Examen de Inglés PAU Madrid 2022 · Extraordinaria (2ª lengua)

TEXTO A

Playing Guitar – Your New Hobby

Over the last year and a half, many of us have picked up new hobbies to fill the hours spent at home. Bread-baking became so ubiquitous there was a period when you couldn’t log onto Instagram without seeing an amateur loaf. And practising Tik Tok dances is now so mainstream even dads are doing it. Another hobby that proves to be a more timeless, popular and relaxing option is playing guitar.

This instrument has been a favorite hobby for ages, but now it seems even more appealing. Consider its benefits: Present academic studies show that sitting with a guitar and learning to play your favorite song helps improve concentration and increase attention span; and that using your fingers when playing helps develop your hand-eye coordination, as your hands and mind work together to combine notes. Psychologists say it helps you express yourself, acting as a creative channel to communicate feelings, and decrease stress and anxiety – almost like a “therapy” instrument to help you in tough times. In fact, many people acknowledge that the guitar helped them get over heartbreak and forget the ex.

The instant you pick up your first guitar, you’re also joining the club. Search any guitar hashtag on Instagram and you’ll find millions of guitar enthusiasts waiting to welcome you to the band. Investing in an instrument from a trusted brand means you can enjoy the benefits of a well-crafted guitar now and eventually pass it on to the next generation guitar-lover. Nowadays women account for half of new players, and are dominating the emerging guitar market. However, learning the guitar is a skill that can be acquired by anyone at any age. Besides, the positive effects can be felt from day one.

Adapted from “Why Playing Guitar Should Be Your New Hobby,” Marie Claire, August 30, 2021. <https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a37434207/playing-guitar-hobby/>

TEXTO A - QUESTIONS

A.1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. Use a complete sentence. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

Making bread has become less popular over the last couple of years.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

Most guitar-lovers aren't pleased to share their hobby with other players through social media.

TRUE

FALSE

A.2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

According to current research, how can guitar playing help you? Mention two benefits.

b)

Which two reasons are given to justify spending money on a high-quality guitar?

TEXTO A

Playing Guitar – Your New Hobby

Over the last year and a half, many of us have picked up new hobbies to fill the hours spent at home. Bread-baking became so ubiquitous there was a period when you couldn’t log onto Instagram without seeing an amateur loaf. And practising Tik Tok dances is now so mainstream even dads are doing it. Another hobby that proves to be a more timeless, popular and relaxing option is playing guitar.

This instrument has been a favorite hobby for ages, but now it seems even more appealing. Consider its benefits: Present academic studies show that sitting with a guitar and learning to play your favorite song helps improve concentration and increase attention span; and that using your fingers when playing helps develop your hand-eye coordination, as your hands and mind work together to combine notes. Psychologists say it helps you express yourself, acting as a creative channel to communicate feelings, and decrease stress and anxiety – almost like a “therapy” instrument to help you in tough times. In fact, many people acknowledge that the guitar helped them get over heartbreak and forget the ex.

The instant you pick up your first guitar, you’re also joining the club. Search any guitar hashtag on Instagram and you’ll find millions of guitar enthusiasts waiting to welcome you to the band. Investing in an instrument from a trusted brand means you can enjoy the benefits of a well-crafted guitar now and eventually pass it on to the next generation guitar-lover. Nowadays women account for half of new players, and are dominating the emerging guitar market. However, learning the guitar is a skill that can be acquired by anyone at any age. Besides, the positive effects can be felt from day one.

Adapted from “Why Playing Guitar Should Be Your New Hobby,” Marie Claire, August 30, 2021. <https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a37434207/playing-guitar-hobby/>

A.3.- Find the words in the text that mean:

(Puntuación máxima: 1 punto)

a)

b)

c)

d)

A.4.- Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets when given.

a)

If you

(make) your registration two months ago, you would be able to participate

the guitar competition now.

b)

They plan

(pick up) a new hobby after

(start) their university studies.

c)

Growing plants,

became a popular hobby last year, was

(typical) posted on Instagram.

d)

Complete the following sentence to report what was said.

“How will playing guitar help me with the stress of this academic course?”

A.5.- Write about 150 to 200 words on the following topic.

How can people cope with stress? Explain.

[Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos]

QUESTIONS

B.1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. Use a complete sentence. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

(Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

The stronger the magnetic field is, the less likely auroras are.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

Scientists have finally explained how the northern lights sounds are made.

TRUE

FALSE

B.2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text.

(Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

Why were northern lights a topic of debate among non-experts in the first half of the 20th century?

b)

Why is altitude mentioned in the text?

B.3.- Find the words in the text that mean: (Puntuación máxima: 1 punto)

a)

b)

c)

d)

B.4.- Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets when given.

(Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

If people

(know) about climate change 20 years ago, they would have been

(care) about using energy.

b)

People have become increasingly worried

the fact that Earth

(heat) up by greenhouse gases at present.

c)

Norway is now

(popular) destination for people

want to see the northern lights.

d)

Complete the following sentence to report what was said.

“Did you visit the fiords last summer?”

B.5.- Write about 150 to 200 words on the following topic.

(Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos)

Which natural phenomena would you like to see in person? Justify your answer.