Examen de Inglés PAU La Rioja 2026 · Extraordinaria

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

In Japan, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly, and experts predict that by 2025, one in five citizens will suffer from dementia. Because of this, an innovative and inspiring project has attracted international attention. It is called "The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders", a place where waiters and waitresses, all of whom have some degree of memory loss or cognitive problems, sometimes bring the wrong dishes to customers.

The idea originated when Shiro Oguni, a television director, visited a care home for people living with dementia. Initially, he assumed that such people were unable to perform even the simplest tasks independently. However, he later realised that many residents could cook, clean, and carry out daily tasks. Although they may occasionally forget things, they remain able to lead lives that are both meaningful and fulfilling. Motivated by this realisation, Oguni sought to share this positive perspective with the wider public.

During the restaurant's first opening, something occurred that proved both unexpected and revealing. Having ordered a hamburger steak, Oguni was instead served a plate of gyoza. At first, he was confused. Then, he noticed that everyone around him was happy and laughing. Soon he realized that small mistakes like this could make people relax and smile. A simple "That's OK!" could change the entire dining experience.

The restaurant was created thanks to many volunteers. It soon became a symbol of inclusion and empathy. One elderly woman showed customers to their table and then sat down with them by accident. Another woman served coffee with a straw. Someone else tried to grind pepper but was not sure where it was falling. The customers laughed and helped her, shouting "We did it!". Together, they turned every mistake into a happy moment. In fact, the restaurant is not really about mistakes, but about human connection and learning to communicate with people who have dementia. Everyone who visits the restaurant learns to be more patient and understanding.

Although succeeding as a "restaurant of never-ending laughter", Oguni was at first worried that it might be criticised, with some people warning against presenting dementia as a form of entertainment or making fun of those affected. He also feared that visitors might focus only on what went wrong rather than on the people behind the experience. However, when guests saw the smiles of the staff and the joy they brought to their work, reactions were very different: some felt a spirit of courage, while others were moved to tears. In many cases, the servers themselves appeared confident, expressing a renewed sense of competence. As a result, the negative image of dementia began to be replaced by a more positive and human one. Calling someone "The demented Mrs. Whozit" is completely different from "Mrs. Whozit with dementia".

Oguni hopes this project will change how society views dementia. He believes Japan should be not only "cool" but also "warm", a place where everyone feels respected, included, and leaves with a smile.

1. Answer the following questions about the text IN YOUR OWN WORDS. (2 points; 1 each)

a.

What did Oguni learn about the abilities and quality of life of people with dementia on his first visit to a care home?

b.

What happened when Oguni received the wrong dish on the day the restaurant opened?

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

In Japan, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly, and experts predict that by 2025, one in five citizens will suffer from dementia. Because of this, an innovative and inspiring project has attracted international attention. It is called "The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders", a place where waiters and waitresses, all of whom have some degree of memory loss or cognitive problems, sometimes bring the wrong dishes to customers.

The idea originated when Shiro Oguni, a television director, visited a care home for people living with dementia. Initially, he assumed that such people were unable to perform even the simplest tasks independently. However, he later realised that many residents could cook, clean, and carry out daily tasks. Although they may occasionally forget things, they remain able to lead lives that are both meaningful and fulfilling. Motivated by this realisation, Oguni sought to share this positive perspective with the wider public.

During the restaurant's first opening, something occurred that proved both unexpected and revealing. Having ordered a hamburger steak, Oguni was instead served a plate of gyoza. At first, he was confused. Then, he noticed that everyone around him was happy and laughing. Soon he realized that small mistakes like this could make people relax and smile. A simple "That's OK!" could change the entire dining experience.

The restaurant was created thanks to many volunteers. It soon became a symbol of inclusion and empathy. One elderly woman showed customers to their table and then sat down with them by accident. Another woman served coffee with a straw. Someone else tried to grind pepper but was not sure where it was falling. The customers laughed and helped her, shouting "We did it!". Together, they turned every mistake into a happy moment. In fact, the restaurant is not really about mistakes, but about human connection and learning to communicate with people who have dementia. Everyone who visits the restaurant learns to be more patient and understanding.

Although succeeding as a "restaurant of never-ending laughter", Oguni was at first worried that it might be criticised, with some people warning against presenting dementia as a form of entertainment or making fun of those affected. He also feared that visitors might focus only on what went wrong rather than on the people behind the experience. However, when guests saw the smiles of the staff and the joy they brought to their work, reactions were very different: some felt a spirit of courage, while others were moved to tears. In many cases, the servers themselves appeared confident, expressing a renewed sense of competence. As a result, the negative image of dementia began to be replaced by a more positive and human one. Calling someone "The demented Mrs. Whozit" is completely different from "Mrs. Whozit with dementia".

