Examen de Inglés PAU Canarias 2025 · Julio

Influencer falls to death from bridge in Spain while creating social media content

A 26-year-old British man lost his life on Sunday, October 13, after falling from the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge in Talavera de la Reina, Spain. The young content creator, Lewis Stevenson, was climbing this structure early that morning with another British friend when the tragedy occurred. According to reports, they aimed to film a video during the ascent.

This 192-metre-high bridge, completed in 2011, is known as the tallest in Spain, and its striking triangular design, supported by 152 cables, has made it a notable landmark in the region. Lewis fell from a height of 40 to 50 metres, approximately one quarter of the bridge’s total height. Authorities believe that adverse weather conditions—the surface was wet and slippery due to heavy rain earlier in the day—may have contributed to the accident. Local police confirmed that the climber was not using protective equipment, which significantly increased the risk. Anyway, the police are investigating to determine the precise circumstances of the accident.

Ascending the bridge is strictly prohibited. City officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of such activities and continue to emphasise the importance of respecting safety regulations. Macarena Muñoz, a city councillor, expressed her sorrow over the event, calling it a “tragic and preventable accident.” Despite the existing restrictions, the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge, which extends across the River Tagus, has become a site of interest for adrenaline junkies.

Lewis Stevenson’s family has shared a genuine tribute, describing him as a passionate traveller and photographer. His mother, Keilia Stevenson, said he was “a thrill-seeker” who loved to explore the world. She explained that he had visited incredible destinations like Easter Island and Machu Picchu, capturing their beauty through his photography.

His family supported his adventurous spirit, though they admitted that they disagreed with his climbing habits. “We didn’t always agree with the risks he took,” his mother said, “but we understood this was part of who he was. Lewis never did anything beyond his limits; it was the fundamental principle in his everyday activity. He followed his passion for unique experiences, not fame.” The family expressed their devastation at his loss, stating that life would never be the same without him.

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is assisting the family and is in contact with Spanish authorities. This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of ignoring safety rules and highlights the need to prioritise caution throughout any high-risk activity.

Fragment adapted from The Daily Guardian and BBC, October 2024

1. Say whether the following sentences are TRUE or FALSE according to the text. COPY the evidence from the text. No marks will be given without the evidence. (1.5 points)

a)

The British influencer fell from near the top of the bridge.

b)

The reason that cost Lewis his life is still unclear.

c)

The local government has not consistently alerted about the potential dangers of climbing the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge.

Influencer falls to death from bridge in Spain while creating social media content

A 26-year-old British man lost his life on Sunday, October 13, after falling from the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge in Talavera de la Reina, Spain. The young content creator, Lewis Stevenson, was climbing this structure early that morning with another British friend when the tragedy occurred. According to reports, they aimed to film a video during the ascent.

This 192-metre-high bridge, completed in 2011, is known as the tallest in Spain, and its striking triangular design, supported by 152 cables, has made it a notable landmark in the region. Lewis fell from a height of 40 to 50 metres, approximately one quarter of the bridge’s total height. Authorities believe that adverse weather conditions—the surface was wet and slippery due to heavy rain earlier in the day—may have contributed to the accident. Local police confirmed that the climber was not using protective equipment, which significantly increased the risk. Anyway, the police are investigating to determine the precise circumstances of the accident.

Ascending the bridge is strictly prohibited. City officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of such activities and continue to emphasise the importance of respecting safety regulations. Macarena Muñoz, a city councillor, expressed her sorrow over the event, calling it a “tragic and preventable accident.” Despite the existing restrictions, the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge, which extends across the River Tagus, has become a site of interest for adrenaline junkies.

Lewis Stevenson’s family has shared a genuine tribute, describing him as a passionate traveller and photographer. His mother, Keilia Stevenson, said he was “a thrill-seeker” who loved to explore the world. She explained that he had visited incredible destinations like Easter Island and Machu Picchu, capturing their beauty through his photography.

His family supported his adventurous spirit, though they admitted that they disagreed with his climbing habits. “We didn’t always agree with the risks he took,” his mother said, “but we understood this was part of who he was. Lewis never did anything beyond his limits; it was the fundamental principle in his everyday activity. He followed his passion for unique experiences, not fame.” The family expressed their devastation at his loss, stating that life would never be the same without him.

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is assisting the family and is in contact with Spanish authorities. This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of ignoring safety rules and highlights the need to prioritise caution throughout any high-risk activity.

Fragment adapted from The Daily Guardian and BBC, October 2024

2. ANSWER the questions below. COPY no more than 10 words and/or a number from the text to answer each question. [1.5 points]

a)

What was the purpose of the two British youngsters' climbing venture?

b)

What other reason, apart from hostile atmospheric conditions, could have influenced Lewis's death?

c)

What did Lewis pursue in his adventures according to his mother?

