Examen de Inglés PAU Galicia 2025 · Ordinaria (2ª lengua extranjera)

Cultural expectations play a significant role in shaping human behaviour, often guiding decisions and influencing how individuals interact with society. Social norms, the unwritten rules that govern acceptable conduct, act as a framework within which people navigate their daily lives. These norms, deeply embedded in cultural traditions, can vary significantly across regions and communities, shaping everything from career choices to everyday etiquette. In many cases, cultural expectations dictate what is considered desirable or appropriate, subtly steering individuals toward conforming behaviours. For instance, in Western cultures, independence and self-reliance are highly valued, often leading people to prioritise personal achievements. Conversely, collectivist societies, such as those in parts of Asia, emphasise group harmony and familial obligations, which may influence individuals to align their choices with the interests of the community rather than personal ambitions. One of the most visible ways social norms manifest is through career and lifestyle expectations. In some cultures, there is an inherent pressure to pursue professions considered prestigious, such as medicine, law, or engineering, while other career paths may be undervalued. Similarly, societal expectations often shape attitudes towards marriage, gender roles, and even the way people dress or speak.

While social norms provide a sense of structure and belonging, they can also limit personal freedom. The fear of being judged or ignored often compels individuals to suppress their true preferences to meet societal expectations. However, as societies globalise and become more interconnected, cultural norms are increasingly subject to change. Exposure to diverse perspectives and lifestyles has challenged rigid conventions, empowering individuals to embrace choices that reflect their authentic selves. The rise of social media has further accelerated this shift, providing platforms where alternative narratives gain visibility and acceptance.

Understanding the influence of cultural expectations is essential for fostering empathy and mutual respect in an increasingly diverse world. By recognising the impact of social norms on decision-making, individuals can better appreciate the complexities of other cultures while critically reflecting on the influence of their own.

1.1. Indicate whether the following statements are True, False or the information is Not Given in the text (T/F/NG). In true and false cases, copy the part of the text which justifies your answer. [1.5 points]

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Cultural expectations play a significant role in shaping human behaviour, often guiding decisions and influencing how individuals interact with society. Social norms, the unwritten rules that govern acceptable conduct, act as a framework within which people navigate their daily lives. These norms, deeply embedded in cultural traditions, can vary significantly across regions and communities, shaping everything from career choices to everyday etiquette. In many cases, cultural expectations dictate what is considered desirable or appropriate, subtly steering individuals toward conforming behaviours. For instance, in Western cultures, independence and self-reliance are highly valued, often leading people to prioritise personal achievements. Conversely, collectivist societies, such as those in parts of Asia, emphasise group harmony and familial obligations, which may influence individuals to align their choices with the interests of the community rather than personal ambitions. One of the most visible ways social norms manifest is through career and lifestyle expectations. In some cultures, there is an inherent pressure to pursue professions considered prestigious, such as medicine, law, or engineering, while other career paths may be undervalued. Similarly, societal expectations often shape attitudes towards marriage, gender roles, and even the way people dress or speak.

While social norms provide a sense of structure and belonging, they can also limit personal freedom. The fear of being judged or ignored often compels individuals to suppress their true preferences to meet societal expectations. However, as societies globalise and become more interconnected, cultural norms are increasingly subject to change. Exposure to diverse perspectives and lifestyles has challenged rigid conventions, empowering individuals to embrace choices that reflect their authentic selves. The rise of social media has further accelerated this shift, providing platforms where alternative narratives gain visibility and acceptance.

Understanding the influence of cultural expectations is essential for fostering empathy and mutual respect in an increasingly diverse world. By recognising the impact of social norms on decision-making, individuals can better appreciate the complexities of other cultures while critically reflecting on the influence of their own.

1.2. Find a synonym in the text for each of the following words. [1 point; 0.20 each]

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2. Answer both subsections in this question. (2.5 points)

2.1. Write a NEW sentence that has the same meaning as the given one. Use the word or expression in brackets. (1.5 points; 0.25 each)

1.

“What time have you got up today?”, his father asked Paul. (wanted to know)

2.

Their next door neighbours suppose they were deceived by some relatives. (they are)

3.

The children didn’t understand the joke, so they didn’t laugh. (if)

4.

It was a mistake to drink so much alcohol. (should)

5.

She gets angry every night. It’s so irritating! (wish)

6.

That car is too expensive for him to buy. (enough)

2. Answer both subsections in this question. (2.5 points)

2.2 Answer the following questions about pronunciation. [1 point]

1.

In which two words are the underlined letters pronounced differently? app ea r, id ea lism, s ea mstress, n ea rby, br ea the, cl ea rance, f ea rless

2.

In which word is the ending "-ed" pronounced /d/, as in "filed"? closed, divided, kissed, sniffed.

3.

In which word is a consonant silent? guilty, benign, sweet, head.

4.

Which word is stressed on the third syllable? offensive, consumption, engineer, equality.

3. In this text, fill in the gaps with the most suitable option from the four options given for each gap. (2.5 points; 0.25 each)

What are the chances of slipping 1.

a banana skin, being hit by lighting or being struck by a meteorite? These are not the sort of unlucky events that most people spend their time thinking about,

2.

one, has already happened to them. A surprising number of people have

3.

some time in their lives, imagined aliens kidnapping them. Some even have recurring nightmares about it,

4.

afraid of dying from flu, even though it is something that is likely

5.

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No doubt many people who go rock climbing will be among the people

6.

bottled water on the grounds that is safer than drinking tap water. Amazingly, our fear of flying outweighs our fear of driving, but the statistics show that going by plane is so much safer. The best explanation is that people

7.

about the possibility of dropping

8.

the air than of crashing on land.

9.

an attempt to educate people about the real and imagined risks of life, scientists have constructed a scale of risk which they can use to compare any new and unfamiliar risks,

10.

those involved in taking new medicines, in terms of real events.

4.1. Write a composition dealing with this topic: Sustainable fashion: Can the fashion industry become eco-friendly? (2.5 points; 120 words)

Write around 120 words (within a margin of ±15%). Structure your essay with an introduction, supporting arguments, and a clear conclusion.

4.2. Provide your view on the following topic: Globalization and its cultural and economic impacts. Has globalization benefited or damaged poorer nations? (120 words)