Examen de Inglés PAU Cantabria 2024 · Extraordinaria

Is social media creating overtourism and ruining travel?

1 Social media has undeniably transformed the travel industry, altering how people plan their trips. Instead of using guidebooks and searching on Google, people follow travel influencers for details on exotic locations. Although sharing glamorous travel photos has become normalized, this oversharing of travel content has negative consequences.

2 Some travelers prioritize capturing the perfect Instagram shot, leading to long lines at well-known monuments. Content writer Katie Birtles notes deceptive practices, such as the use of mirrors at sacred temples like Pura Lempuyang in Bali, creating an illusion of reflecting water and fostering a culture of inauthenticity. «Within such a large amount of shared content, it is sometimes hard to distinguish what is real and what is not», she states. Moreover, broadcasting precise travel plans, locations and activities poses risks to personal privacy and safety, making individuals more susceptible to security threats like theft.

3 The obsession with being in front of the lens takes away from living in the moment, reflected in rising phone usage during travel. Passport Photo Online ’s travel statistics indicate that 60 % of vacationers and 97 % of Millennials post photos on social media while away. Additionally, 46 % of Americans aim to make their followers jealous, and 40% of Millennials select holiday destinations based on Instagrammability.

4 Despite the surprising statistics, the negative effects of social media extend beyond excessive phone use. Mindless scrolling and uploading contribute to overtourism, defined by worldbackpackers.com as a place being negatively impacted by the overwhelming number of visitors. This excessive amount of tourists has been a concern for a long time as it harms local communities, animals and the environment. This negative impact can look like the degradation of historical and cultural sites due to the constant movement and contact, the littering of beaches and natural areas or the rising cost of food and goods driven by the desire to maximize profits from tourists.

5 To address issues of tourist misbehavior, certain governments, like Bali, have introduced new guidelines. These regulations now require tourists to obtain a license for motorbike rentals and prohibit them from accessing any mountains or volcanoes in Bali due to their sacred nature. Additionally, travelers must only stay in registered hotels and villas (which will impact a number of Airbnb properties).

6 In an article on France24.com, Maller-Bitton emphasizes that overtourism is frustrating for travelers and tourists as well. “We need tourism, but a balance needs to be found. The tourists themselves would benefit the most. Many of them leave angry after having spent several hours in the car without being able to find parking, some place to eat, or toilets because there isn’t enough infrastructure. This mass tourism satisfies nobody”.

7 Now that you see how social media has affected tourism and travel, it’s time to do something about it. The solution isn’t to stop geo-tagging or going back to Polaroid cameras. It starts with becoming a more conscious traveler.

Adapted from https://blackgirlnerds.com, 16 September 2023

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

a)

Sharing detailed travel information can increase the probability of security issues.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

The majority of Millennials deliberately avoid sharing their vacation photos on social media.

TRUE

FALSE

c)

Social media's negative effects are related only to overusing the phone.

TRUE

FALSE

d)

According to the text, overtourism is a recent phenomenon.

TRUE

FALSE

Is social media creating overtourism and ruining travel?

1 Social media has undeniably transformed the travel industry, altering how people plan their trips. Instead of using guidebooks and searching on Google, people follow travel influencers for details on exotic locations. Although sharing glamorous travel photos has become normalized, this oversharing of travel content has negative consequences.

2 Some travelers prioritize capturing the perfect Instagram shot, leading to long lines at well-known monuments. Content writer Katie Birtles notes deceptive practices, such as the use of mirrors at sacred temples like Pura Lempuyang in Bali, creating an illusion of reflecting water and fostering a culture of inauthenticity. «Within such a large amount of shared content, it is sometimes hard to distinguish what is real and what is not», she states. Moreover, broadcasting precise travel plans, locations and activities poses risks to personal privacy and safety, making individuals more susceptible to security threats like theft.

3 The obsession with being in front of the lens takes away from living in the moment, reflected in rising phone usage during travel. Passport Photo Online ’s travel statistics indicate that 60 % of vacationers and 97 % of Millennials post photos on social media while away. Additionally, 46 % of Americans aim to make their followers jealous, and 40% of Millennials select holiday destinations based on Instagrammability.

