Ejercicio Texto 1 - Cuestiones 1-4 · Inglés PAU Asturias Extraordinaria (2ª lengua extranjera) 2024

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.