Examen de Inglés PAU Asturias 2024 · Extraordinaria (2ª lengua extranjera)

Cuestiones del Texto 1. (5 puntos)

Do not copy literally from the text. (1 punto por respuesta = 4 puntos)

Texto 1

Animal lovers

Britain has a long-held reputation as a nation of animal lovers. And it is a reputation that extends around the world. It should be remembered that the eccentric who loved animals so much that he claimed we were descended from them was British. His name was Charles Darwin. But it is pets and endangered species who receive our deepest attention.

Historically, Britain was the first country in the world to implement animal protection laws, with legislation put in place as far back as 1822. Today, the British are as obsessed with pets as ever; there are as many pets as there are people in the UK (an estimated 65 million) and almost every other household is believed to have a pet. Dogs lead the way as the nation's favourite animal companion, with the UK's canine population standing at around nine million (closely followed by almost eight million cats). It has been suggested that our island race adores the dog for a very simple resemblance: a lot of bark and little bite.

Out in the midday sun, dogs and Englishmen stick together, face life and brave disaster. In these troubled times dogs are a special source of comfort and stability. Dog and cat owners have been found to be less susceptible to disease and stress than the non-pet-owning person. Doctors up on the research may soon be prescribing terriers instead of tranquilizers. The English composer Edward Elgar was so upset when his dogs died that he died, too. He could not face life without his faithful companions.

Animals are used as a sort of erotic photograph to adorn almost any product and advertise its appeal. Labrador puppies having fun among yards of yellow tissue are supposed to have us racing to the supermarket to buy toilet paper. Sheepdogs sell paint; tigers, petrol; and horses, banks. This fascination with wildlife has stimulated the talents of the London Zoo. For a sum anyone can become a foster parent to a lonely lion or a gregarious giraffe, although pandas are a bit expensive at four thousand pounds a subscription.

1.

Considering the topic of this reading, why is Charles Darwin mentioned in the text?

2.

What facts are mentioned in the text that could support the idea that the British are obsessed with animals?

3.

According to the text, do pets have any healthy effect on their owners?

4.

Are pets used in the world of advertising? Develop.

Texto 1 - Cuestión 5. (1 punto)

Texto 1

Animal lovers

Britain has a long-held reputation as a nation of animal lovers. And it is a reputation that extends around the world. It should be remembered that the eccentric who loved animals so much that he claimed we were descended from them was British. His name was Charles Darwin. But it is pets and endangered species who receive our deepest attention.

Historically, Britain was the first country in the world to implement animal protection laws, with legislation put in place as far back as 1822. Today, the British are as obsessed with pets as ever; there are as many pets as there are people in the UK (an estimated 65 million) and almost every other household is believed to have a pet. Dogs lead the way as the nation's favourite animal companion, with the UK's canine population standing at around nine million (closely followed by almost eight million cats). It has been suggested that our island race adores the dog for a very simple resemblance: a lot of bark and little bite.

Out in the midday sun, dogs and Englishmen stick together, face life and brave disaster. In these troubled times dogs are a special source of comfort and stability. Dog and cat owners have been found to be less susceptible to disease and stress than the non-pet-owning person. Doctors up on the research may soon be prescribing terriers instead of tranquilizers. The English composer Edward Elgar was so upset when his dogs died that he died, too. He could not face life without his faithful companions.

Animals are used as a sort of erotic photograph to adorn almost any product and advertise its appeal. Labrador puppies having fun among yards of yellow tissue are supposed to have us racing to the supermarket to buy toilet paper. Sheepdogs sell paint; tigers, petrol; and horses, banks. This fascination with wildlife has stimulated the talents of the London Zoo. For a sum anyone can become a foster parent to a lonely lion or a gregarious giraffe, although pandas are a bit expensive at four thousand pounds a subscription.

Fill the gaps with the correct, most appropriate word in each case. (0,25 por acierto = 1 punto)

It is reasonable to say that the majority of animal owners in the UK are responsible and caring. (A) are exceptions, of (B). But, thankfully, most pets in this country (C) a happy and healthy (D).

Texto 2

Moving abroad

The decision to move abroad is not to be taken lightly. It includes many factors. One must consider the legal and emotional aspects of such a move, the age of the person and, most important of all, the reasons for going to live away from your homeland. The first problem a foreigner finds is the language barrier. It is always advisable to learn at least a few necessary phrases before departing from home. Not knowing the language and being unable to communicate with others lead to a strong sense of loneliness. The older a person is, the harder it is to learn a new language, but you must give it a try, if only for your own well-being. However, it is pointless to think that you can 'go native' and become 'just like everyone else': if you are not able to communicate naturally with others and you can only find comfort in other ex-patriots, that does not make you part of the countryside, so to speak, while it makes you remain isolated.