4 Despite the surprising statistics, the negative effects of social media extend beyond excessive phone use. Mindless scrolling and uploading contribute to overtourism, defined by worldbackpackers.com as a place being negatively impacted by the overwhelming number of visitors. This excessive amount of tourists has been a concern for a long time as it harms local communities, animals and the environment. This negative impact can look like the degradation of historical and cultural sites due to the constant movement and contact, the littering of beaches and natural areas or the rising cost of food and goods driven by the desire to maximize profits from tourists.

5 To address issues of tourist misbehavior, certain governments, like Bali, have introduced new guidelines. These regulations now require tourists to obtain a license for motorbike rentals and prohibit them from accessing any mountains or volcanoes in Bali due to their sacred nature. Additionally, travelers must only stay in registered hotels and villas (which will impact a number of Airbnb properties).

6 In an article on France24.com, Maller-Bitton emphasizes that overtourism is frustrating for travelers and tourists as well. “We need tourism, but a balance needs to be found. The tourists themselves would benefit the most. Many of them leave angry after having spent several hours in the car without being able to find parking, some place to eat, or toilets because there isn’t enough infrastructure. This mass tourism satisfies nobody”.

7 Now that you see how social media has affected tourism and travel, it’s time to do something about it. The solution isn’t to stop geo-tagging or going back to Polaroid cameras. It starts with becoming a more conscious traveler.

Adapted from https://blackgirlnerds.com, 16 September 2023

Question 2: [2 POINTS]

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

a)

What are some of the negative consequences mentioned in the text about the oversharing of travel content on social media?

b)

What are some examples of the negative impact of overtourism?

c)

What new guidelines has Bali introduced for visitors?

Is social media creating overtourism and ruining travel?

1 Social media has undeniably transformed the travel industry, altering how people plan their trips. Instead of using guidebooks and searching on Google, people follow travel influencers for details on exotic locations. Although sharing glamorous travel photos has become normalized, this oversharing of travel content has negative consequences.

2 Some travelers prioritize capturing the perfect Instagram shot, leading to long lines at well-known monuments. Content writer Katie Birtles notes deceptive practices, such as the use of mirrors at sacred temples like Pura Lempuyang in Bali, creating an illusion of reflecting water and fostering a culture of inauthenticity. «Within such a large amount of shared content, it is sometimes hard to distinguish what is real and what is not», she states. Moreover, broadcasting precise travel plans, locations and activities poses risks to personal privacy and safety, making individuals more susceptible to security threats like theft.

3 The obsession with being in front of the lens takes away from living in the moment, reflected in rising phone usage during travel. Passport Photo Online ’s travel statistics indicate that 60 % of vacationers and 97 % of Millennials post photos on social media while away. Additionally, 46 % of Americans aim to make their followers jealous, and 40% of Millennials select holiday destinations based on Instagrammability.

4 Despite the surprising statistics, the negative effects of social media extend beyond excessive phone use. Mindless scrolling and uploading contribute to overtourism, defined by worldbackpackers.com as a place being negatively impacted by the overwhelming number of visitors. This excessive amount of tourists has been a concern for a long time as it harms local communities, animals and the environment. This negative impact can look like the degradation of historical and cultural sites due to the constant movement and contact, the littering of beaches and natural areas or the rising cost of food and goods driven by the desire to maximize profits from tourists.

5 To address issues of tourist misbehavior, certain governments, like Bali, have introduced new guidelines. These regulations now require tourists to obtain a license for motorbike rentals and prohibit them from accessing any mountains or volcanoes in Bali due to their sacred nature. Additionally, travelers must only stay in registered hotels and villas (which will impact a number of Airbnb properties).

6 In an article on France24.com, Maller-Bitton emphasizes that overtourism is frustrating for travelers and tourists as well. “We need tourism, but a balance needs to be found. The tourists themselves would benefit the most. Many of them leave angry after having spent several hours in the car without being able to find parking, some place to eat, or toilets because there isn’t enough infrastructure. This mass tourism satisfies nobody”.

7 Now that you see how social media has affected tourism and travel, it’s time to do something about it. The solution isn’t to stop geo-tagging or going back to Polaroid cameras. It starts with becoming a more conscious traveler.

Adapted from https://blackgirlnerds.com, 16 September 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)

Is social media creating overtourism and ruining travel?

1 Social media has undeniably transformed the travel industry, altering how people plan their trips. Instead of using guidebooks and searching on Google, people follow travel influencers for details on exotic locations. Although sharing glamorous travel photos has become normalized, this oversharing of travel content has negative consequences.

