Examen de Inglés PAU Asturias 2021 · Ordinaria (2ª lengua extranjera)

TEXTO A: 21 st century readers

The readers of the 21 st century are going through a fascinating phase that opens up possibilities they had very little dreamed of, but at the same time confuses them. Reading is an active habit in which everything is subject to revision. The new opportunities are within reach of even the smallest readers. Pam Curtis, a specialist in literacy and reading programmes, says there has been a major revolution over the last two years in digital contents aimed at children. ‘It’s very interesting to see how naturally they go from one support to another, from oral storytelling to the paper book and from there to the screen,’ she tells us. ‘Now more than ever, though, they need adult support to guide them in a complex world.’ From adolescence onwards, the number of readers is growing. A study on reading and book buying habits shows that 63% of people over the age of 14 claim to read books either in their spare time or for their work or studies. Of these, over half say they read in their free time regardless of work or school obligations. Most of them also do so every week, which means they are dedicated rather than occasional readers.

What do people of the 21 st century read? Some 74% devote their time to novels and short stories. That is, what people like above all is to read about the lives of others, in such a way that they can escape reality, become immersed in another world, and benefit from the enjoyment they get from using their imagination. This type of reading helps them expand their worldview. One of the most interesting debates of the 21 st century is reading supports. A full-scale revolution is being experienced. When staying up to date is an essential component, the internet is the most suitable tool, as it is too for mixing different sources of information. A paper book requires solitude, tranquility and time; it is more favourable for reflection. The civilization of the printing press now shares today’s world with digital supports, opening new horizons for reading in this surprising 21 st century.

QUESTIONS. Do not copy literally from the text. [4 points]

1.

Describe the ways in which children's behaviour towards reading has changed in the last couple of years.

2.

What information given in the text contradicts the idea that young people seldom read, and when they do, they do it just under an obligation?

3.

People of the 21 st century prefer reading novels and short stories. Why?

4.

Dealing with reading supports, what is the difference between the internet and a paper book?

TEXTO A: 21 st century readers

The readers of the 21 st century are going through a fascinating phase that opens up possibilities they had very little dreamed of, but at the same time confuses them. Reading is an active habit in which everything is subject to revision. The new opportunities are within reach of even the smallest readers. Pam Curtis, a specialist in literacy and reading programmes, says there has been a major revolution over the last two years in digital contents aimed at children. ‘It’s very interesting to see how naturally they go from one support to another, from oral storytelling to the paper book and from there to the screen,’ she tells us. ‘Now more than ever, though, they need adult support to guide them in a complex world.’ From adolescence onwards, the number of readers is growing. A study on reading and book buying habits shows that 63% of people over the age of 14 claim to read books either in their spare time or for their work or studies. Of these, over half say they read in their free time regardless of work or school obligations. Most of them also do so every week, which means they are dedicated rather than occasional readers.

What do people of the 21 st century read? Some 74% devote their time to novels and short stories. That is, what people like above all is to read about the lives of others, in such a way that they can escape reality, become immersed in another world, and benefit from the enjoyment they get from using their imagination. This type of reading helps them expand their worldview. One of the most interesting debates of the 21 st century is reading supports. A full-scale revolution is being experienced. When staying up to date is an essential component, the internet is the most suitable tool, as it is too for mixing different sources of information. A paper book requires solitude, tranquility and time; it is more favourable for reflection. The civilization of the printing press now shares today’s world with digital supports, opening new horizons for reading in this surprising 21 st century.

5. Fill in the gaps with the correct, most appropriate word in each case.

Today's readers have more options

(A)

ever for developing

(B)

favourite passion, but they

(C)

often confused

(D)

the wide range of offers and supports available.

6.A. Rephrase the following sentences so that their meaning is as similar to the original as possible.

a)

Someone must remove that openly racist graffiti on the wall immediately. // That openly racist graffiti on the wall must...

That openly racist graffiti on the wall must

b)

'Finish the project as soon as you can!' Pam said to me. // Pam told...

Pam told

c)

If Janet does not come before ten, she won't catch the train. // Unless...

Unless

d)

Pete hasn't eaten junk food since last May. // Pete stopped...

Pete stopped

7.A. Write a composition about the following topic (100-120 words): Discuss your personal experience with reading. Do you read a lot / very little? What type of things do you usually read?