Influencer falls to death from bridge in Spain while creating social media content

A 26-year-old British man lost his life on Sunday, October 13, after falling from the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge in Talavera de la Reina, Spain. The young content creator, Lewis Stevenson, was climbing this structure early that morning with another British friend when the tragedy occurred. According to reports, they aimed to film a video during the ascent.

This 192-metre-high bridge, completed in 2011, is known as the tallest in Spain, and its striking triangular design, supported by 152 cables, has made it a notable landmark in the region. Lewis fell from a height of 40 to 50 metres, approximately one quarter of the bridge’s total height. Authorities believe that adverse weather conditions—the surface was wet and slippery due to heavy rain earlier in the day—may have contributed to the accident. Local police confirmed that the climber was not using protective equipment, which significantly increased the risk. Anyway, the police are investigating to determine the precise circumstances of the accident.

Ascending the bridge is strictly prohibited. City officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of such activities and continue to emphasise the importance of respecting safety regulations. Macarena Muñoz, a city councillor, expressed her sorrow over the event, calling it a “tragic and preventable accident.” Despite the existing restrictions, the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge, which extends across the River Tagus, has become a site of interest for adrenaline junkies.

Lewis Stevenson’s family has shared a genuine tribute, describing him as a passionate traveller and photographer. His mother, Keilia Stevenson, said he was “a thrill-seeker” who loved to explore the world. She explained that he had visited incredible destinations like Easter Island and Machu Picchu, capturing their beauty through his photography.

His family supported his adventurous spirit, though they admitted that they disagreed with his climbing habits. “We didn’t always agree with the risks he took,” his mother said, “but we understood this was part of who he was. Lewis never did anything beyond his limits; it was the fundamental principle in his everyday activity. He followed his passion for unique experiences, not fame.” The family expressed their devastation at his loss, stating that life would never be the same without him.

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is assisting the family and is in contact with Spanish authorities. This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of ignoring safety rules and highlights the need to prioritise caution throughout any high-risk activity.

Fragment adapted from The Daily Guardian and BBC, October 2024

3. FIND a word or expression in the text that means... [1 point]

a)

forbidden (lines 12-20)

b)

avoidable (lines 12-20)

c)

an action intended to show respect and admiration for someone (lines 12-20)

d)

paying no attention (lines 21-28)

4. READ this conversation and COMPLETE your part. Write the numbers (1-6) and complete each sentence on your exam paper. [1.5 points]

An 18th birthday surprise party

Your friend:

Hey, guess what? It's Sara's 18th birthday next month!

You:

Oh, you're right! (1)

?

Your friend:

I was thinking we could throw her a surprise party. What do you think?

You:

That's a great idea! (2)

?

Your friend:

It's on the 15th, which is a Saturday. Perfect for a party, right?

You:

Absolutely! (3)

Your friend:

That'd be too expensive. How about at my house? My parents will be away that weekend.

You:

Sounds good. (4)

.

Your friend:

No, no, let's invite only her close friends.

You:

Okay, I'll start making a list. And (5)

.

Your friend:

Yes, of course. We can order everything at the place near my house. They have different stuff and at reasonable prices.

You:

OK. Last and very important we (6)

.

Your friend:

Don't worry about that. My brother is a great DJ; he has played music at some friends' parties. I can ask him.

5. Choose ONLY 3 of the following situations and WRITE what you would say in each one to show that you understand the context of the situation. Write between 10 and 25 words. [1.5 points]

You must answer 3 situations of your choice. Each item is worth 0.5 points.

a)

You borrowed your friend's English book to study during the break and accidentally spilt a soft drink on it, damaging several pages. Apologise.

b)

Your head teacher has asked students for some entertaining ideas to implement during the break. Make your suggestion.

c)

You've recently joined a gym and are excited about your membership. Share your opinion with the gym staff.

d)

You ordered a laptop online, but when it arrived, several accessories were missing. Make a complaint.

e)

Two of your friends are planning a weekend trip but are having trouble deciding what to do. Suggest a plan.

6. Choose ONE of the following topics and WRITE a composition of about 120-150 words. [3 points]

Opción a: How far can people go to get likes on social media? Give your opinion.

Write an opinion essay of 120 to 150 words. Structure your text with clear paragraphs (introduction, body arguments, and conclusion).

Word count: words

6. Choose ONE of the following topics and WRITE a composition of about 120-150 words. [3 points]

Opción b: Advantages and disadvantages of 21st century professions (Youtuber, influencer, etc.).

Write a for-and-against or balanced composition of 120 to 150 words analyzing the pros and cons of modern professions like influencers or content creators.

Word count: words