2 Some travelers prioritize capturing the perfect Instagram shot, leading to long lines at well-known monuments. Content writer Katie Birtles notes deceptive practices, such as the use of mirrors at sacred temples like Pura Lempuyang in Bali, creating an illusion of reflecting water and fostering a culture of inauthenticity. «Within such a large amount of shared content, it is sometimes hard to distinguish what is real and what is not», she states. Moreover, broadcasting precise travel plans, locations and activities poses risks to personal privacy and safety, making individuals more susceptible to security threats like theft.

3 The obsession with being in front of the lens takes away from living in the moment, reflected in rising phone usage during travel. Passport Photo Online ’s travel statistics indicate that 60 % of vacationers and 97 % of Millennials post photos on social media while away. Additionally, 46 % of Americans aim to make their followers jealous, and 40% of Millennials select holiday destinations based on Instagrammability.

4 Despite the surprising statistics, the negative effects of social media extend beyond excessive phone use. Mindless scrolling and uploading contribute to overtourism, defined by worldbackpackers.com as a place being negatively impacted by the overwhelming number of visitors. This excessive amount of tourists has been a concern for a long time as it harms local communities, animals and the environment. This negative impact can look like the degradation of historical and cultural sites due to the constant movement and contact, the littering of beaches and natural areas or the rising cost of food and goods driven by the desire to maximize profits from tourists.

5 To address issues of tourist misbehavior, certain governments, like Bali, have introduced new guidelines. These regulations now require tourists to obtain a license for motorbike rentals and prohibit them from accessing any mountains or volcanoes in Bali due to their sacred nature. Additionally, travelers must only stay in registered hotels and villas (which will impact a number of Airbnb properties).

6 In an article on France24.com, Maller-Bitton emphasizes that overtourism is frustrating for travelers and tourists as well. “We need tourism, but a balance needs to be found. The tourists themselves would benefit the most. Many of them leave angry after having spent several hours in the car without being able to find parking, some place to eat, or toilets because there isn’t enough infrastructure. This mass tourism satisfies nobody”.

7 Now that you see how social media has affected tourism and travel, it’s time to do something about it. The solution isn’t to stop geo-tagging or going back to Polaroid cameras. It starts with becoming a more conscious traveler.

Adapted from https://blackgirlnerds.com, 16 September 2023

Question 4: [1.5 POINTS]

Choose the correct option -A, B, C, or D- for each question. Indicate your choice clearly in your answer sheet, either by writing the letter A, B, C, or D or by copying the letter and the sentence that follows.

No points will be given if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

1.

According to the text, how has social media changed the travel industry?

2.

What does Maller-Bitton state about the impact of overtourism on tourists?

3.

How does the text suggest individuals can address the negative impacts of social media on tourism?

Electric cars are having more problems, but not because they’re electric

1 According to Consumer Reports ' latest annual auto reliability survey, electric vehicles (EVs) experience 79% more problems than other vehicles, but not necessarily due to their electric nature. Jake Fisher, head of the group's auto testing center, explains this is because electric cars are mostly new models. New car models, in general, tend to have more issues, regardless of their propulsion system, as manufacturers haven't had enough time to address all the potential problems. Fisher also points out that “EVs are often higher-priced models with advanced technology, such as safety sensors, gadgets and screens”. The abundance of these sophisticated features provides more opportunities for things to go wrong.

2 Consumer Reports conducts annual surveys among its subscribers, collecting data on their experiences with all kinds of vehicles. The survey reveals that, on average, plug-in hybrids are the least reliable models. Consumer Reports attributes this to their vulnerability to problems found in both gas and electric vehicles, given their combination of gas engines, electric motors and charging systems. In contrast, non-plug-in hybrids emerge as the most reliable vehicles, thanks to their association with well-known automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. These manufacturers are famous for making cars that don't break down easily. Also, these hybrids have a simpler design, minimizing the risk of technical issues.

3 While EVs face certain challenges, their positive impact on the environment remains undeniable. Firstly, they don't produce harmful emissions when running, contributing to improved air quality. Additionally, the widespread adoption of EVs leads to a decrease in oil spills and water contamination associated with fossil fuel extraction and transportation. Furthermore, the smart technology in electric cars, such as efficient batteries, ensures energy is used wisely, preventing waste. Lastly, the use of electric vehicles reduces noise pollution, creating quieter and more peaceful urban environments.

4 Consumer Reports ' survey might lead us to think that with so many reported problems, EVs are more expensive in the long term, especially considering they are often higher-priced models with advanced technology features. However, in my opinion, this is not completely true. Governments worldwide recognize the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation and often provide financial incentives like tax credits and discounts for people who buy electric cars. This makes it easier for people to afford the initial cost. Additionally, EVs require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs than traditional cars, contributing to long-term savings for the owners. Moreover, as technology advances, the cost of batteries is decreasing, making electric cars more affordable in the long run when compared to the rising costs of traditional vehicles. So, despite challenges, the combination of environmental benefits and financial incentives makes electric cars an appealing choice for conscious consumers.

Adapted from CNN, 4 December 2023

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

a)

Consumer Reports ' survey focuses only on manufacturers' opinions about electric vehicles.

b)

Toyota, Honda and Hyundai are notorious for producing cars with little durability.

c)

Electric cars are beneficial for the air since they do not emit damaging pollutants.

d)

Governments frequently provide financial assistance to people buying electric vehicles.

Electric cars are having more problems, but not because they’re electric

1 According to Consumer Reports ' latest annual auto reliability survey, electric vehicles (EVs) experience 79% more problems than other vehicles, but not necessarily due to their electric nature. Jake Fisher, head of the group's auto testing center, explains this is because electric cars are mostly new models. New car models, in general, tend to have more issues, regardless of their propulsion system, as manufacturers haven't had enough time to address all the potential problems. Fisher also points out that “EVs are often higher-priced models with advanced technology, such as safety sensors, gadgets and screens”. The abundance of these sophisticated features provides more opportunities for things to go wrong.

2 Consumer Reports conducts annual surveys among its subscribers, collecting data on their experiences with all kinds of vehicles. The survey reveals that, on average, plug-in hybrids are the least reliable models. Consumer Reports attributes this to their vulnerability to problems found in both gas and electric vehicles, given their combination of gas engines, electric motors and charging systems. In contrast, non-plug-in hybrids emerge as the most reliable vehicles, thanks to their association with well-known automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. These manufacturers are famous for making cars that don't break down easily. Also, these hybrids have a simpler design, minimizing the risk of technical issues.

3 While EVs face certain challenges, their positive impact on the environment remains undeniable. Firstly, they don't produce harmful emissions when running, contributing to improved air quality. Additionally, the widespread adoption of EVs leads to a decrease in oil spills and water contamination associated with fossil fuel extraction and transportation. Furthermore, the smart technology in electric cars, such as efficient batteries, ensures energy is used wisely, preventing waste. Lastly, the use of electric vehicles reduces noise pollution, creating quieter and more peaceful urban environments.

4 Consumer Reports ' survey might lead us to think that with so many reported problems, EVs are more expensive in the long term, especially considering they are often higher-priced models with advanced technology features. However, in my opinion, this is not completely true. Governments worldwide recognize the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation and often provide financial incentives like tax credits and discounts for people who buy electric cars. This makes it easier for people to afford the initial cost. Additionally, EVs require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs than traditional cars, contributing to long-term savings for the owners. Moreover, as technology advances, the cost of batteries is decreasing, making electric cars more affordable in the long run when compared to the rising costs of traditional vehicles. So, despite challenges, the combination of environmental benefits and financial incentives makes electric cars an appealing choice for conscious consumers.

Adapted from CNN, 4 December 2023

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

a)

According to Jake Fisher, why might electric cars seem to have more problems?

b)

How does the use of electric vehicles help the environment?

c)

Why does the author of the text think that EVs are not necessarily expensive in the long term?

Electric cars are having more problems, but not because they’re electric

1 According to Consumer Reports ' latest annual auto reliability survey, electric vehicles (EVs) experience 79% more problems than other vehicles, but not necessarily due to their electric nature. Jake Fisher, head of the group's auto testing center, explains this is because electric cars are mostly new models. New car models, in general, tend to have more issues, regardless of their propulsion system, as manufacturers haven't had enough time to address all the potential problems. Fisher also points out that “EVs are often higher-priced models with advanced technology, such as safety sensors, gadgets and screens”. The abundance of these sophisticated features provides more opportunities for things to go wrong.

