Examen de Inglés PAU Cantabria 2023 · Extraordinaria

How climate change threatens to close ski resorts

Anzère is often hailed as Europe's greenest ski resort. But the Swiss village had a challenging start to its 2023 winter season. Like many other Alpine ski resorts, low-lying Anzère was forced to close some of its pistes due to lack of snowfall and rainy conditions in late December and the first few days of January. The Alps experienced record high temperatures over Christmas and New Year, reaching 20.9C (70F) in northwest Switzerland. "It was exceptionally warm over Christmas and New Year," says Stephanie Dijkman, director of Anzère tourism. "Nearly all the snow in the village was gone. I was quite worried." People were unable to ski down to the village, she adds. Fortunately, it started snowing again in early January, just in time for the arrival of the "real skiing fans" who book their trips outside of the holiday season and are hoping for "very good conditions", she says.

But the recent warm weather and winter washout throughout the Alps is an omen of what awaits the ski industry. Many resorts are aware that they only have two options: close or adapt their business model to cope with mounting climate threats. From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, resorts are struggling with the impacts of climate change by trying to provide sufficient snow cover and rapidly adapt to the changing conditions, while envisaging what their future looks like in a warming world. Besides measures to reduce its own emissions, such as by investing in renewable energy and building Europe's largest wood-fired heating plant, Anzère is planning ahead for a time where skiing may no longer be viable.

"We're aware that we need to adapt the resort for the years to come," says Dijkman. "We're investing more in bike trails, in climbing [routes] and walking paths and highlighting all that we have to offer, whether it's in the summer or winter."

Ski seasons are becoming shorter and slopes are turning green as temperatures rise. Heavy rainfall in Alpine resorts led to snow melting and slushy conditions. Over the holiday season, many resorts had to close their slopes as the temperatures were too high to generate artificial snow. Some resorts have resorted to covering glaciers in protective blankets to prevent melting. According to a 2021 study, the technique can reduce the melting of snow and ice by 50-70%, compared to unprotected surfaces. There are also negative environmental consequences associated with this adaptation measure: polluting machines are used to put the blankets down and remove them. And when they take them off, there are always pieces of plastic that are left behind which contaminate the glacier and surrounding land. There are also concerns about how this measure will impact local biodiversity and wildlife.

Ski resorts are a perfect example of the reality of the climate crisis. The threat of skiing disappearing is a wake-up call for people to take action. It serves as a reminder that the impacts of climate change extend beyond the slopes and affect various aspects of our lives, such as job losses and reduced revenue for local businesses reliant on winter tourism.

Adapted from BBC, 25 January 2023

Question 1 [2 POINTS]

Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down the sentence or the part of the text that justifies your answer. No points will be given if the evidence is not correct.

a)

Anzère experienced a successful start to its 2023 winter season.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

Anzère is preparing now for a time when skiing may not be possible.

TRUE

FALSE

c)

According to Dijkman, one of the ways in which Anzère ski resort is adapting for the years to come is by offering activities which can not only be practised in winter.

TRUE

FALSE

d)

Over the holiday season, the resorts were able to generate artificial snow despite the high temperatures.

TRUE

FALSE

How climate change threatens to close ski resorts

Anzère is often hailed as Europe's greenest ski resort. But the Swiss village had a challenging start to its 2023 winter season. Like many other Alpine ski resorts, low-lying Anzère was forced to close some of its pistes due to lack of snowfall and rainy conditions in late December and the first few days of January. The Alps experienced record high temperatures over Christmas and New Year, reaching 20.9C (70F) in northwest Switzerland. "It was exceptionally warm over Christmas and New Year," says Stephanie Dijkman, director of Anzère tourism. "Nearly all the snow in the village was gone. I was quite worried." People were unable to ski down to the village, she adds. Fortunately, it started snowing again in early January, just in time for the arrival of the "real skiing fans" who book their trips outside of the holiday season and are hoping for "very good conditions", she says.

But the recent warm weather and winter washout throughout the Alps is an omen of what awaits the ski industry. Many resorts are aware that they only have two options: close or adapt their business model to cope with mounting climate threats. From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, resorts are struggling with the impacts of climate change by trying to provide sufficient snow cover and rapidly adapt to the changing conditions, while envisaging what their future looks like in a warming world. Besides measures to reduce its own emissions, such as by investing in renewable energy and building Europe's largest wood-fired heating plant, Anzère is planning ahead for a time where skiing may no longer be viable.

"We're aware that we need to adapt the resort for the years to come," says Dijkman. "We're investing more in bike trails, in climbing [routes] and walking paths and highlighting all that we have to offer, whether it's in the summer or winter."

Ski seasons are becoming shorter and slopes are turning green as temperatures rise. Heavy rainfall in Alpine resorts led to snow melting and slushy conditions. Over the holiday season, many resorts had to close their slopes as the temperatures were too high to generate artificial snow. Some resorts have resorted to covering glaciers in protective blankets to prevent melting. According to a 2021 study, the technique can reduce the melting of snow and ice by 50-70%, compared to unprotected surfaces. There are also negative environmental consequences associated with this adaptation measure: polluting machines are used to put the blankets down and remove them. And when they take them off, there are always pieces of plastic that are left behind which contaminate the glacier and surrounding land. There are also concerns about how this measure will impact local biodiversity and wildlife.

Ski resorts are a perfect example of the reality of the climate crisis. The threat of skiing disappearing is a wake-up call for people to take action. It serves as a reminder that the impacts of climate change extend beyond the slopes and affect various aspects of our lives, such as job losses and reduced revenue for local businesses reliant on winter tourism.

Adapted from BBC, 25 January 2023

Question 2 [2 POINTS]

Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.

a)

How did the weather conditions affect Anzère over Christmas and New Year?

b)

According to the 2021 study, what does the future look like for ski resorts in a warming world?

c)

What are some disadvantages of using protective blankets to cover glaciers?

How climate change threatens to close ski resorts

Anzère is often hailed as Europe's greenest ski resort. But the Swiss village had a challenging start to its 2023 winter season. Like many other Alpine ski resorts, low-lying Anzère was forced to close some of its pistes due to lack of snowfall and rainy conditions in late December and the first few days of January. The Alps experienced record high temperatures over Christmas and New Year, reaching 20.9C (70F) in northwest Switzerland. "It was exceptionally warm over Christmas and New Year," says Stephanie Dijkman, director of Anzère tourism. "Nearly all the snow in the village was gone. I was quite worried." People were unable to ski down to the village, she adds. Fortunately, it started snowing again in early January, just in time for the arrival of the "real skiing fans" who book their trips outside of the holiday season and are hoping for "very good conditions", she says.

But the recent warm weather and winter washout throughout the Alps is an omen of what awaits the ski industry. Many resorts are aware that they only have two options: close or adapt their business model to cope with mounting climate threats. From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, resorts are struggling with the impacts of climate change by trying to provide sufficient snow cover and rapidly adapt to the changing conditions, while envisaging what their future looks like in a warming world. Besides measures to reduce its own emissions, such as by investing in renewable energy and building Europe's largest wood-fired heating plant, Anzère is planning ahead for a time where skiing may no longer be viable.

"We're aware that we need to adapt the resort for the years to come," says Dijkman. "We're investing more in bike trails, in climbing [routes] and walking paths and highlighting all that we have to offer, whether it's in the summer or winter."

Ski seasons are becoming shorter and slopes are turning green as temperatures rise. Heavy rainfall in Alpine resorts led to snow melting and slushy conditions. Over the holiday season, many resorts had to close their slopes as the temperatures were too high to generate artificial snow. Some resorts have resorted to covering glaciers in protective blankets to prevent melting. According to a 2021 study, the technique can reduce the melting of snow and ice by 50-70%, compared to unprotected surfaces. There are also negative environmental consequences associated with this adaptation measure: polluting machines are used to put the blankets down and remove them. And when they take them off, there are always pieces of plastic that are left behind which contaminate the glacier and surrounding land. There are also concerns about how this measure will impact local biodiversity and wildlife.

Ski resorts are a perfect example of the reality of the climate crisis. The threat of skiing disappearing is a wake-up call for people to take action. It serves as a reminder that the impacts of climate change extend beyond the slopes and affect various aspects of our lives, such as job losses and reduced revenue for local businesses reliant on winter tourism.

Adapted from BBC, 25 January 2023

Question 3 [1,5 POINTS]

Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given. You only need to have five correct answers to get 1.5 points.

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

How climate change threatens to close ski resorts

Anzère is often hailed as Europe's greenest ski resort. But the Swiss village had a challenging start to its 2023 winter season. Like many other Alpine ski resorts, low-lying Anzère was forced to close some of its pistes due to lack of snowfall and rainy conditions in late December and the first few days of January. The Alps experienced record high temperatures over Christmas and New Year, reaching 20.9C (70F) in northwest Switzerland. "It was exceptionally warm over Christmas and New Year," says Stephanie Dijkman, director of Anzère tourism. "Nearly all the snow in the village was gone. I was quite worried." People were unable to ski down to the village, she adds. Fortunately, it started snowing again in early January, just in time for the arrival of the "real skiing fans" who book their trips outside of the holiday season and are hoping for "very good conditions", she says.

But the recent warm weather and winter washout throughout the Alps is an omen of what awaits the ski industry. Many resorts are aware that they only have two options: close or adapt their business model to cope with mounting climate threats. From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, resorts are struggling with the impacts of climate change by trying to provide sufficient snow cover and rapidly adapt to the changing conditions, while envisaging what their future looks like in a warming world. Besides measures to reduce its own emissions, such as by investing in renewable energy and building Europe's largest wood-fired heating plant, Anzère is planning ahead for a time where skiing may no longer be viable.

"We're aware that we need to adapt the resort for the years to come," says Dijkman. "We're investing more in bike trails, in climbing [routes] and walking paths and highlighting all that we have to offer, whether it's in the summer or winter."

Ski seasons are becoming shorter and slopes are turning green as temperatures rise. Heavy rainfall in Alpine resorts led to snow melting and slushy conditions. Over the holiday season, many resorts had to close their slopes as the temperatures were too high to generate artificial snow. Some resorts have resorted to covering glaciers in protective blankets to prevent melting. According to a 2021 study, the technique can reduce the melting of snow and ice by 50-70%, compared to unprotected surfaces. There are also negative environmental consequences associated with this adaptation measure: polluting machines are used to put the blankets down and remove them. And when they take them off, there are always pieces of plastic that are left behind which contaminate the glacier and surrounding land. There are also concerns about how this measure will impact local biodiversity and wildlife.

Ski resorts are a perfect example of the reality of the climate crisis. The threat of skiing disappearing is a wake-up call for people to take action. It serves as a reminder that the impacts of climate change extend beyond the slopes and affect various aspects of our lives, such as job losses and reduced revenue for local businesses reliant on winter tourism.

Adapted from BBC, 25 January 2023

Question 4 [1,5 POINTS]

Choose the correct option –a, b, c or d– for each question and COPY both the letter and the sentence that follows onto your answer sheet.

1.

What caused some of Anzère's pistes to close at the start of its 2023 winter season?

2.

How are ski seasons affected by rising temperatures?

3.

What message does the threat of skiing disappearing send about the climate crisis?

Is technology helping families communicate or holding them back?

Technology is playing a crucial role in bringing families closer together, according to a roundtable discussion organized by Vodafone and The Guardian. The discussion launched the third edition of Vodafone's Digital Parenting Guide, which features research on the impact of technology on family life. The data collected from 1,500 parents and 500 young people showed that most believe their family life has been enhanced by technology, and 90% of kids feel they have more opportunities because of it.

Digital technology, such as Skype and FaceTime, helps maintain relationships even when family members are living apart. Sophie Linnington, of The Parent Zone, adds that families playing online games with relatives across continents is a good example of how technology is bringing families closer. Digital technology has provided older generations like grandparents a chance to communicate with their young relatives by learning new digital skills. That might mean having to learn new skills that may prove challenging at first. Siôn Humphreys, of the National Association of Headteachers, wondered whether there were different boundaries between generations in terms of what they were happy to share online, highlighting the importance of young people being encouraged to audit their "digital footprint" – the amount of information freely available about them online, mostly via social networks. This information can potentially have long-term effects on a person's personal and professional life, and it is important for young people to be aware of what information is readily available about them.

However, not everyone is in agreement about how much technology young people should be exposed to. Some believe that allowing them to develop judgement through trial and error is an important life skill. Others feel that there is too much oversight over young people now, leading to "helicopter parenting" or parents keeping very close tabs on their children. Moreover, the study by Vodafone showed that 95 % of teenagers feel safer with their mobile phones when leaving home, as they can ring home to ease any worries over their safety rather than having to be home by a strict curfew just in case. This supports the argument that technology can boost independence rather than the opposite.

The issue of cyberbullying and internet safety is also a concern. It is unclear who is responsible for educating young people about e-safety. Adults might not have the skills or understanding of young people's online habits, and schools have limited space in their curriculum to address these issues. Peer mentoring schemes where children are trained as digital champions could be a solution. Children might not feel comfortable asking adults for help with problems they encounter online. It is also difficult for schools to ban certain apps or devices as it is something which can not be imposed. The government is still struggling with the possibility of internet regulation to protect children.

Adapted from The Guardian, 6 May 2014

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down the sentence or the part of the text that justifies your answer. No points will be given if the evidence is not correct.

a)

The study conducted by Vodafone showed that most people believe technology has had a negative impact on family life.

b)

Digital technology has made it easier for family members of different ages to communicate with each other.

c)

There is a consensus regarding the appropriate level of exposure to technology for young people.

d)

The government has successfully regulated the Internet to protect children.

Is technology helping families communicate or holding them back?

Technology is playing a crucial role in bringing families closer together, according to a roundtable discussion organized by Vodafone and The Guardian. The discussion launched the third edition of Vodafone's Digital Parenting Guide, which features research on the impact of technology on family life. The data collected from 1,500 parents and 500 young people showed that most believe their family life has been enhanced by technology, and 90% of kids feel they have more opportunities because of it.

Digital technology, such as Skype and FaceTime, helps maintain relationships even when family members are living apart. Sophie Linnington, of The Parent Zone, adds that families playing online games with relatives across continents is a good example of how technology is bringing families closer. Digital technology has provided older generations like grandparents a chance to communicate with their young relatives by learning new digital skills. That might mean having to learn new skills that may prove challenging at first. Siôn Humphreys, of the National Association of Headteachers, wondered whether there were different boundaries between generations in terms of what they were happy to share online, highlighting the importance of young people being encouraged to audit their "digital footprint" – the amount of information freely available about them online, mostly via social networks. This information can potentially have long-term effects on a person's personal and professional life, and it is important for young people to be aware of what information is readily available about them.

However, not everyone is in agreement about how much technology young people should be exposed to. Some believe that allowing them to develop judgement through trial and error is an important life skill. Others feel that there is too much oversight over young people now, leading to "helicopter parenting" or parents keeping very close tabs on their children. Moreover, the study by Vodafone showed that 95 % of teenagers feel safer with their mobile phones when leaving home, as they can ring home to ease any worries over their safety rather than having to be home by a strict curfew just in case. This supports the argument that technology can boost independence rather than the opposite.

The issue of cyberbullying and internet safety is also a concern. It is unclear who is responsible for educating young people about e-safety. Adults might not have the skills or understanding of young people's online habits, and schools have limited space in their curriculum to address these issues. Peer mentoring schemes where children are trained as digital champions could be a solution. Children might not feel comfortable asking adults for help with problems they encounter online. It is also difficult for schools to ban certain apps or devices as it is something which can not be imposed. The government is still struggling with the possibility of internet regulation to protect children.

Adapted from The Guardian, 6 May 2014

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.

a)

What is the significance of digital technology in maintaining relationships between family members?

b)

Explain the term "digital footprint" and why young people should be encouraged to check theirs.

c)

According to Vodafone's study, what benefits do most teenagers obtain when using their mobile phones?

Is technology helping families communicate or holding them back?

Technology is playing a crucial role in bringing families closer together, according to a roundtable discussion organized by Vodafone and The Guardian. The discussion launched the third edition of Vodafone's Digital Parenting Guide, which features research on the impact of technology on family life. The data collected from 1,500 parents and 500 young people showed that most believe their family life has been enhanced by technology, and 90% of kids feel they have more opportunities because of it.

Digital technology, such as Skype and FaceTime, helps maintain relationships even when family members are living apart. Sophie Linnington, of The Parent Zone, adds that families playing online games with relatives across continents is a good example of how technology is bringing families closer. Digital technology has provided older generations like grandparents a chance to communicate with their young relatives by learning new digital skills. That might mean having to learn new skills that may prove challenging at first. Siôn Humphreys, of the National Association of Headteachers, wondered whether there were different boundaries between generations in terms of what they were happy to share online, highlighting the importance of young people being encouraged to audit their "digital footprint" – the amount of information freely available about them online, mostly via social networks. This information can potentially have long-term effects on a person's personal and professional life, and it is important for young people to be aware of what information is readily available about them.

However, not everyone is in agreement about how much technology young people should be exposed to. Some believe that allowing them to develop judgement through trial and error is an important life skill. Others feel that there is too much oversight over young people now, leading to "helicopter parenting" or parents keeping very close tabs on their children. Moreover, the study by Vodafone showed that 95 % of teenagers feel safer with their mobile phones when leaving home, as they can ring home to ease any worries over their safety rather than having to be home by a strict curfew just in case. This supports the argument that technology can boost independence rather than the opposite.

The issue of cyberbullying and internet safety is also a concern. It is unclear who is responsible for educating young people about e-safety. Adults might not have the skills or understanding of young people's online habits, and schools have limited space in their curriculum to address these issues. Peer mentoring schemes where children are trained as digital champions could be a solution. Children might not feel comfortable asking adults for help with problems they encounter online. It is also difficult for schools to ban certain apps or devices as it is something which can not be imposed. The government is still struggling with the possibility of internet regulation to protect children.

Adapted from The Guardian, 6 May 2014

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given. You only need to have five correct answers to get 1.5 points.

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

Is technology helping families communicate or holding them back?

Technology is playing a crucial role in bringing families closer together, according to a roundtable discussion organized by Vodafone and The Guardian. The discussion launched the third edition of Vodafone's Digital Parenting Guide, which features research on the impact of technology on family life. The data collected from 1,500 parents and 500 young people showed that most believe their family life has been enhanced by technology, and 90% of kids feel they have more opportunities because of it.

Digital technology, such as Skype and FaceTime, helps maintain relationships even when family members are living apart. Sophie Linnington, of The Parent Zone, adds that families playing online games with relatives across continents is a good example of how technology is bringing families closer. Digital technology has provided older generations like grandparents a chance to communicate with their young relatives by learning new digital skills. That might mean having to learn new skills that may prove challenging at first. Siôn Humphreys, of the National Association of Headteachers, wondered whether there were different boundaries between generations in terms of what they were happy to share online, highlighting the importance of young people being encouraged to audit their "digital footprint" – the amount of information freely available about them online, mostly via social networks. This information can potentially have long-term effects on a person's personal and professional life, and it is important for young people to be aware of what information is readily available about them.

However, not everyone is in agreement about how much technology young people should be exposed to. Some believe that allowing them to develop judgement through trial and error is an important life skill. Others feel that there is too much oversight over young people now, leading to "helicopter parenting" or parents keeping very close tabs on their children. Moreover, the study by Vodafone showed that 95 % of teenagers feel safer with their mobile phones when leaving home, as they can ring home to ease any worries over their safety rather than having to be home by a strict curfew just in case. This supports the argument that technology can boost independence rather than the opposite.

The issue of cyberbullying and internet safety is also a concern. It is unclear who is responsible for educating young people about e-safety. Adults might not have the skills or understanding of young people's online habits, and schools have limited space in their curriculum to address these issues. Peer mentoring schemes where children are trained as digital champions could be a solution. Children might not feel comfortable asking adults for help with problems they encounter online. It is also difficult for schools to ban certain apps or devices as it is something which can not be imposed. The government is still struggling with the possibility of internet regulation to protect children.

Adapted from The Guardian, 6 May 2014

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option –a, b, c or d– for each question and COPY both the letter and the sentence that follows onto your answer sheet.

1.

What was the purpose of the roundtable discussion organized by Vodafone and The Guardian?

2.

According to the text, what is a concern regarding Internet safety and young people?

3.

What solution does the text suggest for educating young people about e-safety?

PART 2. Written production

[3 POINTS] Choose ONE of the two options below and write a short essay (120-150 words). Essays up to 200 words won't be penalized.

Option 1

“Technology has become so important in our lives that it has begun to have negative effects”. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons to justify your opinion.

PART 2. Written production

[3 POINTS] Choose ONE of the two options below and write a short essay (120-150 words). Essays up to 200 words won't be penalized.

Option 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching?