Bloque A · Inglés PAU Andalucía Ordinaria Suplente 2 2025

COMPREHENSION (4 points). READ THE TEXT AND ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Conspiracy theories have existed throughout history, with some people more inclined to believe in them than others. A conspiracy theory is defined as an explanation that rejects the official narrative of an event, instead attributing it to a covert group or organization carrying out a secret plot. Since these theories often center on the idea that powerful groups are hiding their actions from the public, they can be extremely difficult to disprove. Conspiracy theorists may even see anyone who tries to refute their theory as part of the conspiracy themselves.

The success of conspiracy theories largely derives from the exploitation of fundamental aspects of the human mind, such as trying to make sense of the world and connect with other people. Their explanations about the world create a sense of security. However, these theories are false and can range from harmless rumors to, very frequently, dangerous beliefs that can cause people’s deaths.

Take the rumors surrounding the 1969 moon landing, for example. Some people believe that humanity never actually went to the Moon, and that the iconic televised moment when Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface never happened. Instead, conspiracy theorists believe the event was filmed on a studio. The theory originated with a former NASA engineer, Bill Kaysing, who published a book claiming the entire mission was fake. Those who believed in and promoted the theory pointed to the immense pressure that NASA faced to fulfill President Kennedy’s mandate to reach the Moon by 1970. Over the years, many conspiracy theorists have continued to argue that there is “evidence” that the moon landing was fabricated and part of a misinformation campaign. However, scientists have disproved all these claims.

The Salem Witch Trials is one of the most well-known historical examples of how conspiratory theories can have lethal consequences. The trials began in 1692, when a group of women in Salem, Massachusetts, believed other women were demon-possessed and accused them of witchcraft. Soon, people became convinced that their neighbors were witches. The belief wasn’t temporary—the trials continued for over a year. The supposed witches were put in front of a judge and jury, and thirty of them were sentenced to hanging. The witch trials serve as a clear example of the immense harm that can be caused by a group of people convinced that a more powerful group is conspiring with evil intentions.

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

A1.

According to the text, people subscribe conspiracy theories because...

A2.

According to the text, conspiracy theorists...

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

A3.

Conspiracy theories may help people link up to others with similar beliefs.

TRUE

FALSE

A4.

It is still unclear how the moon landing conspiracy theory began.

TRUE

FALSE

A5.

The Moon conspiracy theory was spread by people who thought it was a political strategy.

TRUE

FALSE

A6.

It took a while to convince Salem villagers that there were witches living among them.

TRUE

FALSE

A7. FIND IN THE TEXT: (0.5 points)

A7.1.

A7.2.

A8. FIND IN THE TEXT: (0.5 points)

A8.1.

A8.2.