Problema 3 · Inglés PAU Aragón Ordinaria 2025

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THE MULTIPLE BENEFITS OF HIKING FOR TEENAGERS

Did you know that many teens today miss out on their social development because they spend long periods of time stuck at home? Some of them may not even consider participating in outdoor activities, but the case is that those activities offer a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. For example, in today's fast-paced digital world, where screens dominate much of a teenager's time, hiking provides a refreshing and necessary escape into nature, whether it's a short trail in a local park or a challenging hike in the mountains.

One of the most significant advantages of hiking is its positive impact on physical health. Hiking is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances endurance. Unlike structured sports, hiking allows teenagers to exercise at their own pace, making it an accessible activity for all fitness levels. Additionally, spending time outdoors exposes teenagers to fresh air and natural sunlight, which promotes vitamin D production and supports bone health.

Beyond physical benefits, hiking plays a crucial role in mental health. Many teenagers face stress and anxiety due to academic pressure, social challenges, and the demands of growing up. Hiking offers a break from these pressures by providing a peaceful and natural setting where they can relax and stop feeling anxious. Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress hormones, improves mood, and enhances concentration.

Socially, hiking is an excellent way for teenagers to bond with friends and family. Unlike digital interactions, hiking encourages face-to-face conversations and teamwork, as is the case when people help each other climb steep sections, or simply share stories throughout the journey. It also provides an opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills, as teenagers often need to plan routes, read maps, and make decisions on the trail.

Hiking allows teenagers to explore the natural world firsthand. For example, nature trails are paths through the countryside which have been designed so that you can see interesting plants and animals along the way. Hiking also encourages sustainable habits, such as respecting wildlife and reducing waste. This connection to nature can inspire lifelong interests in outdoor activities and environmental conservation.

Overall, hiking is a rewarding and enriching activity for teenagers. It promotes physical health, reduces stress, strengthens social bonds, and nurtures a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Encouraging teenagers to hike regularly can lead to lifelong benefits, helping them develop a healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle.

3. (1 point). Find words or phrases in the text which mean the same as the ones below.

0.25 points will be awarded for each answer, with four answers in total. This exercise aims to assess the comprehension of the text and the semantic value of certain terms that appear in it. Therefore, the answer can never be, for example, a hypernym, or have a different grammatical form.

3.1.

strength, tenacity:

3.2.

decisive, essential:

3.3.

renewable, environmentally friendly:

3.4.

awareness, recognition: