Ejercicio Texto A - Questions 1-4 · Inglés PAU Asturias Ordinaria (2ª lengua extranjera) 2021

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?