Examen de Inglés PAU Canarias 2026 · Julio

How Labubu dolls have conquered the world

No matter whether you think they are cute, ugly, or strange, you have probably heard of Labubu, the

small, furry collectable dolls that have become popular all around the world.

But what exactly is Labubu? Even those familiar with it are not entirely sure they can explain the trend.

Labubu is both a fictional character and a brand. The word itself carries no meaning. It is just the name of

5 a character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

Born a monster, Labubu was created by the Chinese toy maker Pop Mart and has become a viral sensation

loved by both famous people and regular fans. The vinyl faces are attached to soft bodies and have a

distinct, elf-like creature appearance with pointy ears, big eyes and a playful smile that shows exactly nine

teeth.

10 Online opinions are divided; people cannot decide whether Labubu dolls are adorable or just weird.

According to Pop Mart’s official website, Labubu is “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often

accidentally achieves the opposite”.

Labubu’s popularity surged in April 2024, when Lisa, a K-pop superstar from Thailand, began posting photos on

Instagram with various Labubu dolls. Then, other global celebrities, such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim

15 Kardashian, turned the dolls into an international phenomenon that year. Even David Beckham got one from

his daughter!

Fans from cities like Shanghai and London wait in long queues to buy the doll, and sometimes even fight

to get one: “Collectors feel very proud when they are able to get their so much desired doll among such

fierce competition”, says fan Fiona Zhang, a woman in her 30s living in Canada.

20 Fiona started collecting Labubu toys in 2023 after hearing about them from some Filipino friends. She finds

them cute and remarks, “The more popular it gets, the more I want it”. Although her husband doesn’t understand

her interest, she points out that they are affordable, comparable in price to a bag accessory, making them

accessible to most people.

The Labubu brand also has other characters from its universe, which have inspired their own popular

25 dolls, such as the tribe’s leader Zimomo, her boyfriend Tycoco, and her friend Mokoko. To the untrained

eye, sometimes these dolls are hard to distinguish from one another.

The world’s fascination with Labubu has almost tripled Pop Mart’s profits in the past year. Labubu has

gained such popularity that other toys in the same collection are also selling very fast. For many people,

Labubu is more than just a toy; it is a fun and exciting hobby.

Adapted from BBC News, June 2025

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 general perception is that Labubu dolls are cute.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

Labubu dolls gained significant fame thanks to an Asian artist.

TRUE

FALSE

c)

For those who are not familiar with the Labubu collection, differentiating the dolls may be difficult.

TRUE

FALSE

How Labubu dolls have conquered the world

No matter whether you think they are cute, ugly, or strange, you have probably heard of Labubu, the

small, furry collectable dolls that have become popular all around the world.

But what exactly is Labubu? Even those familiar with it are not entirely sure they can explain the trend.

Labubu is both a fictional character and a brand. The word itself carries no meaning. It is just the name of

5 a character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

Born a monster, Labubu was created by the Chinese toy maker Pop Mart and has become a viral sensation

loved by both famous people and regular fans. The vinyl faces are attached to soft bodies and have a

distinct, elf-like creature appearance with pointy ears, big eyes and a playful smile that shows exactly nine

teeth.

10 Online opinions are divided; people cannot decide whether Labubu dolls are adorable or just weird.

According to Pop Mart’s official website, Labubu is “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often

accidentally achieves the opposite”.

Labubu’s popularity surged in April 2024, when Lisa, a K-pop superstar from Thailand, began posting photos on

Instagram with various Labubu dolls. Then, other global celebrities, such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim

15 Kardashian, turned the dolls into an international phenomenon that year. Even David Beckham got one from

his daughter!

Fans from cities like Shanghai and London wait in long queues to buy the doll, and sometimes even fight

to get one: “Collectors feel very proud when they are able to get their so much desired doll among such

fierce competition”, says fan Fiona Zhang, a woman in her 30s living in Canada.

20 Fiona started collecting Labubu toys in 2023 after hearing about them from some Filipino friends. She finds

them cute and remarks, “The more popular it gets, the more I want it”. Although her husband doesn’t understand

her interest, she points out that they are affordable, comparable in price to a bag accessory, making them

accessible to most people.

The Labubu brand also has other characters from its universe, which have inspired their own popular

25 dolls, such as the tribe’s leader Zimomo, her boyfriend Tycoco, and her friend Mokoko. To the untrained

eye, sometimes these dolls are hard to distinguish from one another.

