties allows us to benefit from the comfort and the sense of community they provide.

CHOOSE AND WRITE THE CORRECT OPTION (A, B, C or D). (0.5 points each)

9.

Alice...

10.

The therapist...

ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWERS WITH THE PRECISE WORDS OR PHRASES FROM THE TEXT, OR USE YOUR OWN WORDS. (0.5 points each)

11.

Sherry receives special attention at her usual restaurant.

TRUE

FALSE

12.

Casual encounters with strangers may be memorable.

TRUE

FALSE

13.

Short routine interactions are less rewarding than strong personal relationships.

TRUE

FALSE

14.

People often refuse to mix with others if they are feeling low.

TRUE

FALSE

15. FIND IN THE TEXT: (0.5 points)

15.1.

15.2.

16. FIND IN THE TEXT: (0.5 points)

16.1.

16.2.