TEXTO B: Fashion

In our society there are many issues that affect teenagers. Fashion is one of them. Fashion influences the look of most clothing we wear nowadays. Even if not intentionally, what we wear give others the first impression of you, and fashion is a way to express yourself to the world. Every morning when we choose what to wear, we like to pick something that will tell everybody a little something about our unique personality; endless logos, big designer name and brands are important in today’s society. To be a teenager is to live in a parallel universe to the world of grown-ups; teenagers have their own vocabulary, their own jokes and their own heroes. Teenagers generally try to copy fashions from videos, films, magazines, and the like. Celebrities make a huge impact on teen fashion; fashion for teenagers is often the result of the desire to be like a celebrity. Teens look at celebrities and say ‘Oh, well, if they can wear that, then why can’t I?’

Fashion is a way for teens to shape their identities. When people associate themselves with a particular brand, they immediately assume a new identity. Teenagers classify themselves through the brands they wear and this makes them feel that they belong in the group –no teenager wants to wear anything remotely out of fashion–. There is always that new shirt or those new jeans, or just some new trend that happens to begin. Teens may feel that, if they don't have the latest brands, they are not worthy or not able to fit in and be themselves. Just because other teens have the latest brand and you don’t, does not mean that you are not unique. Many teens have low self-esteem and some find themselves a bit intimidated by their classmates at school. They pick up on fashion trends in an effort to avoid humiliation. The majority of teens in high school have a fear of getting bullied or excluded. They use fashion to hide their fear and to feel more confident on who they are, or who they are trying to be.

QUESTIONS. Do not copy literally from the text.

1.

What is the role of clothes in contemporary society and its relationship with fashion?

2.

Why are celebrities so important for teenagers?

3.

According to the text, how do teens in general use fashion?

4.

What is fashion for a shy teenager at school?

TEXTO B: Fashion

In our society there are many issues that affect teenagers. Fashion is one of them. Fashion influences the look of most clothing we wear nowadays. Even if not intentionally, what we wear give others the first impression of you, and fashion is a way to express yourself to the world. Every morning when we choose what to wear, we like to pick something that will tell everybody a little something about our unique personality; endless logos, big designer name and brands are important in today’s society. To be a teenager is to live in a parallel universe to the world of grown-ups; teenagers have their own vocabulary, their own jokes and their own heroes. Teenagers generally try to copy fashions from videos, films, magazines, and the like. Celebrities make a huge impact on teen fashion; fashion for teenagers is often the result of the desire to be like a celebrity. Teens look at celebrities and say ‘Oh, well, if they can wear that, then why can’t I?’

Fashion is a way for teens to shape their identities. When people associate themselves with a particular brand, they immediately assume a new identity. Teenagers classify themselves through the brands they wear and this makes them feel that they belong in the group –no teenager wants to wear anything remotely out of fashion–. There is always that new shirt or those new jeans, or just some new trend that happens to begin. Teens may feel that, if they don't have the latest brands, they are not worthy or not able to fit in and be themselves. Just because other teens have the latest brand and you don’t, does not mean that you are not unique. Many teens have low self-esteem and some find themselves a bit intimidated by their classmates at school. They pick up on fashion trends in an effort to avoid humiliation. The majority of teens in high school have a fear of getting bullied or excluded. They use fashion to hide their fear and to feel more confident on who they are, or who they are trying to be.

5. Fill in the gaps with the correct, most appropriate word in each case.

The teenage years represent the transition period into adulthood. Teens start to develop personal opinions

(A)

life’s issues. When it

(B)

to shopping, teens like to choose

(C)

own clothes. Sometimes teens and parents agree

(D)

clothes to purchase, sometimes they disagree.

6.B. Rephrase the following sentences so that their meaning is as similar to the original as possible.

a)

The same ophthalmologist tests her eyes every year.

She has

b)

Germany is richer than India.

India is not

c)

In spite of the awful weather, they had a great time.

Although the

d)

'Don't drink caffeinated drinks after 5pm in the afternoons,' the doctor said to me.

The doctor advised

7.B. Write a composition about the following topic (100-120 words): How important is fashion in your life? Are you a fashion victim? Discuss and give examples.