The world’s fascination with Labubu has almost tripled Pop Mart’s profits in the past year. Labubu has

gained such popularity that other toys in the same collection are also selling very fast. For many people,

Labubu is more than just a toy; it is a fun and exciting hobby.

Adapted from BBC News, June 2025

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 extreme action are Labubu lovers willing to take to obtain a doll?

b)

After successfully purchasing a Labubu doll, what is the buyers' reaction?

c)

Who told Fiona about Labubu?

How Labubu dolls have conquered the world

No matter whether you think they are cute, ugly, or strange, you have probably heard of Labubu, the

small, furry collectable dolls that have become popular all around the world.

But what exactly is Labubu? Even those familiar with it are not entirely sure they can explain the trend.

Labubu is both a fictional character and a brand. The word itself carries no meaning. It is just the name of

5 a character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

Born a monster, Labubu was created by the Chinese toy maker Pop Mart and has become a viral sensation

loved by both famous people and regular fans. The vinyl faces are attached to soft bodies and have a

distinct, elf-like creature appearance with pointy ears, big eyes and a playful smile that shows exactly nine

teeth.

10 Online opinions are divided; people cannot decide whether Labubu dolls are adorable or just weird.

According to Pop Mart’s official website, Labubu is “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often

accidentally achieves the opposite”.

Labubu’s popularity surged in April 2024, when Lisa, a K-pop superstar from Thailand, began posting photos on

Instagram with various Labubu dolls. Then, other global celebrities, such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim

15 Kardashian, turned the dolls into an international phenomenon that year. Even David Beckham got one from

his daughter!

Fans from cities like Shanghai and London wait in long queues to buy the doll, and sometimes even fight

to get one: “Collectors feel very proud when they are able to get their so much desired doll among such

fierce competition”, says fan Fiona Zhang, a woman in her 30s living in Canada.

20 Fiona started collecting Labubu toys in 2023 after hearing about them from some Filipino friends. She finds

them cute and remarks, “The more popular it gets, the more I want it”. Although her husband doesn’t understand

her interest, she points out that they are affordable, comparable in price to a bag accessory, making them

accessible to most people.

The Labubu brand also has other characters from its universe, which have inspired their own popular

25 dolls, such as the tribe’s leader Zimomo, her boyfriend Tycoco, and her friend Mokoko. To the untrained

eye, sometimes these dolls are hard to distinguish from one another.

The world’s fascination with Labubu has almost tripled Pop Mart’s profits in the past year. Labubu has

gained such popularity that other toys in the same collection are also selling very fast. For many people,

Labubu is more than just a toy; it is a fun and exciting hobby.

Adapted from BBC News, June 2025

3. FIND a word or expression in the text that means... (1 point)

a)

absolutely (lines 1-9)

b)

transmits (lines 1-9)

c)

earnings (lines 20-29)

d)

an activity you do regularly for enjoyment or relaxation in your free time (lines 20-29)

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

At home after school, searching for your math notebook in your school bag

Your parent: You look worried. Is everything OK?

You: Um… I’m not sure. (1)

my math notebook.

Your parent: Again? This is getting old! It’s very irresponsible! You always lose your stuff!

You: I’m really sorry, (2)

Your parent: It’s not just about losing it. Without it, you can’t do your homework. Do you want to fail?

You: Don’t worry, I’ll find a solution. (3)

Your parent: Maybe your friends are hiding it for fun.

You: Impossible! (4)

Your parent: Are you sure you had it with you today?

You: Yes, I’m 100% sure. (5)

Your parent: I just hope you’re not lying to me to get out of your homework, are you?

You: Of course not. (6)

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)

a)

You have spent all your money on snacks this week instead of saving it for something important. Express your regret.

b)

You have spread a rumour about a classmate, and you have caused harm by making them feel sad and embarrassed. Apologise for it.

c)

You have been assigned too much homework, and it is overwhelming. Complain about it, explaining your reasons.

d)

You have missed your cousin’s birthday party to hang out with friends instead, and now you know you shouldn’t have done it. Explain to your cousin how you feel.

e)

You laughed at a friend’s mistake in public, making them feel upset. Try to comfort your friend.

6. Choose ONE of the following topics and WRITE a composition of about 140-180 words. If you choose the email option, DO NOT SIGN IT. (3 points)

a) Write an email to Fiona Zhang discussing the habit of collecting dolls.

6. Choose ONE of the following topics and WRITE a composition of about 140-180 words. If you choose the email option, DO NOT SIGN IT. (3 points)

b) Celebrities have too much influence on what people buy. Give your opinion.