Legal troubles are likely to appear from the start. Will you need a visa to enter the country? How long does it permit you to stay? Can you get permanent residence? These are questions which must be answered before setting foot in the new country. Only a good lawyer can answer them, although the newcomer has the tendency to trust the advice of veteran ex-patriots who are willing to hand out their words of wisdom on how to navigate the legal jungle.

Just as it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks, it is hard for an older person to get used to a new way of life. The lack of understanding of the local ways can and will lead to trouble and conflicts. Young people tend to adapt more easily. An elderly person cannot be expected to throw away the routines they have followed their whole life, but they must be willing at least to accept some things around. Speaking to their new neighbours, going out and finding new friends help take their mind off what he or she may consider 'the strange habits of the native population'.

Cuestiones del Texto 2.

Do not copy literally from the text. (1 punto por respuesta = 4 puntos)

1.

Why is it a good idea to learn a few words in the foreign language before moving abroad?

2.

Is it common for the person who moves abroad to solve legal problems with a lawyer?

3.

Consider now adaptation to the new country. According to the text, is the process of adaptation to the new country similar in the case of young people and elderly people?

4.

What advice is given in the text that may help elderly people improve their mentality about the new country and their new neighbours?

Texto 2

Moving abroad

The decision to move abroad is not to be taken lightly. It includes many factors. One must consider the legal and emotional aspects of such a move, the age of the person and, most important of all, the reasons for going to live away from your homeland. The first problem a foreigner finds is the language barrier. It is always advisable to learn at least a few necessary phrases before departing from home. Not knowing the language and being unable to communicate with others lead to a strong sense of loneliness. The older a person is, the harder it is to learn a new language, but you must give it a try, if only for your own well-being. However, it is pointless to think that you can 'go native' and become 'just like everyone else': if you are not able to communicate naturally with others and you can only find comfort in other ex-patriots, that does not make you part of the countryside, so to speak, while it makes you remain isolated.

Legal troubles are likely to appear from the start. Will you need a visa to enter the country? How long does it permit you to stay? Can you get permanent residence? These are questions which must be answered before setting foot in the new country. Only a good lawyer can answer them, although the newcomer has the tendency to trust the advice of veteran ex-patriots who are willing to hand out their words of wisdom on how to navigate the legal jungle.

Just as it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks, it is hard for an older person to get used to a new way of life. The lack of understanding of the local ways can and will lead to trouble and conflicts. Young people tend to adapt more easily. An elderly person cannot be expected to throw away the routines they have followed their whole life, but they must be willing at least to accept some things around. Speaking to their new neighbours, going out and finding new friends help take their mind off what he or she may consider 'the strange habits of the native population'.

Fill the gaps with the correct, most appropriate word in each case. (0,25 por acierto = 1 punto)

5. If you are intending to drive (A)

in your new country of residence, ensure you know the local driving laws and regulations. Apart from ensuring you drive on the right (B)

of the road, there are many customs and laws (C)

you need to be (D)

of, not least the driving license requirements.

Pregunta 1. Rephrase the following sentences so that their meaning is as similar to the original as possible. (0,25 puntos por acierto = 1 punto)

a)

Someone should have helped the kid during the accident. // The kid should...

The kid should

b)

'How many elderly people are there inside the building today?' the police officer asked. // The police officer wanted to know how...

The police officer wanted to know how

c)

'Read it carefully before you sign it,' he said to his client. // He advised...

He advised

d)

You should try to be silent. // You should try not to...

You should try not to

Pregunta 2.

Rephrase the following sentences so that their meaning is as similar to the original as possible. (0,25 puntos por acierto = 1 punto)

a)

What a pity the weather was so bad last weekend! // I wish...

I wish

b)

'Let's go to the opera next time,' said Bob. // Bob suggested...

Bob suggested

c)

It's not necessary for you to make the bed. // You...

You

d)

No other fictional secret agent is as famous as James Bond. // James Bond is...

James Bond is

Pregunta 3. Write a composition about the following topic (100-120 words). [4 puntos]

Describe what your life would be like if you had a pet, for example, a big dog, and you lived in a small flat in the city centre.

Pregunta 4. Write a composition about the following topic (100-120 words). [4 puntos]

Explain why it would be easy or difficult for you to move to a different country.