2 Consumer Reports conducts annual surveys among its subscribers, collecting data on their experiences with all kinds of vehicles. The survey reveals that, on average, plug-in hybrids are the least reliable models. Consumer Reports attributes this to their vulnerability to problems found in both gas and electric vehicles, given their combination of gas engines, electric motors and charging systems. In contrast, non-plug-in hybrids emerge as the most reliable vehicles, thanks to their association with well-known automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. These manufacturers are famous for making cars that don't break down easily. Also, these hybrids have a simpler design, minimizing the risk of technical issues.

3 While EVs face certain challenges, their positive impact on the environment remains undeniable. Firstly, they don't produce harmful emissions when running, contributing to improved air quality. Additionally, the widespread adoption of EVs leads to a decrease in oil spills and water contamination associated with fossil fuel extraction and transportation. Furthermore, the smart technology in electric cars, such as efficient batteries, ensures energy is used wisely, preventing waste. Lastly, the use of electric vehicles reduces noise pollution, creating quieter and more peaceful urban environments.

4 Consumer Reports ' survey might lead us to think that with so many reported problems, EVs are more expensive in the long term, especially considering they are often higher-priced models with advanced technology features. However, in my opinion, this is not completely true. Governments worldwide recognize the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation and often provide financial incentives like tax credits and discounts for people who buy electric cars. This makes it easier for people to afford the initial cost. Additionally, EVs require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs than traditional cars, contributing to long-term savings for the owners. Moreover, as technology advances, the cost of batteries is decreasing, making electric cars more affordable in the long run when compared to the rising costs of traditional vehicles. So, despite challenges, the combination of environmental benefits and financial incentives makes electric cars an appealing choice for conscious consumers.

Adapted from CNN, 4 December 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)

Electric cars are having more problems, but not because they’re electric

1 According to Consumer Reports ' latest annual auto reliability survey, electric vehicles (EVs) experience 79% more problems than other vehicles, but not necessarily due to their electric nature. Jake Fisher, head of the group's auto testing center, explains this is because electric cars are mostly new models. New car models, in general, tend to have more issues, regardless of their propulsion system, as manufacturers haven't had enough time to address all the potential problems. Fisher also points out that “EVs are often higher-priced models with advanced technology, such as safety sensors, gadgets and screens”. The abundance of these sophisticated features provides more opportunities for things to go wrong.

2 Consumer Reports conducts annual surveys among its subscribers, collecting data on their experiences with all kinds of vehicles. The survey reveals that, on average, plug-in hybrids are the least reliable models. Consumer Reports attributes this to their vulnerability to problems found in both gas and electric vehicles, given their combination of gas engines, electric motors and charging systems. In contrast, non-plug-in hybrids emerge as the most reliable vehicles, thanks to their association with well-known automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. These manufacturers are famous for making cars that don't break down easily. Also, these hybrids have a simpler design, minimizing the risk of technical issues.

3 While EVs face certain challenges, their positive impact on the environment remains undeniable. Firstly, they don't produce harmful emissions when running, contributing to improved air quality. Additionally, the widespread adoption of EVs leads to a decrease in oil spills and water contamination associated with fossil fuel extraction and transportation. Furthermore, the smart technology in electric cars, such as efficient batteries, ensures energy is used wisely, preventing waste. Lastly, the use of electric vehicles reduces noise pollution, creating quieter and more peaceful urban environments.

4 Consumer Reports ' survey might lead us to think that with so many reported problems, EVs are more expensive in the long term, especially considering they are often higher-priced models with advanced technology features. However, in my opinion, this is not completely true. Governments worldwide recognize the importance of transitioning to cleaner transportation and often provide financial incentives like tax credits and discounts for people who buy electric cars. This makes it easier for people to afford the initial cost. Additionally, EVs require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs than traditional cars, contributing to long-term savings for the owners. Moreover, as technology advances, the cost of batteries is decreasing, making electric cars more affordable in the long run when compared to the rising costs of traditional vehicles. So, despite challenges, the combination of environmental benefits and financial incentives makes electric cars an appealing choice for conscious consumers.

Adapted from CNN, 4 December 2023

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option –A, B, C, or D– for each question.

1.

What is the main focus of Consumer Reports ' annual surveys?

2.

According to the text, why are non-plug-in hybrids considered the most reliable vehicles?

3.

What role does smart technology play in electric cars?

PART 2. [3 POINTS]

Written production. 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

Do you think that technology is a useful tool for learning? Give reasons to justify your opinion.

PART 2. [3 POINTS]

Written production. 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 artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life?