Examen de Inglés PAU Madrid 2024 · Ordinaria Martes

TEXTO A

Women Engineers

Gladys West is a mathematician whose work helped with the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). A black woman born in rural America under racial segregation, her work has transformed our everyday lives. Her excellent performance at high school granted her a scholarship for university. She became the second black woman programmer to work at a naval base. Gladys programmed a computer to produce an accurate model of the shape of the Earth, tides, gravitation, and other forces and this model became the basis for GPS.

Marian Croak is a pioneer in telecommunications engineering, who has over 200 patents. She is known for the invention of VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), the technology which permits real-time audio and video calls over the Internet. Marian was born in the USA. As a child, her father built a chemistry set for her, and this is what inspired her to follow a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). VoIP allows us to video chat, to have economical phone calls with loved ones around the world, and work remotely. She is a supporter for racial justice and women in engineering.

Larissa Suzuki is a computer scientist and engineer who works in the field of AI (artificial intelligence). She works at Google exploring how AI can solve real-world problems, and collaborates with NASA. She was fascinated with electronics, and imagined ways of making static things walk and dance. Toys like Lego allowed her to be creative and explore building structures. She has developed systems for smart cities, robots, healthcare, and finance. Larissa has autism and hyperactivity disorder. She has been dedicated to equality and diversity in engineering.

These women have overcome various obstacles due to their personal struggles and have had tremendous impact. Today women continue to pave the way for future generations.

Adapted from “Women Engineers,” Science Museum, May 30, 2023. <https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/women-engineers/>

A.1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

[Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos]

a)

Ms West had to invest a lot of money in her studies at university.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

The computer scientist suffered from inattention and had difficulties with social interaction.

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)

What social causes is Ms. Croak fighting for?

b)

What do these three women have in common?

TEXTO A

Women Engineers

Gladys West is a mathematician whose work helped with the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). A black woman born in rural America under racial segregation, her work has transformed our everyday lives. Her excellent performance at high school granted her a scholarship for university. She became the second black woman programmer to work at a naval base. Gladys programmed a computer to produce an accurate model of the shape of the Earth, tides, gravitation, and other forces and this model became the basis for GPS.

Marian Croak is a pioneer in telecommunications engineering, who has over 200 patents. She is known for the invention of VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), the technology which permits real-time audio and video calls over the Internet. Marian was born in the USA. As a child, her father built a chemistry set for her, and this is what inspired her to follow a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). VoIP allows us to video chat, to have economical phone calls with loved ones around the world, and work remotely. She is a supporter for racial justice and women in engineering.

Larissa Suzuki is a computer scientist and engineer who works in the field of AI (artificial intelligence). She works at Google exploring how AI can solve real-world problems, and collaborates with NASA. She was fascinated with electronics, and imagined ways of making static things walk and dance. Toys like Lego allowed her to be creative and explore building structures. She has developed systems for smart cities, robots, healthcare, and finance. Larissa has autism and hyperactivity disorder. She has been dedicated to equality and diversity in engineering.

These women have overcome various obstacles due to their personal struggles and have had tremendous impact. Today women continue to pave the way for future generations.

Adapted from “Women Engineers,” Science Museum, May 30, 2023. <https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/women-engineers/>

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

[Puntuación máxima: 1 punto]

a)

precise (paragraph 1)

b)

foundation (paragraph 1)

c)

kit (paragraph 2)

d)

motionless (paragraph 3)

A.4.- Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets when given. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

I am looking forward to (visit) the new facilities were built at the airport last winter.

b)

Some older people are not aware how technologies (change) the world lately.

c)

After (work) for a decade in New York, Mary (offer) a chance to work for NASA last year.

d)

We (be) more in touch with nature if we weren't surrounded by (technology) devices.

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

Do you think that we depend too much on technology? Justify your answer.

(Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos)

TEXTO B

Does Chicken Soup Really Help when You're Sick?

For centuries, people all around the world have been making chicken soup when someone is sick and it's a tradition that has been passed down through generations. But here's a good question about it: Does chicken soup actually have any science-based benefits, or is it just a comforting remedy that makes us feel better when we're feeling unwell, even if it doesn't have any true medical benefits?

Even when we are not sick, the popularity of chicken soup is huge. The reason behind its success is its warmth and the delicious flavors it contains, such as those from the chicken, vegetables, and noodles. The unique taste of chicken soup is often described as umami (in Japanese), which is a savory taste. It is considered the fifth category of taste, alongside sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.

Studies have shown that the taste of chicken soup plays a significant role in its healing properties. When people are suffering from respiratory illnesses, they often lose their appetite gradually and eat less. This happens because respiratory illnesses cause an inflammatory response in your throat, so swallowing becomes painful. Not eating enough can lead to a lack of necessary nutrition, which isn't ideal for recovering from illness.

To sum up, while the idea of chicken soup as a remedy for illness might have its roots in comfort, there is indeed some science behind its potential benefits. In particular, it has been proved that its taste stimulates our appetite when we are sick.

Adapted from “Does chicken soup really help when you’re sick?,” Popular Science, October 23, 2023. <https://www.popsci.com/health/chicken-soup-sick/>

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.

a)

Chicken soup is a recent remedy for illness.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

When we are ill, the taste of chicken soup makes us feel hungry.

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.

a)

Which two characteristics make chicken soup well liked?

b)

Why do people with a respiratory disease stop eating?

TEXTO B

Does Chicken Soup Really Help when You're Sick?

For centuries, people all around the world have been making chicken soup when someone is sick and it's a tradition that has been passed down through generations. But here's a good question about it: Does chicken soup actually have any science-based benefits, or is it just a comforting remedy that makes us feel better when we're feeling unwell, even if it doesn't have any true medical benefits?

Even when we are not sick, the popularity of chicken soup is huge. The reason behind its success is its warmth and the delicious flavors it contains, such as those from the chicken, vegetables, and noodles. The unique taste of chicken soup is often described as umami (in Japanese), which is a savory taste. It is considered the fifth category of taste, alongside sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.

Studies have shown that the taste of chicken soup plays a significant role in its healing properties. When people are suffering from respiratory illnesses, they often lose their appetite gradually and eat less. This happens because respiratory illnesses cause an inflammatory response in your throat, so swallowing becomes painful. Not eating enough can lead to a lack of necessary nutrition, which isn't ideal for recovering from illness.

To sum up, while the idea of chicken soup as a remedy for illness might have its roots in comfort, there is indeed some science behind its potential benefits. In particular, it has been proved that its taste stimulates our appetite when we are sick.

Adapted from “Does chicken soup really help when you’re sick?,” Popular Science, October 23, 2023. <https://www.popsci.com/health/chicken-soup-sick/>

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

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)

(speak) English will help you find a job when you (grow up).

b)

Mary (go) shopping and found (good) offers than me.

c)

John nor Paul can cook a tasty meal pressure.

d)

Complete the following sentence to report what was said.

“Did you like chicken soup when you were a child?,” she asked me.

She asked me

B.5.- Write about 150 to 200 words on the following topic. (Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos)

Describe and justify what a healthy diet is for you.