Oguni hopes this project will change how society views dementia. He believes Japan should be not only "cool" but also "warm", a place where everyone feels respected, included, and leaves with a smile.

2. Find A WORD OR EXPRESSION in the text for each of these definitions or synonyms. (1 point; 0.25 each)

a.

b.

c.

d.

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

In Japan, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly, and experts predict that by 2025, one in five citizens will suffer from dementia. Because of this, an innovative and inspiring project has attracted international attention. It is called "The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders", a place where waiters and waitresses, all of whom have some degree of memory loss or cognitive problems, sometimes bring the wrong dishes to customers.

The idea originated when Shiro Oguni, a television director, visited a care home for people living with dementia. Initially, he assumed that such people were unable to perform even the simplest tasks independently. However, he later realised that many residents could cook, clean, and carry out daily tasks. Although they may occasionally forget things, they remain able to lead lives that are both meaningful and fulfilling. Motivated by this realisation, Oguni sought to share this positive perspective with the wider public.

During the restaurant's first opening, something occurred that proved both unexpected and revealing. Having ordered a hamburger steak, Oguni was instead served a plate of gyoza. At first, he was confused. Then, he noticed that everyone around him was happy and laughing. Soon he realized that small mistakes like this could make people relax and smile. A simple "That's OK!" could change the entire dining experience.

The restaurant was created thanks to many volunteers. It soon became a symbol of inclusion and empathy. One elderly woman showed customers to their table and then sat down with them by accident. Another woman served coffee with a straw. Someone else tried to grind pepper but was not sure where it was falling. The customers laughed and helped her, shouting "We did it!". Together, they turned every mistake into a happy moment. In fact, the restaurant is not really about mistakes, but about human connection and learning to communicate with people who have dementia. Everyone who visits the restaurant learns to be more patient and understanding.

Although succeeding as a "restaurant of never-ending laughter", Oguni was at first worried that it might be criticised, with some people warning against presenting dementia as a form of entertainment or making fun of those affected. He also feared that visitors might focus only on what went wrong rather than on the people behind the experience. However, when guests saw the smiles of the staff and the joy they brought to their work, reactions were very different: some felt a spirit of courage, while others were moved to tears. In many cases, the servers themselves appeared confident, expressing a renewed sense of competence. As a result, the negative image of dementia began to be replaced by a more positive and human one. Calling someone "The demented Mrs. Whozit" is completely different from "Mrs. Whozit with dementia".

Oguni hopes this project will change how society views dementia. He believes Japan should be not only "cool" but also "warm", a place where everyone feels respected, included, and leaves with a smile.

3. Choose the correct answer A, B, or C for the following questions. (1 point; 0.5 each)

1.

What were Oguni's initial concerns?

2.

What does the example about "The demented Mrs. Whozit" and "Mrs. Whozit with dementia" show?

4. Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it means the same as the first one. Use between 2 and 5 words, including the word given. Each word in a contraction counts separately. (1 point; 0.25 each)

a.

If you don't water the plants, they will die. UNLESS

The plants will die

them.

b.

It is probable that she will win the competition. LIKELY

She is

the competition.

c.

People know that she is one of the most talented scientists in the country. KNOWN

She

one of the most talented scientists in the country.

d.

The film was very boring, so we left early. SUCH

It was

we left early.

5. Complete each sentence using your own words so that it is grammatically correct and makes sense. Write between 4 and 12 words. Each word in a contraction counts separately. (1 point; 0.25 each)

a.

I missed the chance to apply for the job. If I had known about the deadline,...

b.

The computer keeps crashing, so the sooner you...

c.

I got stuck in traffic on the way there. By the time I arrived,...

d.

We didn't know what to do next, so my friend suggested that...

PART 3. WRITING (4 POINTS)

Choose ONE of the following options:

a.

Working or studying from home has become quite common in recent years. Write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of working or studying from home before giving your own conclusion. (140-180 words)

PART 3. WRITING (4 POINTS)

Choose ONE of the following options:

b.

In recent years, social media influencers have gained enormous popularity among teenagers and young adults. Write an essay expressing your opinion about whether the influence of social media personalities is more positive or negative for young people. Give reasons and examples to support your point of view. (140-180 words)